By Eden Habtamu, Ezega News
Addis Ababa, July 29, 2009 -- These days, one of the last words many Ethiopian would like to hear is “Sorry, the subscriber that you have dialed is not in service area, please redial later”. And, of course, there is a second one from Ethiopian Telecom that is equally not pleasing: “Your account balance is low, please recharge soon”. By now, even the lady who recorded this message must be tired of hearing her own voice over and over again.
One of my instructors at Addis Ababa University (who taught us public relations) gave us examples of public relation officers who were working for different governmental and non-governmental organizations. He said, “let’s take the Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation as an example: why on earth would Tele have public relations program? It is known that Tele has no competitors; and whether we like it or not, we have no choice but to be a client. In such a monopolized market, the role of public relations becomes insignificant.” In other words, why spend extra money when all customers are yours – guaranteed?
Ethiopian telecommunication has multi-dimensional problems: from selling its services, to maintaining and repairing the endless problems faced by its clients every day.
In addition to its voice delivery services, ETC recently introduced data communication technologies such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). However, as always, it is lagging behind in providing good service to its customers. Most technologies arrive in the country very late. A recent example is GPRS, which is the data communication standard for previous generation of GSM networks.
When ETC launches a new service, the training that should be given to its staff (especially to the customer support personnel and sales agents) usually comes after its clients are used to the service, or never at all.
This was what I personally encountered when I tried to subscribe CDMA Internet access via the cellular network. Since I already have CDMA modem, what I needed from ETC was a SIM card and an instruction on how to use the service. So, I went to the nearby branch of ETC and waited for nearly two hours to talk to a guy who, I was told, was in charge of providing the CDMA card. After waiting that long inside an extremely suffocating environment (the branch office), it was my turn to take the card. However, the sales clerk simply told me that I was on the wrong line. Mind you, I stood there for nearly two hours because the coordinator guard told me to wait in that line.
Unbelievably, I had to wait on the other line again to get the "miracle card". This time, I was so thankful that I did not wait that long. After about 25 minutes, I reached the final and “right” place. The subscribing process was not that long. Within 3-4 minutes, I bought the SIM card and left the building with a high sprit that I will never come back to see the building again. I did not have any idea that I would be a regular customer to the office for weeks to come to understand their services.
To continue reading on this article, please visit Ezega Ethiopian News page. You will also find at Ezega.com: Ethiopian Music, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
From Diaspora to Mega Business: The Story of Boston Partners
Ato Tadiwos Belete is the co-owner of Boston Day Spa, Kuriftu Resort and Spa (in Debre Zeit and Bahr Dar-Lake Tana), Boston Partners, Kuriftu Guest House, Hora Resort, and Burayu Resort with his Taiwan-American partner. He introduced a well-established and standardized sap at Boston’s Partners building five years ago. He and his business partner then brought Kuriftu Resort and Spa at Debre Zeit and Lake Tana from dream to reality. Hora and Burayu Resorts are not finished and operational yet.
Tadiwos was born in a small village called Lemo in Arisi, and he later came to Dessie with his uncle. In 1980, he left for Sudan and stayed there for three years. He spent a very hard time in Sudan, lacking basic necessities, including sufficient water and food. He later became a servant. He engaged himself in different fields and faced challenging time for three years. He finally found a sponsor who took him to Chicago. After a year in Chicago, he headed to Boston and lived there for 19 years. Tadiwos deeply believes in challenging himself to the fullest and in working closely with and improving the lives of his employees at any cost.
For the full article, please visit Ethiopian News page at Ezega.com. Also at Ezega.com: Ethiopian Music, Ethiopian Jobs, and Ethiopian Real Estate.
Tadiwos was born in a small village called Lemo in Arisi, and he later came to Dessie with his uncle. In 1980, he left for Sudan and stayed there for three years. He spent a very hard time in Sudan, lacking basic necessities, including sufficient water and food. He later became a servant. He engaged himself in different fields and faced challenging time for three years. He finally found a sponsor who took him to Chicago. After a year in Chicago, he headed to Boston and lived there for 19 years. Tadiwos deeply believes in challenging himself to the fullest and in working closely with and improving the lives of his employees at any cost.
