ETHIOPIAN
acquires new generation flight simulator
By Addis Mulugeta
Ethiopian Airlines continues to demonstrate their leadership in
the aviation training arena with the commissioning of their new
Boeing 737 Next Generation flight simulator. The state of the art
device was purchased from Oklahoma, USA based company Flight Safety
International (FSI), at a price of approximately 15 million USD.
“The acquisition of the simulator is the result of the cooperative
efforts of ETHIOPIAN, Boeing, Flight Safety, and others, said Chief
Executive of Ethiopian Airlines,” Girma Wake, during the inauguration
ceremony on February 5, 2008.
Ethio-Kenya power connection to commence
in April
By Groum Abate
A project that is being carried out to connect Kenya to Ethiopia,
via interlinking of national electricity grids through Moyale, a
bordering town, will be implemented starting from April this year,
according to Callixte Kambanda, the executive secretary of the Eastern
Africa Power Pool (EAPP). EAPP aims to connect seven COMESA countries.
Regional economies plan to use at least 13 billion birr to help
them ease energy shortages in a programme that aims to lower electricity
costs and improve infrastructure.
House imposes 150% tax on hide and skin
exports
By Kirubel Tadesse
The House of People’s Representatives has passed a proclamation
to toll export taxes up to 150% on raw and semi-processed hides
and skins, at its 16th regular session on Thursday, February 07,
2008.
The proclamation rates and basis of computation states that raw
hide and skin shall be levied 150% of its value and wet blue cow
hides is levied at 20%. Pickled sheep skins are levied 10%, with
wet blue sheep and wet blue goat skins also levied 5%. The house
passed the bill in first reading as per proposed motion to do so
despite opposition Members of Parliament request to examine the
proclamation in standing committees.
 MORE
MIDROC Gold eyes USD 1.6 bln sales
By Kirubel Tadesse
MIDROC Gold Mine P.L.C, one of the member companies in Sheik Mohammed
Hussein Ali Al-Amoudi’s MIDROC Ethiopia, has unveiled the
east Sakaro and Legadembi gold finds that extend the mining life
of the company up to year 2020 with expected sales of 1.6 billion
USD. Legedembi is 500 kms south of Addis Ababa.
Shell acquires plot for million dollar rest
center
By Groum Abate
Shell Ethiopia Ltd has received a plot for constructing a drivers’
rest centre in Semera town, at a cost of over one million dollars,
to ensure drivers’ safety.
The drivers’ rest centre is part of Shell’s project
for Road Transport Safety, a major challenge in Ethiopia, especially
in view of achieving its target of Zero Fatalities.
MORE
ERA, Satcon sign 328 mln ETB road contract
By Muluken Yewondwossen
One of the road projects included in the third phase road development
program, the Semera Dedegsala gravel road construction project was
signed between the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) and Satcon Construction
on Thursday February 7, 2008 at ERA headquarters.
MORE
First African Millennium Fair opens
By Muluken Yewondwossen
The first African Millennium Trade and Investment Fair facilitated
by the Ethiopian Economic Association was opened by President Girma
Wolde Giorgis on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at the Millennium Hall.
According to the coordinator close to 100 governmental and private
organizations drawn from fifteen African countries, as well as Germany
and China are taking part in the fair that will stay open for 10
days.
Eastern Nile Basin power study presented
By Muluken Yewondwossen
The completion of phase one of the Eastern Nile Power Trade Projects
Study was presented in relation to the 24th ENCOM (Eastern Nile
Council of Ministers) Nile Basin Initiative, Eastern Nile Subsidiary
Action Program joint meeting and the 8th Eastern Nile Power Ministerial
meetings, in Addis Ababa on February 4, 2008 at the Sheraton Addis,
with the participation of Sudanese, Egyptian and Ethiopian water
and energy ministers and Nile experts from the region.
MORE
Shoe exports to kick high
By Muluken Yewondwossen
The Ethiopian government has plans to produce 60 to 70 thousand
pairs of shoes per day by 2010. According to Girma Biru, Minister
of Trade and Industry, currently, Ethiopian shoe factories are producing
24 thousand pairs per day. This capacity has been maintained since
last December. “We have a plan to increase this number to
fifty thousand by the end of this fiscal year,” he said.
MORE
Customs’ role in the international strategy
of enterprise
By Addis Mulugeta
A seminar in partnership between the Ethiopia Customs Authority
(ECuA) and the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations
on the role of customs in the international strategy of enterprise
was held on February 6, 2008 at the Chamber conference hall. The
objective of the seminar is to promote coalition and partnership
building between government, business and civil society. Consensus
is of common interest for economic development and poverty reduction
through consistence and smooth implementation of the industrial
and trade national policy.
World Bank appoints economist from outside
Europe U.S.
First time in the bank’s history
By our staff reporter
The World Bank has appointed Chinese national Justin Lin, as its
chief economist, the first time the post has gone to a candidate
from outside Europe and the United States.
“As our first chief economist from a developing country, and
an expert on economic development and particularly agriculture,
Justin Lin brings a unique set of skills and experience to the World
Bank Group,” Robert Zoellick, head of the World Bank, said
in a statement posted on the bank’s Web site.
MORE
Water and sanitation forum launches
By Muluken Yewondwossen
The establishment of a water and sanitation forum was officially
announced on February 5, 2008, in the presence of 32 enterprises
operating in water and sanitation under the Christian Relief and
Development Association (CRDA).
According to the information released at the forum, it was indicated
that the establishment of the forum will significantly contribute
to the institutional strength of the coordination platform as the
forum will have a secretariat, increased financing, legal recognition
and fund raising capacity. This in turn would considerably contribute
to the sector in general and the Civil Society Organization (CSOs)
working in water and sanitation in particular, through enhancing
their coordination to play an active role in advocacy and lobbying,
policy dialogues, sector performance monitoring and networking with
other actors.
MORE
Indian embassy awards four designers with
scholarships
By Kirubel Tadesse
Four winners were named among local designers who followed a three
week training organized by the Indian Embassy as part of its various
programs held to mark the Ethiopian millennium and to celebrate
sixty years of the Independence of India.
The designers had exhibited their works at the Embassy on India’s
Independence Day 60th anniversary celebration held on Wednesday
January 23, 2007 for the diplomatic community and high government
officials, including President Girma Wolde Giorgis.
MORE
Ethiopia loses 50,000 infants every year
The first national nutrition strategy unveiled
By Abiy Demilew Faced with a heavy disease burden
caused by prevalent maternal and child undernourishment, Ethiopia
Thursday launched its first-ever National Nutrition Strategy (NNS)
to ensure its people live a healthy and productive life.
