General Seare’s last moments
The story began like this. According to a close family of General Seare Mekonnen, on 22 June Saturday around 7pm, the Commander in Chief of the Ethiopian Army was rushing home from his office to meet one of his friends waiting for him at his villa house located at the back of Desalgne Hotel around Bole Atlas. The commander reached home around 8pm and hugged his friend who was coming to say congratulations about Ma’asho Seare, his son, who graduated a week ago from the university. Then the two friends sat down in small chairs which were put on the balcony of the house.
Usually when General Seare Mekonnen and Brigadier General Gezai Abera met they laughed by remembering the old incidents and happenings in the war they both participated in. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/featured/general-seares-last-moments/
The story began like this. According to a close family of General Seare Mekonnen, on 22 June Saturday around 7pm, the Commander in Chief of the Ethiopian Army was rushing home from his office to meet one of his friends waiting for him at his villa house located at the back of Desalgne Hotel around Bole Atlas. The commander reached home around 8pm and hugged his friend who was coming to say congratulations about Ma’asho Seare, his son, who graduated a week ago from the university. Then the two friends sat down in small chairs which were put on the balcony of the house.
Usually when General Seare Mekonnen and Brigadier General Gezai Abera met they laughed by remembering the old incidents and happenings in the war they both participated in. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/featured/general-seares-last-moments/
Capitalethiopia
General Seare’s last moments | Capital Ethiopia Newspaper
Four places in Addis Ababa, Ghandi Hospital, Ethiopia Hotel, Filwuha and Kazanchis, were the main areas raided by police today evening July 5, in a surprise search of illegal money. Police seized millions of birr and other foreign currency in these black market hubs, which is the second time in a couple of months.
The price of dollar in the black market has also significantly dropped.
The price of dollar in the black market has also significantly dropped.
Cork factory only PEHAA’s privatization this year
Public Enterprises Holding and Administration Agency (PEHAA) has closed the budget year with the record lowest privatization process by transferring only a single enterprise. They have also been calling investors who are interested in joining value addition development at a tantalum mine in Qenticha. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/cork-factory-only-pehaas-privatization-this-year/
Public Enterprises Holding and Administration Agency (PEHAA) has closed the budget year with the record lowest privatization process by transferring only a single enterprise. They have also been calling investors who are interested in joining value addition development at a tantalum mine in Qenticha. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/cork-factory-only-pehaas-privatization-this-year/
THE ART OF RECONCILIATION
“…relativism over past standards should not preclude museums from being “above reproach” with regard to their recent and historic holdings.” Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi, Museum of Modern Art.
In an environment with such limited news published on art of Africa, I like to share, rather than re-invent the wheel. This important article published in ARTNEWS and available online at artnews.com by Robin Scher provides an in depth article about the Metropolitan Museum of Art near scandal, in which an exhibition closed after only seven months on display which almost half a million visitors viewed. Why? The Met “discovered” the “Nedjemankh and His Gilded Coffin had been looted from Egypt, according to Scher, “The museum had acquired the ornate golden coffin from the first century B.C. two years ago for €3.5 million (around $3.9 million) from Christophe Kunicki, a Parisian art dealer who supplied fake provenance records including a forged Egyptian export license dated 1971. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/discourse-with-dr-desta/the-art-of-reconciliation/
“…relativism over past standards should not preclude museums from being “above reproach” with regard to their recent and historic holdings.” Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi, Museum of Modern Art.
In an environment with such limited news published on art of Africa, I like to share, rather than re-invent the wheel. This important article published in ARTNEWS and available online at artnews.com by Robin Scher provides an in depth article about the Metropolitan Museum of Art near scandal, in which an exhibition closed after only seven months on display which almost half a million visitors viewed. Why? The Met “discovered” the “Nedjemankh and His Gilded Coffin had been looted from Egypt, according to Scher, “The museum had acquired the ornate golden coffin from the first century B.C. two years ago for €3.5 million (around $3.9 million) from Christophe Kunicki, a Parisian art dealer who supplied fake provenance records including a forged Egyptian export license dated 1971. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/discourse-with-dr-desta/the-art-of-reconciliation/
Capitalethiopia
THE ART OF RECONCILIATION | Capital Ethiopia Newspaper
TOTAL’s way
Thibault Lesueur has been Managing Director of Total Ethiopia since September 2018. He was Head of Petroleum Specialties for Africa Middle East responsible for sales and marketing development for LPG, Jet A1, lubricants and care ranges, bitumen and solvants in Africa and Middle East. Capital talked to him about recent investments of Total in Africa and the situation in Ethiopia. Excerpts;
Capital: Why is Total diversifying and buying acquisitions in Africa?