For the full article, please visit Ethiopian News page at Ezega.com. Also at Ezega.com: Ethiopian Music, Ethiopian Jobs, and Ethiopian Real Estate.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Africa’s Most Competitive Countries for Travel & Tourism – Top Ten Ranking for 2009
Ethiopia is ranked 22 among African countries and 123rd among the 133 world countries surveyed in this ranking. As shown in the chart, the country fared worse in Regulatory Framework, particularly in Health and Hygiene in which it scored zero. Ethiopia also scored very low in ICT and Tourism Infrastructure. These are technologies and services that allow tourists to travel inside the country easily and freely. The country can go a long way in boosting foreign income from travel and tourism by address these issues. This will mean, in part, having or enforcing laws for sanitation facilities at least in public establishments, and improving ICT infrastructure, including the internet, which is in a very deplorable situation in Ethiopia.
For the full article, please visit Ezega Ethiopian News. Also at Ezega.com: Job Vacancy in Ethiopia, Real estate in Ethiopia, and Ethiopian Music.
For the full article, please visit Ezega Ethiopian News. Also at Ezega.com: Job Vacancy in Ethiopia, Real estate in Ethiopia, and Ethiopian Music.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Technology Readiness in Africa – Ranking for 2008/2009
Addis Ababa, June 24, 2009 (Ezega.com) -- The survey shows how 31 African countries fared in a survey for Technology Readiness conducted by the World Economic Forum. 134 countries were surveyed globally, including 31 African countries. The Technology Readiness index takes into account the use of technologies that enable a country to compete in the world effectively, including the proliferation of mobile phones, internet, satellite communications, computers and other hardware, as well as the educational attainment level in the country. In this latest ranking for Technology Readiness (2008-2009) conducted by the World Economic Forum, Ethiopia ranks third from last globally (132/134), and second from last in Africa (30/31). Excluding income from natural resources, Technology Readiness is one of the key indicators for future earning potential (and hence living standard) of the citizens of any country. By that measure, Ethiopia is indeed in a very poor situation globally, as well as by African standards.
The full article can be found in Ezega Ethiopian News. Also at Ezega.com: Job Vacancy in Ethiopia, Real Estate in Ethiopia and Ethiopian Music
The full article can be found in Ezega Ethiopian News. Also at Ezega.com: Job Vacancy in Ethiopia, Real Estate in Ethiopia and Ethiopian Music
Monday, April 13, 2009
Belachew Girma: World's King of Laughter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 11, 2009 (Ezega.com) -- When Belachew Girma walks into a room, you have no choice but laugh. When he laughs, it is infectious and impossible not to join him. To this fellow, laughter is no mere laughter, it is a serious business. Meet the world’s king of laughter, Belachew Girma of Ethiopia and the Guinness World Record holder for the longest non-stop laughter. At the 14th World Genius Impossibility Challenger Competition held last year, he broke world record and his own by laughing non-stop for 3 hours and 6 minutes.
Belachew Girma was born in Ethiopia in the Southern regional State of Kembata Alaba and Tembaro. He has been entertaining people locally and internationally since 2002G.C. He impressed many people with his talent and he is now in Guinness Book of World Records.
Sindu Alemu of Ezega News sat down with Belachew Girma recently at the Pan Roma Hotel and asked him about his skill, his work, and his life. Here follows the full interview with Belachew Girma.
For the full article, visit Ezega.com - Ethiopia's best portal for Ethiopian News, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Community and Ethiopian Classifieds.
Belachew Girma was born in Ethiopia in the Southern regional State of Kembata Alaba and Tembaro. He has been entertaining people locally and internationally since 2002G.C. He impressed many people with his talent and he is now in Guinness Book of World Records.
Sindu Alemu of Ezega News sat down with Belachew Girma recently at the Pan Roma Hotel and asked him about his skill, his work, and his life. Here follows the full interview with Belachew Girma.
For the full article, visit Ezega.com - Ethiopia's best portal for Ethiopian News, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Community and Ethiopian Classifieds.
