As part of the celebrations of the 125 years of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and France, the French Embassy prepares to name the winners of the creative mural paintings drawn on the wall of the embassy and surroundings under France’s national motto ‘Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité’.
Marie-Céline Maréchaux, coordinator of the project, while speaking about the wall painting, described that the project was conceived a year ago to celebrate the 125th anniversary of France-Ethiopia Diplomatic relations.
“The project was taken on by 31 artists and stretched across the Ferensay Legasion,” explained Marie-Céline, as she showcased some of the art.
As the French Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rémi Maréchaux, indicates, the competition will mark the closing of the well celebrated 125 year anniversary ceremony in recent months.
“The two countries’ relationship is unique in the African continent since it has stood firm throughout the test of time and has remained untarnished,” the ambassador exemplified.
“The French administration is committed to ensuring that this relationship will continue to blossom even to greater heights,” Ambassador Maréchaux affirmed.
This project is said to be the largest mural project in Addis Ababa with over 160 meters of wall space already painted. Each artist worked on a wall space of 10 square meters,
(Photo: Anteneh Aklilu)
with each creative taking about a month to capture their imaginations on the wall.
The embassy is said to announce the top five winners on Tuesday February 21, 2023. According to the embassy, winners will get different prizes based on their result including; A group exhibition organized by the Alliance Ethio-Française for the 5th, 4th and 3rd place holders as 3rd Prize; with an individual exhibition being organized by the Alliance for the second place holder for the 2nd Prize. The first prize of the competition is said to get an all-expense paid trip to France, to take part in a week long art training program.
(Photo: Anteneh Aklilu)
The French Embassy kicked off in March 2022 a yearlong celebration of 125 years of Ethio-Française’s long-standing diplomatic relations.
For more than a century the two countries have shared bilateral ties that were formally cemented 125 years ago when Leonce Lagard, then French governor of Somaliland and later Duke of Entoto, signed a treaty with Emperor Menelik II recognizing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
ZigZag Space, so named for the structure’s distinctive roof, is a brand-new attraction for fans of both art and architecture. The gallery, which just opened, is now a center for the arts and crafts community.
The simplistic marvel is made up of the many artistic accomplishments melded into one to make the space on the third floor of the International Tennis Club building in Bisrate Gabriel, where it is situated.
“Although it was only recently launched, it is the result of many people’s dedication and hard work over the course of more than 20 years,” says Alebel Desta, Chief Architect of Alebel Desta consulting architects and engineering which for him also is a dream-come true.
(Photo: Anteneh Aklilu)
Alebel is well-known both within and outside of the architectural community for his distinctive style, propensity for experimentation, and meticulous construction of his works. It is less commonly known that many of his architectural endeavors were preceded by his experience in the arts and crafts industry. As a young boy, he was greatly influenced by his mother, a skilled craftswoman who created a variety of goods for use in her home and elsewhere. He combined what he had learnt from her with his interests from architecture school, which he studied in Addis Abeba, and continued to explore to produce novel things.
Alebel Desta’s architectural studio, along with consulting architects and engineers, is connected to the area. The ZIGZAG space’s material was largely created by the studio team in order to create a stimulating setting where it is simple to come up with ideas, as arts and crafts inspiring architecture and vice versa.
The gallery is home to several found objects in addition to the numerous professionally made and designed components of the area. Ordinary, frequently disregarded objects are given a new setting to draw attention to their beauty and reveal their distinctive qualities. These objects are frequently altered beyond their original purpose, leading to the creation of a brand-new aesthetic expression.
The area serves as a living portfolio for the studio’s diverse offering of goods and services. Also, the area provides a venue for gatherings and activities relating to the creative and artistic industries.
The gallery’s exterior bears the name of the place that inspired it. Its sloped roof has produced intriguing shapes that uniquely identify the neighborhood. The huge windows and the ample room height provide a bright and airy atmosphere. The numerous potted plants that fill the gallery add to its airy ambiance by giving it a feeling of an outdoor garden. These gives the gallery the impression of being a getaway from the busy city you can see from a distance.
The space showcases a collection of paintings that heavily feature vibrant colors, geometric lines, and shapes composed in various manners. The pieces are inspired by Ethiopian and African art. The paintings are a cross between the traditional arts inspired by contemporary painting styles.
Ethiopian tilet, sifet, tattoos, and crosses have inspired many pieces. They range from tiny palm-sized pieces to ones twice as tall as the average person. All art pieces have been carefully crafted and made by hand in the space.
The majority of the furniture used to furnish the room was also designed and made on-site. The items urge visitors to think creatively and follow the space’s overall handcrafted aesthetic. The furniture enhances its attractiveness by taking advantage of the materials’ inherent qualities. The center’s ultimate objective is to showcase and inspire creative thinking, and these objects are made to spark innovation.