Thibault Lesueur: The Oil and Gas sector requires one to continually consolidate one’s resources, balance one’s assets and integrate new energies into one’s portfolio. TOTAL has historically been a present and significant actor in Africa and naturally, the Group continues to invest in Africa. You may have heard recently of our plan to buy Anadarko’s Africa assets. . In fact, one of our key priorities in our development road map is the environment. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/interview/totals-way/
Thibault Lesueur has been Managing Director of Total Ethiopia since September 2018. He was Head of Petroleum Specialties for Africa Middle East responsible for sales and marketing development for LPG, Jet A1, lubricants and care ranges, bitumen and solvants in Africa and Middle East. Capital talked to him about recent investments of Total in Africa and the situation in Ethiopia. Excerpts;
Capital: Why is Total diversifying and buying acquisitions in Africa?
Thibault Lesueur: The Oil and Gas sector requires one to continually consolidate one’s resources, balance one’s assets and integrate new energies into one’s portfolio. TOTAL has historically been a present and significant actor in Africa and naturally, the Group continues to invest in Africa. You may have heard recently of our plan to buy Anadarko’s Africa assets. . In fact, one of our key priorities in our development road map is the environment. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/interview/totals-way/
Capitalethiopia
TOTAL’s way | Capital Ethiopia Newspaper
City investigates 70,000 business licenses
Around 70,000 business licenses are being investigated throughout Addis Ababa by the City’s Trade Bureau. The month long investigation has focused on service providers, manufacturing companies, drug stores, restaurants, retail shops, importers and exporters. In two weeks a report will be filed with the results of the investigation. Ten Investigators looked at documents, competency, certificates and the type of business. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/city-investigates-70000-business-licenses/
Around 70,000 business licenses are being investigated throughout Addis Ababa by the City’s Trade Bureau. The month long investigation has focused on service providers, manufacturing companies, drug stores, restaurants, retail shops, importers and exporters. In two weeks a report will be filed with the results of the investigation. Ten Investigators looked at documents, competency, certificates and the type of business. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/city-investigates-70000-business-licenses/
About 40% of Ethiopian tobacco market is illegal
Japan Tobacco International explained at the Economist’s Illicit Trade Summit held a week ago in Addis at Hyatt Regency Hotel that 40 percent of the tobacco sold in Ethiopia is illegal.
As the trade in illegal cigarettes has mushroomed in recent years with sophisticated distribution networks across all the provinces of Ethiopia, the sales of legal, regulated and taxed cigarettes have dropped continuously. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/about-40-of-ethiopian-tobacco-market-is-illegal/
Japan Tobacco International explained at the Economist’s Illicit Trade Summit held a week ago in Addis at Hyatt Regency Hotel that 40 percent of the tobacco sold in Ethiopia is illegal.
As the trade in illegal cigarettes has mushroomed in recent years with sophisticated distribution networks across all the provinces of Ethiopia, the sales of legal, regulated and taxed cigarettes have dropped continuously. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/about-40-of-ethiopian-tobacco-market-is-illegal/
Capitalethiopia
About 40% of Ethiopian tobacco market is illegal | Capital Ethiopia Newspaper
Taking Care
The private Amin General Hospital, has inaugurated its new modern general hospital building in Addis Ababa on July 7, 2019.
The new hospital cost 200 million birr and is located in Lideta sub city around the area commonly known as Coca Cola. It features modern technological equipment.
Amin General Hospital was established in March, 2012 G.C. Their goal is to provide modern, up to date and affordable health care services within the frame work of the national health policy. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/taking-care/
The private Amin General Hospital, has inaugurated its new modern general hospital building in Addis Ababa on July 7, 2019.
The new hospital cost 200 million birr and is located in Lideta sub city around the area commonly known as Coca Cola. It features modern technological equipment.
Amin General Hospital was established in March, 2012 G.C. Their goal is to provide modern, up to date and affordable health care services within the frame work of the national health policy. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/taking-care/
Ethiopia eyes exporting value added coffee to African countries
Ethiopia is revising and improving laws enabling it to export value added coffee to African countries.
A two-day consultative forum dubbed “Africa Coffee Consumption and Market”: held in Addis Ababa, attracted six country representatives. The goal is to promote coffee consumption in African countries. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/ethiopia-eyes-exporting-value-added-coffee-to-african-countries/
Ethiopia is revising and improving laws enabling it to export value added coffee to African countries.