Banja Woreda’s White Flag
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 7, 2009 (Ezega.com) -- Banja Woreda (District) is located in Awi zone of the Amhara region, 120km on the way from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa. We visited the place recently and observed the sanitation and hygiene condition in a trip organized by Water Aid Ethiopia and WASH Ethiopia Movement, non-governmental organizations that are engaged in Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and related activities.
The climate of Banja Woreda is mainly “Dega” (cold, highland) and “Woynadega” (temperate). The population is a mixture of Amhara and Awi (Agew) people, with an estimated total population of 104,000. The woreda is very good for raising potatos (up to fifteen types), bamboo, and recently started growing apple fruit. Banja Woreda is one of the three pilot woredas that were selected for a health extension program charted by the regional health bureau.
Water Aid Ethiopia and WASH Ethiopia movement arranged this trip to Baja Woreda in relation to World Water Day (March 22). By all accounts, Banja Woreda has been very successful in meeting the goals set out by the health bureau on sanitation and hygiene. The panel discussion held afterwards in Bahir Dar applauded the success of Banja Woreda for achieving 100 percent sanitation coverage.
For the full article, visit Ezega.com - Ethiopia's best portal for Ethiopian News, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Community and Ethiopian Classifieds.
The climate of Banja Woreda is mainly “Dega” (cold, highland) and “Woynadega” (temperate). The population is a mixture of Amhara and Awi (Agew) people, with an estimated total population of 104,000. The woreda is very good for raising potatos (up to fifteen types), bamboo, and recently started growing apple fruit. Banja Woreda is one of the three pilot woredas that were selected for a health extension program charted by the regional health bureau.
Water Aid Ethiopia and WASH Ethiopia movement arranged this trip to Baja Woreda in relation to World Water Day (March 22). By all accounts, Banja Woreda has been very successful in meeting the goals set out by the health bureau on sanitation and hygiene. The panel discussion held afterwards in Bahir Dar applauded the success of Banja Woreda for achieving 100 percent sanitation coverage.
For the full article, visit Ezega.com - Ethiopia's best portal for Ethiopian News, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Community and Ethiopian Classifieds.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Renaissance of Ethiopian Music
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 15, 2009 (Ezega.com) -- Ethiopia has a very rich music history. The 1950s and 60s produced some of the best musical talent as well as many great hits that are popular in the country even to this day. There are some who are afraid that the music of this era will soon fade away and be forgotten, giving way to music of the new generation. However, I just witnessed a group that is working hard for the renaissance of this music. They name themselves after their endeavor: “Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group”. I saw this group deliver a wonderful performance the other night at Club Alize located at the far end of Africa Avenue (Bole Road) near the airport.
Club Alize is located on the second floor and accommodates nearly 400 people. The interior of the club has a classic Far East decor and includes cozy couches on the right side of the club. The left part is mainly dominated by the bar counter. On Thursdays, there is extraordinary jazz music played here that everyone seems to enjoy. The founder and leader of the group, the Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group, is Girum Mezmur (guitar player and composer). Other group members include Henock Temesgen (Double Bass), Dawit Ferew (Clarinet), Natnael Tessema (Drum), Shaleka Melaku Tegegn (Accordion), Mesale Legesse (Percussion), and Ayele Mamo (Mandolin). Shaleka Melaku and Ayele Mamo, musicians from the 1950s and 60s, give the group a unique image and stature.
Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group strives to improve itself by adding new arrangements frequently, a trait that seems to give the group a captivating character. On Thursdays, the club is packed with various types of people (old, young, locals, foreigners, couples, groups – you name it.) In fact, it is this quality to embrace and entertain all kinds of people that distinguishes this group from all others. This is a living proof that the same genre of music can, in fact, appeal to various age groups and to people from all walks of life.
Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group’s jazz night is a place that appealed to me for some time now. They play tasteful and classic music from the 1950s and 60s in a way that entertains even those who have no clue about the Ethiopian music of that era.