(Photo: Anteneh Aklilu)
The bamboo dome serves as the focal point of the arts and crafts facility. The internal structure, which was designed and constructed in-house, creates a space distinct from the spaces where artwork is on show. The dome is a transient interest because it is a temporary installation in the area. The commanded area has a different vibe, emphasizing people over the creative industries. In order to maintain the feeling of a space within a space, more installations are planned.
Anybody visiting Addis Ababa should visit the place, which features an intricate variety of arts and crafts and a distinctive arrangement of architectural components. The delicate beauty of the objects featured and the symphony they produce when assembled cannot be adequately captured in photos. Just moving through ZIGZAG area is an experience. You may watch it several times and yet learn something new each time.
The iconic images visually narrated by Ethiopian artist Belachew Yimer (1869-1957) entitled “BATTLE OF ADWA” dramatically depicts the political and spiritual fight for the protection of the sovereign empire of Ethiopia 1896. The event arguably propelled the Pan African Movement, seeded in the early to mid 1800’s in the Americas. The oil on canvas approximately 1899 painting portrays red, gold and green banners waving in the wind against a crystal-clear blue sky over a steep dark mountain range. The scene is set with brave Ethiopian warriors and women alike, accompanying nobles on well adorned horses with the sacred St. Giorgis talbot carried by the Ethiopian Orthodox clergy in customary white turbans with embellished umbrellas, all led by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taitu. Belachew’s original work is on permanent display at Addis Ababa University Institute of Ethiopian Studies Pan African Wing, opened to 32 African leaders 60 years ago on the occasion of the inaugural Organization of African Union Summit May 1963. The Pan African Wing documents the inspiration and galvanizing force of the Victory at Adwa, considered by Pan Africans as the ultimate act of courage and faith in the battle of good over evil.
There are several examples of the fight against colonial powers throughout African history where spirituality (church) and state collaborate for success. For instance, Queen Nzinga Mbandae (1583-1663) Monarch of Mbundu People of Central Africa converted to Christianity in a strategic attempt to maintain peaceful relations with the encroaching Portuguese. While Muhumusa (1850-1945), feared female leader of the Rwanda region, led rebellions against German and British invaders relying heavily on the legendary spiritual medium known as Nyahbinghi, to rally fearless forces against European invaders. While Pan African Rastafari artists penned anti-apartheid songs, known as protest/liberation music. Peter Tosh’s “APARTHEID” and Bob Marley’s “WAR” arranged profound lyrics to the one drop rhythm with the latter, an excerpt from Emperor Haile Selassie I’s 1963 speech at the UN declaring and defending the humanity of all Africans.
So where are we today, literally, as African Heads of State meet to determine the political destiny of over 1.4 billion people? Will Pan Africanism be reduced to a catch phrase, which if used, legitimizes political agendas, while ironically sidelining Pan Africanists in Africa and the Diaspora along the way? Will the African Union et al embrace and exhibit the grand principles established by those whose blood was spilt at the monumental Adwa mountain, where submission to foreign powers was a nonstarter? Will the fraternity of s/elected leaders recognize and recall the contributions and sacrifices made by persecuted Pan Africans such as founders of the Movement, American born Martin Delaney (1812-1885), Danish West Indies born Liberian Edward Blyden (1832-1912) and Jamaican born Honorebel Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887-1940)? Shall the visions of the OAU founding Fathers, Emperor Haile Selassie I, President Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere of Kenya, Sékou Touré of Guinea and Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia etc. be pursued? Shall the spirit of Pan Africanism, best expressed in the seminal scripture that rallies Black people, found in the Holy Bible Psalms 68, “Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands to God” remain the clarion call for hope, love, justice, peace and protection? Will Africans be guided by the cautionary words espoused of Emperor Haile Selassie I, “…until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil.” While the questions far outweigh the answers, let us pray the Politicians, Pan Africans and Priests/esses will do their part, individually and collectively, to invoke the spirit of love and stewardship through the guidance of the Most High, our ancestors and angels and all means of spiritual realms which are at the core of African culture and society.
Dr. Desta Meghoo is a Jamaican born Creative Consultant, Curator and cultural promoter based in Ethiopia since 2005. She also serves as Liaison to the AU for the Ghana based, Diaspora African Forum.
Kebour Ghenna is Executive Director of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI), which represents the interests of business and trade associations in Africa. He talked to Capital about the status of CFTA currently. Excerpts;
Capital: Where do we stand on the AfCFTA today?
Kebour Ghenna: From public information we learn that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which was officially launched in Niamey in 2019 is heading in the right direction with 54 African states signing the AfCFTA Agreement and over 40, I believe have ratified it. Thirty member states also signed the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment at the Niamey Summit.