A two-day consultative forum dubbed “Africa Coffee Consumption and Market”: held in Addis Ababa, attracted six country representatives. The goal is to promote coffee consumption in African countries. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/ethiopia-eyes-exporting-value-added-coffee-to-african-countries/
Half of trees in reforestation program don’t thrive
Even though the government has increased the forest coverage from 15.5 percent to 17.8 percent in the last three years by planting trees in an estimated 2.8 million hectares; half of the trees have not been growing. The trees are planted by government workers, and private institutions, according to a source that Capital spoke with in the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission. This source said that the main reason is that there is not sufficient follow up after the trees are planted. They said more human resources should be invested to take care of the trees. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/half-of-trees-in-reforestation-program-dont-thrive/
Even though the government has increased the forest coverage from 15.5 percent to 17.8 percent in the last three years by planting trees in an estimated 2.8 million hectares; half of the trees have not been growing. The trees are planted by government workers, and private institutions, according to a source that Capital spoke with in the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission. This source said that the main reason is that there is not sufficient follow up after the trees are planted. They said more human resources should be invested to take care of the trees. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/half-of-trees-in-reforestation-program-dont-thrive/
UNCTAD emphasizes Rules of Origins
The 2019 report of the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) recommends for simple and business friendly steps and says attention should be given to the Rules of Origin (RoO) to get the best from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/unctad-emphasizes-rules-of-origins/
The 2019 report of the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) recommends for simple and business friendly steps and says attention should be given to the Rules of Origin (RoO) to get the best from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/unctad-emphasizes-rules-of-origins/
Capitalethiopia
UNCTAD emphasizes Rules of Origins | Capital Ethiopia Newspaper
Upstart, local sugar company in privatization push
The recently formed local firm, Ethio Sugar Manufacturing Share Company, is shortlisted as the only local company in the privatization process for the established Wonji and Metehara Sugar Factories.
Following an April Request for Information (RFI) several international companies, expressed an interest in privatizing Ethiopia’s sugar factories. However, only one local company Ethio Sugar, is adopting a community inclusive business model. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/featured/upstart-local-sugar-company-in-privatization-push/
The recently formed local firm, Ethio Sugar Manufacturing Share Company, is shortlisted as the only local company in the privatization process for the established Wonji and Metehara Sugar Factories.
Following an April Request for Information (RFI) several international companies, expressed an interest in privatizing Ethiopia’s sugar factories. However, only one local company Ethio Sugar, is adopting a community inclusive business model. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/featured/upstart-local-sugar-company-in-privatization-push/
Libyan Embassy plot grabs 10 times the asking price
A foreclosed site of what was supposed to be the Libyan Embassy, has fetched quite a sum.
According to the auction notice issued by the Federal Court Judgment Execution Directorate the floor price for the bid stood at 19.05 million birr for a 4920 sqm plot. However, in the open auction last week, a potential buyer offered 205 million birr, according to sources who attended the process. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/featured/libyan-embassy-plot-grabs-10-times-the-asking-price/
A foreclosed site of what was supposed to be the Libyan Embassy, has fetched quite a sum.
According to the auction notice issued by the Federal Court Judgment Execution Directorate the floor price for the bid stood at 19.05 million birr for a 4920 sqm plot. However, in the open auction last week, a potential buyer offered 205 million birr, according to sources who attended the process. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/featured/libyan-embassy-plot-grabs-10-times-the-asking-price/
Ethiopia up to the challenge, PM says
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presented his report to parliament last week. He talked about reform measures taken as well as security, intelligence, diplomacy and the economy.
Internal displacement, polarized ethnic conflicts, mob justice, religious conflict, contraband trade, and economic sabotage were discussed in his speech. He then addressed questions raised by lawmakers. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/featured/ethiopia-up-to-the-challenge-pm-says/
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presented his report to parliament last week. He talked about reform measures taken as well as security, intelligence, diplomacy and the economy.
Internal displacement, polarized ethnic conflicts, mob justice, religious conflict, contraband trade, and economic sabotage were discussed in his speech. He then addressed questions raised by lawmakers. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/featured/ethiopia-up-to-the-challenge-pm-says/
Consumers to fork over more dough for bread
Ethiopia’s government does not have wheat in stock needed to distribute to over 60 wheat flour companies throughout the country.
Under normal conditions 645,000 quintals of wheat are distributed to the nations’ flour companies. However, according to information that Capital obtained from the Ethiopian Grain Trade Enterprise (EGTE) there are less than 35,000 quintals of wheat for July distribution slated to go to trade bureaus, universities, prison administrations and selected three flour companies. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/featured/consumers-to-fork-over-more-dough-for-bread/
Ethiopia’s government does not have wheat in stock needed to distribute to over 60 wheat flour companies throughout the country.