“The time is now for us to focus our attention and endeavours
to reverse one of the most serious health concerns facing our nation,”
said Minister of Health Teodros Adhanom, at the launch of the integrated
multi-sectoral effort aimed at alleviating the persistent problem
of malnutrition in the East African country.
MORE
Government pardons twenty- five CUD supporters
By Kirubel Tadesse
The Ethiopian government has pardoned twenty five prisoners who
were found guilty in connection to the unrest that rocked the nation
following the May 2005 elections. The twenty five prisoners who
had been sentenced for up to 20 years were pardoned after the continued
mediation of the Council of Elders council led by Professor Ephraim
Yishak.
MORE
“Ethiopia at a Glance” directory
launches
By Abiy Demilew
In an effort to introduce a positive image to the world, “Ethiopia
at a glance,” a colorful tourist directory, is launched this
week.
Prepared and published by Gojo Magazine LLC, publisher of Gojo Magazine
in the United States, Ethiopia at a Glance, has focused on tourism
and development activities of the country and will be distributed
worldwide through international distributors, according to the publisher.
MORE
The role of faith communities in social change
illuminated
By Kirubel Tadesse
The Reverend Dr. Elbert Ransom, a pioneer of the American Civil
Rights Movement, and confidant of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr, said the role of faith communities should be given a special
value for social change.
In a discussion organized by the US embassy in Ethiopia and the
Social Science Department of the Addis Ababa University, Dr. Elbert
Ransom praised the role of faith communities in the civil movement
and social change.
MORE
National seminar to strengthen student council
By Addis Mulugeta
A national seminar to strengthen student councils, organized by
the Ethiopian Teachers Association and Initiative Africa, a not-for-profit
non-partisan organization, was held on February 8, 2008, at the
Christian Relief and Development Association (CRDA).
Student councils from various high schools and institutions, leaders
of educational center, high school directors, non- governmental
organizations, decision makers and concerned international bodies
attended the seminar.
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ETHIOPIAN acquires new
generation flight simulator
By Addis Mulugeta
Ethiopian Airlines continues to demonstrate their leadership in
the aviation training arena with the commissioning of their new
Boeing 737 Next Generation flight simulator. The state of the art
device was purchased from Oklahoma, USA based company Flight Safety
International (FSI), at a price of approximately 15 million USD.
“The acquisition of the simulator is the result of the cooperative
efforts of ETHIOPIAN, Boeing, Flight Safety, and others, said Chief
Executive of Ethiopian Airlines,” Girma Wake, during the inauguration
ceremony on February 5, 2008.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Transport and Communications
H.E. Ato Junedi Sadodo, executives and key personnel from ETHIOPIAN,
Boeing, FSI, and Pratt & Whitney, and executives and senior
pilots from airlines in Angola, Kenya, Mozambique, and Nigeria,
among others.
According to an Ethiopian press release, the new B737 flight simulator
enables the airline to train 737 pilots at their home base and to
avail training to other 737 NG operators in the region. It is state
of the art equipment, featuring a fully computerized operating system
that runs simulations driven by software and electrical components
instead of the traditional aircraft components. It rides on an electronic
driven, six axis motion system that replaces the older technology
hydraulic motion system with a smoother and a more reliable system
for duplicating aircraft movement. The simulator is certified by
the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority to a level D standard, the
highest in the industry. Accomplishing this training in house will
bring significant savings to ETHIOPIAN, and when the simulator is
not being used for ETHIOPIAN’s pilots, training time can be
purchased by other airlines. Airlines in the region have already
expressed interest in this service which is expected to bring revenue
in the realm of 400,000 USD per annum.
The 737NG simulator is ETHIOPIAN’s second, and is installed
next to their Boeing 757/767 simulator in their Flight Operations
facility at Bole Airport Headquarters.
Ethio-Kenya power connection
to commence in April
By Groum Abate
A project that is being carried out to connect Kenya to Ethiopia,
via interlinking of national electricity grids through Moyale, a
bordering town, will be implemented starting from April this year,
according to Callixte Kambanda, the executive secretary of the Eastern
Africa Power Pool (EAPP). EAPP aims to connect seven COMESA countries.
Regional economies plan to use at least 13 billion birr to help
them ease energy shortages in a programme that aims to lower electricity
costs and improve infrastructure.
The project involves interlinking of national grids of all 19 member
countries of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa)
to help ensure electricity security among these economies.
Ethiopia is currently constructing three hydropower dams which are
expected to result in the production of 1155 megawatts by 2010.
Sudan is also constructing a hydropower dam in Merawi, which will
add about 1250 megawatts.
The projects under construction in Ethiopia and Sudan will add about
eight per cent of the Comesa current installed capacity which is
estimated to be around 31,000 megawatts.
Comesa member countries said they hope the interconnection of the
Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) with the Southern Africa Power
Pool (SAPP) will create opportunities for the tapping of the abundant
hydro-resources in DRC, Ethiopia, Zambia and Uganda.
“This will also offer an opportunity for the expansion of
the energy mix by harnessing other energy sources, nuclear energy,
renewable energy namely solar, wind and bio-fuels,” the bloc
said.
It said power grid interconnectors such as Zambia/Tanzania/Kenya,
Kenya/ Ethiopia, Ethiopia/Djibouti and Ethiopia/Sudan would optimize
the usage of existing generation through the interconnection providing
alternative energy supply between the different areas of Eastern
and Southern Africa region and would also defer investment in generation
for a while by taking advantages of least cost energy wherever available
within the region.
Comesa secretary-general Erastus Mwencha said the main thrust of
the programme would be to encourage member states to co-operate
in joint development and utilisation of energy resources in order
to have enough supplies at affordable prices.
As part of this plan, a high voltage line is being constructed to
link Nairobi to Arusha after studies were completed last year. Kenya
Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) confirmed that the line will be
able to take power to either side.
“It effectively means Kenya will be connected to the southern
Africa power pool when this line is completed,” said KPLC’s
communication officer, Mr. Gregory Ngahu.
Kenya is already connected to Uganda. This connection has seen the
two countries trade in electricity over the years.
Some Comesa member countries like Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe have
recently suffered from power rationing while others, including Kenya,
face electricity crippling deficiencies. Only 30 per cent of the
bloc’s population has access to electricity.
Besides committed projects, the secretariat is developing a master
energy plan to identify priority projects that will then be adopted
by member states.
Energy experts say regional interconnection is important because
it protects countries from emergency electricity, mostly diesel
driven, that reduces the competitiveness of goods in export markets.