So far, only Phase I negotiations on Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, and Dispute Settlement have been concluded. Phase II negotiations – on investment, competition policy, intellectual property rights, and e-commerce – are currently under way. In any case, the start of trading under the Trade Protocol on January 1, 2021, marks a major milestone in operationalizing the AfCFTA Agreement. In any case this is a process, the successful implementation of this trade agreement is going to be a long and uphill path.
Capital: Why is the AfCFTA so important for Africa?
(Photo: Anteneh Aklilu)
Kebour Ghenna: The AfCFTA is an initiative that brings together 54 countries, more than 1.2 billion people and a GDP in excess of US$3 trillion. This is a good starting point for Africa, with the AfCFTA as instrument to address Africa’s persistent marginalization in the global economy and in making Africa’s voice better heard across major platforms. At the continental level, it can help overcome the numerous challenges to regional integration and substantially increase intra-African trade and investment. By leveraging trade as an engine of growth, the AfCFTA can boost opportunities for industrial diversification, generating jobs for men and women, including Africa’s teeming youths, thus contributing towards the development goals African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Capital: But on the ground can we say the AfCFTA is operational?
Kebour Ghenna: African countries opened their markets on 1st January under the continental free trade agreement and duty-free trading of goods and services. Officially business is therefore open under the AfCFTA. Pilot trading is now being conducted with 7 or 8 countries selected from each subregion. Members are expected to phase out 90% of tariff over five years for more advanced economies or 10 years for less developed ones. Another 7% considered sensitive will get more time, while 3% will be allowed to be placed on exclusion list. Many countries have finalized those schedules and have communicated them to businesses, others, including Ethiopia, have yet to submit their tariff proposal.
So, on the ground we’re still not there yet, as I said we’re just a year or two since the entire operation has been officially launched.
Capital: What are the main challenges of the AfCFTA?
(Photo: Anteneh Aklilu)
Kebour Ghenna: As for the challenges we can mention protectionism, customs and trade facilitation bureaucracies, the mix of exchange rate regimes from one sub-regional market to another, the poor logistics and telecommunication infrastructure. Perhaps the two greatest challenges of AfCFTA are, first, whether SME’s and startups will be able to compete with larger and more financially superior companies. This agreement breaks up barriers that would typically protect smaller local players from being annihilated by larger corporations. Second, eliminating tariffs could wipe out substantive income in custom duties earned by small and weaker African countries. The impact of this on government’s revenue cannot be overemphasized. If governments do not mitigate this by attracting increased export proceeds from the sale of goods to other African countries, then we could expect a mess.
Capital: How is Ethiopia going to benefit from the AfCFTA?
Kebour Ghenna: As a minimum Ethiopia must increase production for exports, and this cannot happen in a vacuum. It takes time. By signing AfCFTA, Ethiopia attempts to address production issues through a single African market and by attracting foreign investors in the context of a single African market. The logic, is that a larger market will improve the business case for foreign direct investment, bringing much-needed capital and technology into Ethiopia.
Still, many entrepreneurs are unaware of the advantages and harms of the agreement. We at PACCI would be launching a continental campaign on the benefits of the AfCFTA’s entry into force, and provide information on, for example, how to improve the business environment and how to carry out reforms in industry, mainly manufacturing, as it adds value to raw materials and opens up employment opportunities. In short, the AfCFTA will allow Ethiopian or African-owned companies to enter new markets. This expands their customer base and leads to new products and services, making investing in innovation viable.
Capital: What are the downsides of the AfCFTA?
Kebour Ghenna: It’s difficult to put so many diverse economies under one agreement. For example, over 50% of Africa’s cumulative GDP is contributed by Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa, while Africa’s six sovereign island nations collectively contribute just 1%. Also, larger economies with stronger companies can avail cheaper products to the market. This may lead to local producers losing sales to foreign suppliers, because the latter can lower the cost of their products by leveraging the reduced tariffs imposed on imported goods. Anyway, a CFTA that does not support Africa’s poorer economies could end up being a force for economic divergence, rather than a force for good. It is therefore important that participating countries make sure solidarity is present at all levels of the AfCFTA to avoid leaving any economies behind. Furthermore, individual countries under the agreement should introduce policies that address the concerns of labor unions and encourage healthy competition without killing local businesses.
Capital: Are African private sector associations working together to advance the AfCFTA?
(Photo: Anteneh Aklilu)
Kebour Ghenna: We at PACCI work closely with local chambers of commerce and industry associations. We claim to be the largest business organization serving Africa’s businesses on the continent. Through our members at national level we can mobilize the private sector to get involved and make sure that we get there. But our members on the ground are also diverse in terms of capacity, that’s why we launched a new initiative called ‘Africa Connect’ to realign the services chambers of commerce provide their members and to help remain effective advocates of businesses. ‘Africa Connects’ explores how the next generation of chambers of commerce can help businesses harness new technologies to continue the digital transformations that were accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is an exciting period for our members and SMEs to modernize and boost their efficiency to meet new business requirements.