Under normal conditions 645,000 quintals of wheat are distributed to the nations’ flour companies. However, according to information that Capital obtained from the Ethiopian Grain Trade Enterprise (EGTE) there are less than 35,000 quintals of wheat for July distribution slated to go to trade bureaus, universities, prison administrations and selected three flour companies. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/featured/consumers-to-fork-over-more-dough-for-bread/
Exporters increasingly in default
Ethiopia has seen the volume and income from its exports decrease. Now the country is also experiencing contractual agreements being breached between exporters and those purchasing contracts from abroad. The Ministry of Trade and Industry reported 24 contracts in default last fiscal year. Some exporters claim that figure could actually be around 100 if the matter was studied more closely. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/exporters-increasingly-in-default/
Ethiopia has seen the volume and income from its exports decrease. Now the country is also experiencing contractual agreements being breached between exporters and those purchasing contracts from abroad. The Ministry of Trade and Industry reported 24 contracts in default last fiscal year. Some exporters claim that figure could actually be around 100 if the matter was studied more closely. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/exporters-increasingly-in-default/
Capitalethiopia
Exporters increasingly in default | Capital Ethiopia Newspaper
What African Art Needs Now
Writing from Atlanta, where the African population including Ethiopian, Nigerian and Ghanaian in particular reside, there is a great love and appreciation for art and architecture evident in almost every area of the city. Atlanta is the historic home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; a major city for filming blockbuster movies; a draw for hundreds every second Friday to the Castleberry Art Stroll; and abode for the prestigious High Museum and countless visual and performance artists of Africa and the Diaspora. It is the creations of Black people that is shaping up to be the art of the 21st century in the USA. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/discourse-with-dr-desta/what-african-art-needs-now/
Writing from Atlanta, where the African population including Ethiopian, Nigerian and Ghanaian in particular reside, there is a great love and appreciation for art and architecture evident in almost every area of the city. Atlanta is the historic home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; a major city for filming blockbuster movies; a draw for hundreds every second Friday to the Castleberry Art Stroll; and abode for the prestigious High Museum and countless visual and performance artists of Africa and the Diaspora. It is the creations of Black people that is shaping up to be the art of the 21st century in the USA. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/discourse-with-dr-desta/what-african-art-needs-now/
Capitalethiopia
What African Art Needs Now | Capital Ethiopia Newspaper
No looking back
Yasser Bagersh is an archetype of the Entrepreneurial mind. Always moving forward, never satisfied, and exploring new possibilities Yasser has done more than most. For 17 years he has built Cactus into Ethiopia’s premier advertising firm while at the same time running the Lime Tree eatery and the informative What’s Out publication. Now at 50 he wants to turn his attention to his infinite interests. He talks with Capital about how focusing on quality in-depth relationships and saying no to some projects helped grow Cactus into an agency people can trust. To him promoting a brand the right way can improve people’s lives. He also talks about philanthropy, what really matters to him, and what it’s like to live in a world of endless possibilities. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/interview/no-looking-back/
Yasser Bagersh is an archetype of the Entrepreneurial mind. Always moving forward, never satisfied, and exploring new possibilities Yasser has done more than most. For 17 years he has built Cactus into Ethiopia’s premier advertising firm while at the same time running the Lime Tree eatery and the informative What’s Out publication. Now at 50 he wants to turn his attention to his infinite interests. He talks with Capital about how focusing on quality in-depth relationships and saying no to some projects helped grow Cactus into an agency people can trust. To him promoting a brand the right way can improve people’s lives. He also talks about philanthropy, what really matters to him, and what it’s like to live in a world of endless possibilities. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/interview/no-looking-back/
City announces new housing program with co-housing plots
The Addis Ababa City Administration Housing Development and Administration Agency will launch a new housing scheme on plots collected from city dwellers who agreed to be part of a new housing project.
In the past eight months in its ‘Base Solution Project’, Gojo Marketing Service has registered willing residents of the city who have a title deed of 500 meter square and above to include them in the new housing scheme based on its pilot project agreement with the Housing Development and Administration Agency. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/city-announces-new-housing-program-with-co-housing-plots/
The Addis Ababa City Administration Housing Development and Administration Agency will launch a new housing scheme on plots collected from city dwellers who agreed to be part of a new housing project.
In the past eight months in its ‘Base Solution Project’, Gojo Marketing Service has registered willing residents of the city who have a title deed of 500 meter square and above to include them in the new housing scheme based on its pilot project agreement with the Housing Development and Administration Agency. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/city-announces-new-housing-program-with-co-housing-plots/
Legislation to standardize dairy products
The Ethiopian Meat and Dairy Industry Development Institute (EMDIDI) is concerned about lack of regulation with regard to milk and dairy products, so they are preparing a new legal frame work for the dairy sector. This will allow for fines or for jail time when people distribute, produce or sell below standard dairy products.
The legislation will enforce standards regarding: taste, health benefits, clean labels, healthier ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, functional benefits and innovative ingredients. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/legislation-to-standardize-dairy-products/
The Ethiopian Meat and Dairy Industry Development Institute (EMDIDI) is concerned about lack of regulation with regard to milk and dairy products, so they are preparing a new legal frame work for the dairy sector. This will allow for fines or for jail time when people distribute, produce or sell below standard dairy products.
The legislation will enforce standards regarding: taste, health benefits, clean labels, healthier ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, functional benefits and innovative ingredients. https://www.capitalethiopia.com/capital/legislation-to-standardize-dairy-products/