The secretariat says the energy priority projects will be implemented
through public and private sector partnerships.
“Many potential donors were approached and it is hoped that
an interest for financing will be confirmed,” said the secretariat
in a statement.
House imposes 150% tax
on hide and skin exports
By Kirubel Tadesse
The House of People’s Representatives has passed a proclamation
to toll export taxes up to 150% on raw and semi-processed hides
and skins, at its 16th regular session on Thursday, February 07,
2008.
The proclamation rates and basis of computation states that raw
hide and skin shall be levied 150% of its value and wet blue cow
hides is levied at 20%. Pickled sheep skins are levied 10%, with
wet blue sheep and wet blue goat skins also levied 5%. The house
passed the bill in first reading as per proposed motion to do so
despite opposition Members of Parliament request to examine the
proclamation in standing committees.
Minister of Finance and Economic Development Sufian Ahmed, told
the House that the bill reverses the ban on export of raw hides
and skins by allowing export at 150% export tax. He said that the
measure takes Ethiopia one step closer to the World Trade Organization
as banning exports is not encouraged by WTO. He explained that the
tax system could serve as an instrument to encourage industries
engaged in the production of hides and skins to shift to exporting
processed hides and skins from exporting raw or semi-processed hides
and skin.
The bill empowers the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
the authority to adjust the tax rates. Article 7 of the proclamation
states that the Ministry may at its own discretion increase rates
and exempt in whole or in part the tax levied by the proclamation.
This empowerment resulted in a strong resistance from opposition
MP, Temesgen Zewde.
Temesgen stated that he wanted the people to know that they opposed
the motion, decided by majority, to let the House pass the bill
on first reading. Temesgen argued that the constitution only gives
the House of People’s Representatives the authority to impose,
adjust or exempt tax. “When we impose the tax, we will force
many factories to go out of business and that creates a chance for
few but strong companies to enjoy the market, which will create
a monopolistic tendency in the sector,” Temesgen said commenting
on the bill. “We should first talk to the exporters and seek
solutions to the problems they state. Whether it is skilled manpower
or credit, whatever is keeping them from adding value to their export;
it should be first assessed so that they and the sector could transform.
Otherwise the targeted solution cannot be achieved through imposing
an overstated tax.”
Bulcha Demeksa (MP) also opposed the bill, stating that he couldn’t
find grounds to understand the rush to pass the bill without looking
at it in detail in standing committees. “One way or another
it is a burden on the poor people who sell raw hides and skins in
the street. Exporters will transfer the burden by lowering the price
they pay for the products,” explained Bulcha. “At this
time when our poor people are hammered with the expensive cost of
fuel, it is not fair to impose this tax which will harden their
lives.”
Sufian replied that the bill is no surprise to the sector because
the government was discussing it a year and half ago. “The
exporters were told last year that the new tax system would be effective
as of February 9, 2008. We held continuous discussions on the problems
they face and on solutions so that they can export value added products.
This 150% tax can’t be a burden to anyone since exporting
raw hides and skins was totally banned and what we are doing now
is reversing the ban with this tax,” Sufian added. Sufian
added.
MIDROC Gold
eyes USD 1.6 bln sales
By Kirubel Tadesse
MIDROC Gold Mine P.L.C, one of the member companies in Sheik Mohammed
Hussein Ali Al-Amoudi’s MIDROC Ethiopia, has unveiled the
east Sakaro and Legadembi gold finds that extend the mining life
of the company up to year 2020 with expected sales of 1.6 billion
USD. Legedembi is 500 kms south of Addis Ababa.
“The new find will enable the mine life to be extended by
13 years with 70,000 kg of gold which will generate USD 1.6 billion
sales,” explained Dr. Arega Yirdaw, CEO of the MIDROC Ethiopia
Technology Group and General Manager of MIDROC Gold, which acquired
the Legadembi Gold Mine from the Ethiopian government in June 1997
for USD 172 million. It started gold extraction and exploration
based on a licensing agreement entered with the Ministry of Mines
and Energy in March 1998.
Dr. Arega stated that the Legadembi open pit mine had a life span
estimated at ten years with a gold reserve of 37, 215 kg. He explained
that East Sakaro is located within 33.57 sq km area of the Legadembi
exploration license thereby an opportunity to work without the need
of obtaining another license and planting a new dedicated processing
plant. “The feasibility study, issued in January 2008 shows
a gold reserve estimate of 17, 250 kg of which 6, 683 kg is proved
by exploration drilling and will be produced from 2009 to 2012.
The remaining 10, 567 kg will need further optimization and the
necessary work is being done in order to produce the gold from 2013
to 2017,” Dr. Arega added.
According to the CEO, after the acquisition of the Legadembi resources,
MIDROC Gold has had the open pit re-designed which made gold reserves
to increase from 37, 215 kg to 51,039 kg. “The increased gold
reserve estimate helped extend the planned mining life of the open
pit by three years from 2008 to 2011,” Dr. Arega stated. “The
company invested more than 20 million USD on drilling rigs, loading
and hauling and other mining equipment with the objective of increasing
the size and number of units and enabled mining capacity to increase
from 2.5 to 7.5 million tons of ore and waste per annum, an increase
of 300%.”
MIDROC Gold bought itself another thirteen years of mining life
through the underground exploration and development projects completed
last year. Dr. Arega disclosed that development and exploration
of Legadembi underground, the first of its kind in the country,
is in the final stages and full scale ore extraction is expected
to start by the end of 2008.
Presently MIDROC Gold is engaged in exploration activity in three
areas where it holds the license rights: Metekel, covering an area
of 1965 sq. km in Benishangul Gumz, Legadembi, covering 33.57 sq.
km. and Ulaulo-Meleka, a 441 sq. km area located south of Legadembi.
Exploration activity in east Sakaro has identified a number of veins
which have encouraging results and according to the CEO, exploration
work also reveals that there is a possibility that other locations
within Sakaro could be feasible. Extraction from east Sakaro is
expected to render more gold than indicated. The production plan
of MIDROC Gold is based on the fact that ore supply to the processing
plant will come from four sources: Legadembi open pit and underground
mines, East Sakaro Underground Mine and Warseti (Ulaulo-Meleka)
open pit mine.
MIDROC Gold P.L.C is one of the fifteen companies that fall under
The MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group set up in 2000 with five companies
under CEO DR. Arega Yirdaw. The number has since increased to fifteen.
The group is an investment of 5 billion ETB with one billion ETB
annual sales of which MIDROC Gold contributes the highest share.
