The Swedish Embassy in Addis Ababa resonated with vibrant melodies and rhythmic energy as the Addis Jazz Festival (AJF) unfolded from February 7th to 9th, 2025. The annual festival, a resounding success, united music enthusiasts and artists alike in a celebration of Ethiopia’s unique Ethio-jazz legacy and the dynamic spirit of international collaboration.
As the flagship event of Muzikawi, Ethiopia’s leading music and event production company, the Addis Jazz Festival has solidified its position as East Africa’s only jazz festival, drawing talent and audiences from across the continent and beyond. Since its inception in 2019, the festival has been instrumental in popularizing jazz within Addis Ababa, promoting the rich heritage of Ethio-Jazz, and fostering invaluable networking and performance opportunities for musicians from around the globe.
This year’s lineup showcased a diverse array of artists, blending legendary Ethiopian performers with international talents. The festival featured iconic performances by renowned Ethiopian artists such as Dawit Yifru, Kuku Sebsibe, and Roha Band, alongside rising stars and established names from the international jazz scene.
Stewart Sukuma & Banda Nkhuvu from Mozambique lit up the final night of the festival, captivating the audience with their energetic fusion of traditional Mozambican music and contemporary styles. Sukuma, a gifted musician, singer, and composer, has toured extensively across Europe, Africa, and the United States, sharing stages with legends like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela.
The Addis Jazz Festival 2025 not only provided a platform for exceptional musical performances but also fostered cross-cultural exchange and celebrated the power of music to unite people from diverse backgrounds. With its growing reputation and commitment to showcasing both established and emerging talent, the Addis Jazz Festival continues to elevate Ethiopia’s cultural scene, inspiring audiences and artists alike. In prior years, the festival has hosted iconic performers like Hailu Mergia, Alemayehu Eshete, Samuel Yirga, Kibrom Birhane, and Girma Beyene, further cementing its place as a vital hub for the global jazz community.
Ambassador Gurjit Singh’s career has spanned continents and organizations, offering him a unique vantage point on the intricate web of global governance, international cooperation, and sustainable development. From his formative and rewarding tenure as Ambassador to Ethiopia to his accreditations with ASEAN and the African Union, Singh has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that shape the development trajectories of nations and regions.
Beyond his diplomatic service, Singh has immersed himself in the world of social impact investing, championing private-sector-led initiatives that aim to achieve public good. In this exclusive interview with Capital during his short visit to Addis Ababa, Gurjit Singh former Ambassador to Germany, Indonesia & ASEAN, Ethiopia & the African Union reflects on his experiences in Ethiopia, shares his insights on trilateral cooperation in Africa, explores the potential of the Asia Africa Growth Corridor, and discusses the crucial role of social impact investing in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With a career steeped in diplomatic engagement and a passion for driving positive change, Ambassador Singh offers a compelling vision for Africa’s future, one rooted in strategic partnerships, innovative financing, and a deep commitment to empowering communities across the continent. This interview provides a rare glimpse into the mind of a seasoned diplomat turned impact investor, whose insights are shaping the next chapter of Africa’s development story.
Capital: Ambassador Gurjit Singh, welcome back to Ethiopia. What brings you to Addis Ababa today?
Gurjit Singh: In recent weeks, I have had occasion to visit Germany and Indonesia, my two other ambassadorial positions after Ethiopia, so perhaps it was time to return to Ethiopia to complete my triangle of revisits to my ambassadorial assignment capitals.
I also have an abiding faith and affection for Ethiopia. I came back to see how things are and to judge for myself how the country is progressing and adjusting to new realities, both internally and globally.
Ethiopia is an important country and has now joined the BRICS; there is abiding interest in investing in Ethiopia and having an economic partnership. I came to make an assessment of the economic and investment ambience so that as part of my private sector diplomacy, I could guide companies which looked to me for advice appropriately.
So you can say it is a return to one of my favorite cities and a learning experience to keep up with the times since I left here in 2009.
Capital: Looking back at your tenure as Ambassador to Ethiopia, what would you consider the most significant achievements and challenges?
Gurjit Singh: I have lived in nine countries and served as the resident ambassador in three of them. I am often asked which assignment was the most rewarding, and without hesitation, I say that my tenure in Ethiopia from 2005 to 2009 was, professionally, the most eventful and satisfying period of my career. During that time, we significantly advanced India’s role as a development and economic cooperation partner with Ethiopia, securing major projects through foreign direct investment (FDI) and soft loans that transformed the India-Ethiopia relationship. The biggest challenge, however, has been maintaining that momentum and ensuring the successful completion of these projects.
Capital: You were also accredited to ASEAN and the African Union. What were the key differences in engaging with these regional bodies compared to individual countries? What commonalities did you observe?