Girum, the founder and leader of this group, is only 34 years old. However, he has already left his mark as a lead guitarist and coordinator in many well-known bands and records in Addis Ababa. Propelled by formal education from Yared Music School, Girum went on to hone his skills by joining the Axumite Band and later the Coffee House Club. Girum has been performing at the Coffee House as a jazz band leader and guitarist, also introducing the concept of jam session where guest musicians in the house are welcomed and encouraged to join the house band to perform on the spot. His weekly performances there over the past decade have been known to have influenced the live jazz scene in Addis Ababa to date.
Girum has also composed and arranged music for many artists, films, radio programs, and documentaries. Currently, he is involved in several bands and has traveled to various parts of the world, including countries in Africa, Europe, and North-America, with major Ethiopian acts such as Mahmoud Ahmed, Aster Awoke, Teddy Afro, etc. Girum has also performed with internationally known artists such as Ray Lema and Angelique Kidjo. He has also performed at major international music festivals such as the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), Montreal Jazz Festival,Ethiopian Music Festival III, IV, V, VII, and several others.
I interviewed Girum recently, who welcomed me with a warm smile for our early morning interview. He is a very polite and sincere person. We discussed his childhood, his music, how he founded the group, and much more. Here follows the full interview with Girum, the founder, band leader, producer and guitar player of Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group.
To read the full interview, click here.
Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Music, Ethiopian News, Ethiopian New, Ethiopia News, Addis Ethiopia, Ababa Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Club Alize is located on the second floor and accommodates nearly 400 people. The interior of the club has a classic Far East decor and includes cozy couches on the right side of the club. The left part is mainly dominated by the bar counter. On Thursdays, there is extraordinary jazz music played here that everyone seems to enjoy. The founder and leader of the group, the Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group, is Girum Mezmur (guitar player and composer). Other group members include Henock Temesgen (Double Bass), Dawit Ferew (Clarinet), Natnael Tessema (Drum), Shaleka Melaku Tegegn (Accordion), Mesale Legesse (Percussion), and Ayele Mamo (Mandolin). Shaleka Melaku and Ayele Mamo, musicians from the 1950s and 60s, give the group a unique image and stature.
Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group strives to improve itself by adding new arrangements frequently, a trait that seems to give the group a captivating character. On Thursdays, the club is packed with various types of people (old, young, locals, foreigners, couples, groups – you name it.) In fact, it is this quality to embrace and entertain all kinds of people that distinguishes this group from all others. This is a living proof that the same genre of music can, in fact, appeal to various age groups and to people from all walks of life.
Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group’s jazz night is a place that appealed to me for some time now. They play tasteful and classic music from the 1950s and 60s in a way that entertains even those who have no clue about the Ethiopian music of that era.
Girum, the founder and leader of this group, is only 34 years old. However, he has already left his mark as a lead guitarist and coordinator in many well-known bands and records in Addis Ababa. Propelled by formal education from Yared Music School, Girum went on to hone his skills by joining the Axumite Band and later the Coffee House Club. Girum has been performing at the Coffee House as a jazz band leader and guitarist, also introducing the concept of jam session where guest musicians in the house are welcomed and encouraged to join the house band to perform on the spot. His weekly performances there over the past decade have been known to have influenced the live jazz scene in Addis Ababa to date.
Girum has also composed and arranged music for many artists, films, radio programs, and documentaries. Currently, he is involved in several bands and has traveled to various parts of the world, including countries in Africa, Europe, and North-America, with major Ethiopian acts such as Mahmoud Ahmed, Aster Awoke, Teddy Afro, etc. Girum has also performed with internationally known artists such as Ray Lema and Angelique Kidjo. He has also performed at major international music festivals such as the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), Montreal Jazz Festival,Ethiopian Music Festival III, IV, V, VII, and several others.
I interviewed Girum recently, who welcomed me with a warm smile for our early morning interview. He is a very polite and sincere person. We discussed his childhood, his music, how he founded the group, and much more. Here follows the full interview with Girum, the founder, band leader, producer and guitar player of Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group.
To read the full interview, click here.
Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Music, Ethiopian News, Ethiopian New, Ethiopia News, Addis Ethiopia, Ababa Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
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