So far neither Sheik Mohammed Hussein Ali Al-Amoudi who owns 98
percent of MIDROC Gold, nor the government which owns the 2 percent
was paid dividends. All profits were rather reinvested on expansions,
explorations and development projects.
Shell acquires plot for
million dollar rest center
By Groum Abate
Shell Ethiopia Ltd has received a plot for constructing a drivers’
rest centre in Semera town, at a cost of over one million dollars,
to ensure drivers’ safety.
The drivers’ rest centre is part of Shell’s project
for Road Transport Safety, a major challenge in Ethiopia, especially
in view of achieving its target of Zero Fatalities.
To deal with this challenge, Shell is working hand in hand with
transport contractors and their drivers.
Shell Ethiopia, the oldest oil company in Ethiopia has been operating
in the country for the last 78 years and acquired its current name
in 1964.
Shell Ethiopia Limited recently announced that the company has decided
to sell its assets to an interested buyer. The assets that are included
in the sale are the ex-Agip depot in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa Shell
depot and about 80 of the 270 retail stations located around the
country.
The company decided on selling its assets on grounds that Ethiopia
has been under economic strain due to rising international oil prices
and the company and dealer margins have been on the decline since
the year 2000, while the operating costs have been on the rise.
Furthermore, the company announced that it would sell its assets
to ensure that the remaining Shell network complies with Shell’s
exacting health, safety and environmental standards.
Kenyan Oil Kenol/Kobil a newcomer in the oil business in Ethiopia
negotiated and acquired a number of Shell stations around the country
including the previous depot and head office of Agip. Kenol established
Kobil Ethiopia in 2005.
Shell started operating in Ethiopia in various forms since November
1929. It is owned by five shareholders, where Shell Petroleum of
Britain controls the lion’s share. Taking over Agip has given
Shell the advantage of having the largest network of gas stations
in the country with more than 270 outlets.
ERA, Satcon sign 328 mln ETB
road contract
By Muluken Yewondwossen
One of the road projects included in the third phase road development
program, the Semera Dedegsala gravel road construction project was
signed between the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) and Satcon Construction
on Thursday February 7, 2008 at ERA headquarters.
ERA Human Resource and Finance manager, Gelaso Bore and Satcon Construction
managing director, Samuel Teklai, signed the agreement which represents
the second phase of the Semera-Alamata gravel road project. The
Semera Alamata spans 193 km with SATCON to build 113 km road according
to the agreement, the bids for the first phase Alamata-Dedegsala
(80km) road construction were disqualified on competency grounds.
The 113 km road construction work will start from Semera, a capital
of Afar region and has been allocated a budget of more than 328
mln ETB, secured from the Ethiopian government. The road will have
six meters width with half meter shoulders. The project contract
includes the construction work of sewerage system and other related
works. The gravel road construction is expected to be completed
in three years time. The road will add for pastorals in the area
by providing improved market access.
At the signing ceremony, Gelaso stated that the construction of
this road will play a big role to connect Tigrai and Afar regions
in addition to the area being close to Djibouti port.
Samuel on his part said that his company would complete its work
on time.
The consultant company who will carry out the supervision and consulting
work will be selected shortly.
In related news the 189 km Butajira–Hossaena and Hossaena-Sodo
roads under construction with over 430 million birr, will become
operational this budget year, the Ethiopian Roads Authority disclosed.
The 95 kms Butajira–Hossaena road has been built with over
217.4 million birr and 91.3 kms has been finalized. Nearly 85.8
km of the 94 km Hossaena-Sodo road has also been also completed.
First African Millennium Fair
opens
By Muluken Yewondwossen
The first African Millennium Trade and Investment Fair facilitated
by the Ethiopian Economic Association was opened by President Girma
Wolde Giorgis on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at the Millennium Hall.
According to the coordinator close to 100 governmental and private
organizations drawn from fifteen African countries, as well as Germany
and China are taking part in the fair that will stay open for 10
days.
Opening the fair, President Girma said that besides strengthening
trade exchange, investment and cultural ties between African nations,
the fair is a special opportunity to promote the immense resources
of the continent in trade and investment.
The President added that the research conducted and discussion forums
organized by the association are being utilized as an input for
designing and implementation of the nation’s economic policies.
The President expressed his belief that the association would continue
its activities in a strengthened manner.
Association President, Dr. Wolday Amha, on his part said that the
association has recently signed an agreement that would enable it
to work jointly with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
According to the organizers, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and AU
Economic Commission Commissioner Dr. Maxwell Lamba have been invited
to present on February 9, 2008, an analysis and briefing prepared
by the association on publication issues related to the different
economic and social development for Africa in the last millennium
and the implication for this millennium.
Among the invitees are members of the diplomatic corps government
organization, civil society organizations and local university representatives.
The Ethiopian Economic Association, according to its declared mandate
and mission, plans to execute an “African Millennium Economic
and Business Summit”. The project is titled African Millennium
to fully reflect the declaration of African Heads of State to consider
the Ethiopian Millennium as a unique African occasion, during the
Eighth Ordinary Session, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 29th
- 30th January 2007.
Eastern Nile Basin power
study presented
By Muluken Yewondwossen
The completion of phase one of the Eastern Nile Power Trade Projects
Study was presented in relation to the 24th ENCOM (Eastern Nile
Council of Ministers) Nile Basin Initiative, Eastern Nile Subsidiary
Action Program joint meeting and the 8th Eastern Nile Power Ministerial
meetings, in Addis Ababa on February 4, 2008 at the Sheraton Addis,
with the participation of Sudanese, Egyptian and Ethiopian water
and energy ministers and Nile experts from the region.
Minister of Mines and Energy Alemayhu Tegenu, said Ethiopia is committed
to develop its vast hydropower potential, including the Nile basin,
and to expand the future regional power market.
Regional experts stated at the meeting that the study was carried
out with close contact and cooperation of the three countries to
reach the objectives through exchanging information and experiences
of their experts in the field of electricity and water resources.
In addition, they said that more effort is needed to apply the outcomes
and recommendations reached, both to give credit to the second phase
of the study which is to start soon, and in order to grow the region’s
ambitious economic integration that it is envisioned to achieve
through joint regional cooperation.
“From the foregoing it can be concluded that we are at the
very moment in world history when our survival, our common future
rests on how well we cooperate. It is not any different when it
comes to our region, when it comes to our most precious shared resource,
The Nile,” Asfaw Dingamo, Minister of Water Resources, of
Ethiopia said on his opening speech.
“Accelerating the momentum of our cooperation means using
time wisely, and doing all that we can to realize the ENSAP (Eastern
Nile Subsidiary Action Program) 2020 vision, which is transforming
our region into string economies that will be globally competitive.
We have all that it takes to make such transformations. Our great
Nile is providing us the opportunity, the entry point, and the key,
to unlock our potentials. Let us seize the moment and meet the challenge
with determination and foresight,” he added.
Dr. Hassan Younes, Egypt’s Minister of Electric and Energy,
said on his part “Regional arrangement, pooling of resources
and the interconnection of electric power systems, will deliver
valuable benefits to all participants in the process. Moreover,
in the long term, proper mechanisms will be fine-tuned to maximize
the benefits.”
According to Dr. Hassan, the pooling of resources on a regional
basis allows optimum use of available resources, enhances environmental
protection concerns, facilitates a sustainable development approach,
reduces the cost of electricity services to customers, increases
the ability to meet potential of the energy demand, and achieve
all around economic development in the countries.
“Creating a strategy of power trade and coordinating planning
for the development of the power systems interconnection projects
between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia will facilitate cross border energy
trade,” Hassan added.
Egypt’s electricity sector is offering experience and facilities
to the benefit of the Nile Basin Countries in different fields of
hydro power, rural electrification, interconnection projects, technical
assistance and human resources management which began last November
2007 with the first training course on hydro plants operation and
maintenance at the Aswan Hydropower Training Center.
The Eastern Nile Subsidiary Action Program (ENSAP) is an investment
program by the Governments of Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan under
the umbrella of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI). It is led by the
Eastern Nile Council of Ministers (ENCOM), comprised of the Water
Ministers in the three Eastern Nile countries, and an ENSAP Team
(ENSAPT) formed of three technical country teams.
Shoe exports to kick high
By Muluken Yewondwossen
The Ethiopian government has plans to produce 60 to 70 thousand
pairs of shoes per day by 2010. According to Girma Biru, Minister
of Trade and Industry, currently, Ethiopian shoe factories are producing
24 thousand pairs per day. This capacity has been maintained since
last December. “We have a plan to increase this number to
fifty thousand by the end of this fiscal year,” he said.
In related news, the minister stated at a press conference held
at his office on Thursday February 7, 2008 that the government also
plans to increase its income from textiles and the garment industry
sector to 500 mln USD by 2010.
Girma Biru said that the industry sector projected 9 percent growth
in each year of the five years plan. But he said results have shown
that the sector grew by 10.2 and 11 percent in the last two fiscal
years respectively, exceeding the set target, and added they were
now speculating a 12 percent rate of growth.
According to Girma, during the upcoming two and half years, the
growth of the leather industry sector would be above twelve percent,
heading towards being the second sector to score the highest growth
in the country, followed by the service sector.
Currently manufacturing, construction and power development were
behind the significant achievement scored by the industry sector.
“The government of Ethiopia attaches importance to virtually
all sectors but there are some specified sub sectors it gives special
attention to, for their comparative necessity in the over all process
of nation building,” Girma stated.
He said that the leather and leather production industry sector
was a case in point. Upon the completion of the set time, the government
envisions to export 60 to 70 thousand pairs of shoes a day or 24
million pairs per year. “Capacity strengthening of the factories
to process the leather products to final quality stage for the international
market was also set by the government,” he added.
For the improvement of the textile and garment industry, government
envisions to transfer state factories to private ownership.
On the other hand, the former public textile enterprises in Diredawa,
Awassa, Mojjo and Arbaminch are working on expansion projects. In
addition in Alemgena, Adama, Adwa and Mekele huge private textile
industries are under construction. “We expect that these industries
will start their production in the next Ethiopian fiscal year,”
Girma said.
Girma added that currently, Turkish and Indian investors are interested
to participate on textile and garment investment including cotton
farming. He stated that to increase garment production the country
should develop the textile industry.
Customs’ role in the
international strategy of enterprise
By Addis Mulugeta
A seminar in partnership between the Ethiopia Customs Authority
(ECuA) and the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations
on the role of customs in the international strategy of enterprise
was held on February 6, 2008 at the Chamber conference hall. The
objective of the seminar is to promote coalition and partnership
building between government, business and civil society. Consensus
is of common interest for economic development and poverty reduction
through consistence and smooth implementation of the industrial
and trade national policy. Foreign experience like in Japan and
EU shows that a customs modernization plan is fully efficient when
integrated in an economic development initiative program based on
joint efforts and consensus, Mr. Bernard Touboul, customs advisor
to the minister of revenue stated during his presentation.
Mr. Touboul said that challenges faced by customs in the current
context are revenue collection that lowered tariffs within WTO integration,
revenue, investment climate that customs is perceived as a barrier
by foreign and domestic investors, institutional inadequacies outdated
customs laws and legislations, cumbersome and outdated procedures,
ill trained and unmotivated human resource, inappropriate organizational
structure, not optimized use of computerization and automation in
customs process and management, lack of infrastructures, lack of
control equipment and also that ethical issues and the image of
customs, will influence customer behavior.
Mr. Touboul also presented that customs has the dual task of ensuring
the correct calculation and payment of customs duties and taxes
on imports and exports, and the proper enforcement of prohibitions,
restrictions, and control measures on specific goods and promoting
trade facilities as well as enabling the best competition conditions
for business.
He said that the level of modernization of customs linked to a search
for trade facilitation performance is a comparative advantage of
a nation depending on the customs capacity to adapt to the evolving
international commercial environment through the simplification,
harmonization and standardization of its procedure and the efficiency
and effectiveness of the customs services through transparent, predictable
and accountable procedures and regulations in order to fit the business
necessity of real-time access to information with the possible just-in-time
logistic and supply chain management. In the economic integration
context, trade policies have to be expanded from policy measures
at the border that limit the entry of foreign goods mainly through
the application of tariff to internal policy measures and border
measures that limit entry of foreign services, service providers
and enterprises, he concluded.
World Bank appoints economist
from outside Europe U.S.
First time in the bank’s history
By our staff reporter
The World Bank has appointed Chinese national Justin Lin, as its
chief economist, the first time the post has gone to a candidate
from outside Europe and the United States.
“As our first chief economist from a developing country, and
an expert on economic development and particularly agriculture,
Justin Lin brings a unique set of skills and experience to the World
Bank Group,” Robert Zoellick, head of the World Bank, said
in a statement posted on the bank’s Web site.
South Africa and other nations have pushed to end the monopoly of
Europeans and Americans in top roles of the World Bank and the International
Monetary Fund since Zoellick took the helm last year. The appointment
of Lin, 55, who was born in Taiwan and defected to China in 1979,
reflects the increasing importance of the world’s fastest-growing
developing country, said Suhaimi Ilias, an economist at Aseambankers
Malaysia.
“The World Bank’s main responsibility is providing financial
and technical assistance to developing countries,” Suhaimi
said. “Someone from a developing country that is successfully
transforming the economy via rapid economic growth, yet still facing
many socio-economic issues that come with development, may be the
right thing.”
“This appointment is a high honor, and it’s a historic
decision for the World Bank,” Lin said in an interview published
by the official Xinhua News Agency on Tuesday. “By picking
a candidate from China, the World Bank will be able to better serve
developing countries.”
Lin is the founder and director of the China Center for Economic
Research at Peking University. He has served as a consultant to
the World Bank since 1993, according to the profile published by
his employer.
Lin completed a doctorate in economics from the University of Chicago
in 1986 and a master’s degree in political economy from Peking
University. He is expected to assume his new post on May 31, the
World Bank said.
Lin will replace François Bourguignon, who stepped down as
chief economist in October 2007 after four years in the post. The
job has also been held by the former U.S. Treasury Secretary, Lawrence
Summers, and the Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz.
“I think it’s good that the World Bank has the first
non-Western economist as the chief economist,” said Masahiro
Kawai, dean of the Tokyo-based Asian Development Bank Institute.
“His philosophy is different from the so-called Washington
consensus, that a country needs to adopt a proper macro-economic
policy of low inflation, a small fiscal deficit and liberal investment
and trade.”
Although Lin is familiar with China’s economic development,
“his challenge may be that some developing economies such
as those of Africa don’t have as strong a centralized government
as China,” Kawai said.
Lin is the author of more than a dozen books and more than 100 articles,
according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations. He has written widely on agriculture, which Zoellick identified
as a priority for the World Bank at the group’s annual meeting
in October.
“What happens in China increasingly matters for the rest of
the world,” said Robert Subbaraman, senior economist at Lehman
Brothers Holdings in Hong Kong, “so it’s good to have
more Chinese people populating important international organizations.”
Water and sanitation forum
launches
By Muluken Yewondwossen
The establishment of a water and sanitation forum was officially
announced on February 5, 2008, in the presence of 32 enterprises
operating in water and sanitation under the Christian Relief and
Development Association (CRDA).
According to the information released at the forum, it was indicated
that the establishment of the forum will significantly contribute
to the institutional strength of the coordination platform as the
forum will have a secretariat, increased financing, legal recognition
and fund raising capacity. This in turn would considerably contribute
to the sector in general and the Civil Society Organization (CSOs)
working in water and sanitation in particular, through enhancing
their coordination to play an active role in advocacy and lobbying,
policy dialogues, sector performance monitoring and networking with
other actors.
“The Forum we are launching today will enable us to involve
a large number of civil society organizations and will serve as
a convenient platform to interface with the government and other
actors working in the sectors. It will also serve civil society
organizations working in water, sanitation and hygiene areas to
have a common voice on matters of mutual concern,” Semira
Alhadi, acting director of CRDA, said in her speech.
“I strongly believe that the Forum which you are going to
launch today will contribute to better coordinate and enhance the
contribution of the civil society organizations working in the water,
sanitation and hygiene sub sector. The Forum will also be an important
platform for experience and information sharing among its members.
It will also contribute to avoid redundancy in efforts and wastage
of scarce resources,” Asfaw Dingamo, Minister of Water Resources,
said on his part.
The members have discussed on the forum’s modality and action
plan presented by the interim steering committee. The forum has
also elected a new steering committee, to serve for the next two
years.
A recent study conducted on 49 NGOs, commissioned by members of
CRDA-WSF, found that over half a billion birr was spent on 267 water
supply and sanitation projects in 8 regions between 2002-2006. Although
NGOs significantly contribute to the water supply and sanitation
sector, their contributions and experiences has not been well organized,
documented and communicated in the past. This is mainly because
of lack of a well organized water and sanitation platform for CSOs
which can bring the actors together, articulating the level of their
contribution. In light of the growing number of CSOs and government’s
plan for universal access to water and sanitation in the country,
there is a need for better coordination of CSOs working on water
and sanitation.
Pertaining to the urgent need for coordination and enhancing the
contribution of CSOs for water and sanitation sector, CRDA with
the initiation and support of its members, has upgraded and reinvigorated
the Water Working Group (WWG), which was formerly under the Rural
Development Forum, into an independent body.
Indian embassy awards four
designers with scholarships
By Kirubel Tadesse
Four winners were named among local designers who followed a three
week training organized by the Indian Embassy as part of its various
programs held to mark the Ethiopian millennium and to celebrate
sixty years of the Independence of India.
The designers had exhibited their works at the Embassy on India’s
Independence Day 60th anniversary celebration held on Wednesday
January 23, 2007 for the diplomatic community and high government
officials, including President Girma Wolde Giorgis.
H.E. Mr. Gurjit Singh, Ambassador of India, awarded the scholarship
to the winners on Wednesday, February 6, 2007, at an event organized
to celebrate the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)
Day at the Embassy premises. After handing the prizes to the winners
who will take a study tour between 29 February to 13 March this
year, Ambassador Gurijit made a surprise announcement to sponsor
two more designers for business training under the ITEC program.
All the participating designers received diplomas. The Embassy also
recognized Dr. Neeti Bose, project coordinator, who organized successfully
the capacity building program. Ambassador Gurjit presented her a
special award in recognition of her achievement.
Adebabay Abay, training and education advisor to the minister of
capacity building, Eyesuswork Zafu, President of Addis Ababa Chamber
of Commerce and Sectoral Association and other invited guests attended
the ITEC panel discussion.
Adebabay Abay explained that since the first half of the last Ethiopian
millennium, Ethiopia and India have engaged in many diverse development
co-operations to realize common benefits of both nations. “ITEC
has played a great role in this cooperation,” explained Adebabay,
“the focus of ITEC in Ethiopia is multifaceted and all rounded
in building Ethiopia. As the relationship between the two countries
gets stronger, our technical and economic cooperation has got momentum
and depth. The doubling of ITEC scholarship slots for Ethiopia from
25 to 50 in the next four years is an indication of the strength
of our cooperation.”
Eyesuswork Zafu also praised the cooperation of Ethiopia and India
and commented that India’s democracy is the greatest in the
world.
Ethiopia loses 50,000 infants
every year
The first national nutrition strategy unveiled
By Abiy Demilew Faced with a heavy disease burden
caused by prevalent maternal and child undernourishment, Ethiopia
Thursday launched its first-ever National Nutrition Strategy (NNS)
to ensure its people live a healthy and productive life.
“The time is now for us to focus our attention and endeavours
to reverse one of the most serious health concerns facing our nation,”
said Minister of Health Teodros Adhanom, at the launch of the integrated
multi-sectoral effort aimed at alleviating the persistent problem
of malnutrition in the East African country.
“With this Strategy and other complementary strategies, we
are once and for all ensuring that future generations can fulfill
their potential and lead healthy and prosperous lives,” he
added.
Malnutrition, according to health authorities in the country, is
the greatest underlying cause of childhood mortality in Ethiopia.
Approximately 53 per cent of all deaths among children under the
age of five are related to malnutrition. In human terms, this translates
into roughly 374 child deaths every day.
The launch of NNS in Ethiopia comes in the wake of new evidence
from ‘The Lancet’ Series on Maternal and Child Undernutrition,
showing that malnutrition accounts for more than 3.5 million child
deaths every year worldwide.
‘The Lancet’ is the world’s leading independent
general medical journal that brings international attention to the
critical role of early nutrition in global health and economic growth
of nations.
In economic terms, according to the latest series, Ethiopia will
lose an estimated 144 billion Birr (about US$15 billion) due to
the economic consequences of stunting, and iodine and iron deficiencies
between 2006 and 2015, if the nutrition status remained unchanged.
If action is taken, Ethiopia stands to save 46 billion Birr.
“The Lancet Series analyses the effectiveness and potential
impact of nutrition-related interventions and policy options. This
Series offers a unique roadmap for improving nutrition and the well-being
of the world’s poorest women and children,” said Dr.
Robert Black of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
and lead author of ‘The Lancet’ Series.
Speaking at the NNS launch here, Black said: “Worldwide, policymakers
and donors must respond to these findings if they hope to put an
end to the destructive cycle of undernutrition and poverty in developing
countries.”
As a comprehensive approach to eradicating malnutrition in Ethiopia,
the NNS encompasses the promotion of essential nutrition actions
such as breastfeeding, monitoring and promotion of child growth,
enhancing maternal care practices and nutrition in emergencies.
It also covers food security activities, water and sanitation, micronutrient
supplementation and fortification, and addresses the role of nutrition
in HIV/AIDS and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as diabetes
and cardiovascular disease.
The Lancet has selected Ethiopia as one of its key countries for
the launch of its landmark Series on Maternal and Child Undernutrition.
Other countries are India, Peru, Senegal, Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Deupty Prime Minister and Minister
of Agriculture and Rural Development, Addisu Legesee, said the government
has long subscribed to the goals of human development and poverty
eradication as its guiding principles for development strategies
and programs.
The Minister stressed the importance of fighting malnutrition as
its negative impact goes beyond the individual suffering.
The second five-year plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development
to End Poverty calls for the implementation of the NNS and nutrition
program, he said.
“The implementation of NNS is considered as one of the foundations
for Ethiopia’s aspirations for achieving all Millennium Development
Goals,” Addisu said.
Speaking on his part Health Minister of Teodros Adhanom stated the
government has embarked up on massive undertakings on the health
extension program since 2004, which serves as a vehicle to bring
nutrition security to household level.
Currently, he said, of the total 30,000 required health extension
workers, more than 24,640 are deployed in their respective communities.
Teodros said the implementation of the National Nutrition Program
is estimated to cost about 351.3 million USD for the coming five
years of which the government has already secured 96.4 million USD.
Excluding over 62.1 million USD pledged by the World Bank and other
sources, there is a total gap of 192.6 million USD to finance the
program.
He said he was optimistic that partners, donors and UN, bilateral
and private sector will manage to close the gap.
Speaking on behalf of the UN system in Ethiopia, UNICEF Ethiopia
Country Representative, Bjorn Ljungqvist, said though Africa is
still home to one third of the 178 million undernourished children
in all developing countries, Ethiopia is making significant progress
in this regard.
He said the UN family will provide unconditional support for the
government’s effort to ‘end hunger and malnutrition
in Ethiopia’, one of the key commitments for the new Ethiopian
Millennium.
The National Nutrition strategy aims to scale up nutrition success
by providing a framework to coordinate planning and programming
across multiple sectors and ministries.
The Lancet’s series launched on the same day analyses the
effectiveness and potential impact of nutrition-related interventions
and policy options.
Senior government officials, Ambassadors, representatives of pertinent
governmental and non-governmental organizations, among others, attended
the launch ceremony.
Government pardons twenty-
five CUD supporters
By Kirubel Tadesse
The Ethiopian government has pardoned twenty five prisoners who
were found guilty in connection to the unrest that rocked the nation
following the May 2005 elections. The twenty five prisoners who
had been sentenced for up to 20 years were pardoned after the continued
mediation of the Council of Elders council led by Professor Ephraim
Yishak.
Dr. Yacob Hailemariam, Engineer Gizachew Shiferaw, and Birtukan
Medeksa were negotiating for prisoners pardon. Birtukan told Capital
that the prisoners were released on Friday, February 8, 2008. She
added that there are still ten prisoners who are expected to be
pardoned soon. Few others whose case is still pending are awaiting
sentencing prior being pardon.
In a recent development, after electing twelve Members of Parliament
to the supreme council last week, Birtukan’s group is making
continuous attempts to bring other MPs who are participating in
the House of Peoples Representatives outside Temesgen Zewde’s
(MP) group, which is now forced to abandon the ‘CUD’
name in parliament following Ayele Chamiso’s win in the battle
for the name.
Engineer Gizachew Shiferaw told Capital that the attempt falls under
the overall plan they are working on to bring all former ‘members
of the family together. “We wanted to gather the MPs so that
when they go to their respective woredas they were elected from,
they can explain to the people what is really going on,” Engineer
Gizachew explained. “What is happening is not forming a new
party or collecting some group and discarding others to create another
party. We only demand a democratic system and respect of the party
laws.” Engineer Gizachew added that they are working with
all parliamentarians without excluding anyone so that they can get
legality under a new name but with the former structure and policy.
Some reports claimed that MPs outside the group led by Temesgen
Zewde, who claim to represent some 25 members, denounced the election
of twelve MPs from Temesgen’s group to the Supreme Council.
The election was approved by nine executive committee members of
the former CUD.
Temesgen told Capital the number of MPs who are not included in
his group is below ten and they don’t have good intentions
at heart. “This should be a time to unite and work together
but from the beginning these parliamentarians were not willing to
do so. First they went after the leadership then they tried to side
with one of the groups and disturb the process and now they say
they are trying to mediate the two groups,” Temesgen added.
Engineer Hailu Shawul’s group still hasn’t given up
the CUD name. It was reported that Abayneh Berhanu, who is acting
on Hailu’s behalf, announced that he has requested the Electoral
Board to return the election emblem which is now a property of Lidetu
Ayalew’s (MP) party, as well as the ‘CUD’ name
which Ayele Chamiso now owns.
“Ethiopia at a Glance”
directory launches
By Abiy Demilew
In an effort to introduce a positive image to the world, “Ethiopia
at a glance,” a colorful tourist directory, is launched this
week.
Prepared and published by Gojo Magazine LLC, publisher of Gojo Magazine
in the United States, Ethiopia at a Glance, has focused on tourism
and development activities of the country and will be distributed
worldwide through international distributors, according to the publisher.
Shawel Tadesse, owner and editor-in-chief of Gojo Magazine, told
Capital that the realization of the book has taken more than a year.
“Preparing and publishing a book of international standard
costs a lot of energy, time and money,” he said.
The book will contribute in putting out a positive image of Ethiopia,
which in the west is known more for hunger and drought, says Shawel,
who is also the editor-in-chief and graphic designer of Ethiopia
at a Glance.
“Many foreigners have written about us both in positive and
negative angles, but the core point is, we should also introduce
our country for the development of our tourism industry and the
country as a whole,” says Shawel.
According to Shawel, the book is more than a tourist directory as
it features 60 percent of its pages for development activities in
the country and the remaining space for tourism.
“Every time I come back to Ethiopia, I see various development
activities taking place. So we should also write about this as it
gives the right image of the country and attracts and encourages
international investors to come to Ethiopia,” Shawel believes.
Shawel admits that the response of people and organizations in Ethiopia
is exciting. “Of course, the response level before and after
publishing is very different, but all in all I’m very much
encouraged by the feedback so far.”
The book will be updated every year according to Shawel. “We
are tirelessly working on promoting our country and we are laying
a strong base here in Addis Ababa for this purpose.”
The colorfully designed Ethiopia at a Glance has 135 pages featuring
business and economy, tourism and culture, company profiles and
travel tips.
The role of faith communities
in social change illuminated
By Kirubel Tadesse
The Reverend Dr. Elbert Ransom, a pioneer of the American Civil
Rights Movement, and confidant of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr, said the role of faith communities should be given a special
value for social change.
In a discussion organized by the US embassy in Ethiopia and the
Social Science Department of the Addis Ababa University, Dr. Elbert
Ransom praised the role of faith communities in the civil movement
and social change.
“Faith communities of various religious groups have played
a significant role in social changes in many countries of the world,”
said Dr. Elbert. He also expressed his excitement at visiting Ethiopia,
which symbolizes coexistence and tolerance of different religions
in a nation.
In an exclusive interview with Capital, Rev. Elbert said, faith
communities and religious groups have played a key role in the movement
and struggle of freedom of African-Americans in the United States.
“Most of the achievements were gained by the struggle of faith
communities, which brought the participation of most Africa-Americans,”
said the renowned freedom fighter.
Elbert Ransom, Jr. D. Min., president of REACH Incorporated, travels
worldwide and preaches about human relations. REACH is an international
human relations firm organized and established by Elbert Ransom,
Jr. D. Min, and incorporated in the year 2000.
“REACH was established as an answer to a need for improved
understanding between races and cultures across the American community.
It is staffed by a group of dedicated professionals who are committed
to positive social change,” says the Reverend.
Elbert Ransom, Jr. brings 48 years of experience to the field of
Human Rights and Interpersonal Relations. Beginning his work in
the historic Montgomery, Alabama Bus Boycott as an aide to the late
Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., Ransom served as a principal
community and student organizer. The ensuing years were spent in
Inter-group Relations with the American Friends Services Committee
as director of equal housing opportunities and the National Association
of Inter-group Relations Officials, facilitating multicultural and
multiracial groups in recognizing human similarities across cultural
and racial lines. He also worked at the National Urban Coalition
as the Southeastern Regional Director for the establishment of local
coalitions of persons representing all sectors of the community.
Ransom has lectured on America’s message of peace around the
world on behalf of the United States Information Agency in Papua
New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Sydney, Australia, and several
cities in Brazil. He served the Alexandria City Government as Special
Assistant to the City Manager for Human Relations, charged with
the responsibility of organizing diversity training for 2000 city
employees. Ransom has been extremely active in facilitating
diversity training for the Alexandria Police Department as well
as leading workshops for The Virginia Community Policing Institute.
His advice and council are routinely sought for Police/Community
Relations matters pertaining to diversity.
“Depending upon specific subject matter, additional qualified
personnel will be used as needed and appropriate,” Ransom
told Capital
REACH’s intention is to have participants review the
environment where they live, work, and play, and make an assessment
of those who have been overlooked or disrespected because they happen
to be of a different race or culture, according to Dr. Ransom.
Additionally, Dr. Ransom says, participants are encouraged to take
creative approaches to better relationships through introspection. The
idea is to cause a self review of the inner being as to prejudices,
discriminatory practices, and stereotypical views.
“REACH encourages an assessment of what needs to be done to
adjust behavior for a better appreciation of races and cultures
other than one’s own,” said Dr. Ransom.
The discussion titled, the role of faith communities in social change,
was organized by the US embassy in Addis Ababa, in commemoration
of the Black History Month, celebrated every February, in the US
and on the African continent.
National seminar to strengthen
student council
By Addis Mulugeta
A national seminar to strengthen student councils, organized by
the Ethiopian Teachers Association and Initiative Africa, a not-for-profit
non-partisan organization, was held on February 8, 2008, at the
Christian Relief and Development Association (CRDA).
Student councils from various high schools and institutions, leaders
of educational center, high school directors, non- governmental
organizations, decision makers and concerned international bodies
attended the seminar.
The objectives of the seminar were to identify information gaps
within student councils, approve the plans of the councils, strengthen
operations and to discuss on the decision making process which guides
student councils.
Another project of the Ethiopian Teachers Association and Initiative
Africa is “Support for Future Ethiopia,” which aims
to nominate student councils in educational institutions, strengthen
student councils and increase overall confidence.
Through locally driven development programs and activities, Initiative
Africa promotes the study of public and private governance, particularly
within an African context, strengthens collective empowerment, facilitates
dialogue and knowledge sharing. It strives to bring together practitioners
and their organizations to improve and innovate governance and development
practices in Ethiopia and in Africa.
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