Gurjit Singh: Yes, I had the unique privilege of being the only Indian ambassador accredited to two regional organizations: the African Union (AU) and ASEAN. The dynamics between these bodies differ significantly. The AU includes 54 countries, while ASEAN has 10 members. There is greater cohesion within ASEAN, but unlike the African Union, where the commission plays a dominant role, ASEAN’s secretariat mainly serves as a support body, with the country chair of the year having more influence on ASEAN’s direction. ASEAN is deeply concerned with its centrality and unity, seeking support from external partners, while the AU does not emphasize centrality in the same way, though it still engages with external partners on internal issues. ASEAN’s engagement with external partners is more structured, with 11 accredited dialogue partners, including India, and various other partnerships. In contrast, the AU’s engagement with its partners is often more ad hoc. Another significant difference is that ASEAN largely finances its own operations, which contrasts with the AU’s reliance on external funding. Furthermore, ASEAN, aside from Myanmar, has no major internal strife, making it a more potent economic force. As the AU becomes more effective, I expect it to follow a similar path.
Capital: Given your concurrent accreditation to Djibouti and IGAD from Ethiopia, what insights did you gain into the geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa? How can these be applied to fostering stability and development in the region?
Gurjit Singh: Yes, I served as ambassador to Djibouti and IGAD while based in Ethiopia. Since then, India has opened a resident mission in Djibouti. My interest in the Horn of Africa was sparked by my visits to Djibouti and my interactions with IGAD and the AU. I now write frequently about this region, as it has many dynamics—both economic and strategic—that have international significance. IGAD has played a constructive role in South Sudan and other regional issues, though some of the current challenges may exceed its capacity. Any regional organization is only as effective as the cohesion of its members. When members’ interests align, the organization thrives; when they conflict, its effectiveness diminishes. IGAD has contributed to regional stability, and it has valuable lessons to draw from as it evolves.
Capital: How did your experiences in such diverse regions shape your perspective on global governance and international cooperation?
Gurjit Singh: I’ve been fortunate to serve across continents and regions. After retirement, I was often called upon to comment on regions where my experience had become relevant, such as Japan, ASEAN, the Indo-Pacific, Ethiopia, and the Horn of Africa, as well as Germany and Italy in Europe. In India, the focus tends to be on neighboring countries and major powers, so there are fewer people offering analysis on these regions. My diverse experiences have shaped my perspective on global governance and international cooperation, which I write about, including in my new books. The Harambee Factor was my last book on India and Africa. My next book is on India and ASEAN.
Capital: Could you elaborate on specific examples of successful trilateral cooperation initiatives in Africa involving India, and what made them work? What were the common pitfalls to avoid?
Gurjit Singh: Trilateral cooperation is becoming increasingly popular because it allows for more effective collaborations between partners from the North and the South. A notable early success of trilateral cooperation in Africa was the Commodity Exchange project in Ethiopia, modeled on India’s MCX. This was funded by international agencies and implemented efficiently. India is now working with the UK, Germany, and Japan on various projects, combining international financing, India’s development experience, and African priorities. Agricultural projects are underway in Malawi and Uganda, and training programs covering areas like textiles, seed development, and handicrafts. Some of these initiatives stem from the India-Africa Forum Summits, while others are bilateral. One key lesson is that the priorities of the recipient country must always be considered—projects should not be imposed on them. India’s development cooperation success lies in responding to what developing countries want, rather than dictating what they need. As I discuss in my book, The Harambee Factor, this approach is what makes India an attractive partner for other countries, including those in the G7.
Capital: How do you see the Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) evolving, and what role can India, Japan, and African nations play in its further development?
Gurjit Singh: The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor was initially a concept to link Japan, India, and Africa, though it remained more of a think-tank idea than a fully realized project. In practice, Japan has implemented the concepts through its TICAD process, and India has focused on its cooperation with Africa. I chaired a CII Task Force on trilateral cooperation for five years, during which we found that working with Japan is often most effective through the private sector. As a result, Japanese and Indian companies are now collaborating on business ventures in Africa, including infrastructure projects and commodity trading. This collaboration helps reduce costs by sourcing products from India rather than directly from Japan. While there is potential for more work in this area, it is primarily driven by the private sector.
Capital: In your view, what are the most promising sectors for trilateral cooperation in Africa, and what policy changes are needed to facilitate such partnerships?
Gurjit Singh: The most promising sectors for trilateral cooperation in Africa are those that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, including women’s empowerment, education, renewable energy, recycling, agro-processing, and agri-tech. Larger infrastructure projects typically require greater government involvement, while smaller initiatives can be undertaken through impact investing. These smaller projects are often easier to execute, but they require an environment conducive to investment, as small entrepreneurs may lack the resources or time for lengthy processes. In contrast, large infrastructure projects face challenges in aligning the procurement processes of developed countries, India, and African nations, requiring close coordination.
Capital: What role can technology and innovation play in fostering sustainable development through trilateral cooperation in Africa?
Gurjit Singh: Technology and innovation play a crucial role in achieving the SDGs and driving development in Africa. In India, the success of the India Stack, which includes the digital economy, UPI payments, internet penetration, and mobile telephony, has made a significant impact. Many impact investing projects also leverage technology to improve delivery and reduce costs, helping to achieve development goals more effectively. These initiatives can take place bilaterally, trilaterally, or plurilaterally, but it is crucial that they come from African countries themselves, reflecting their entrepreneurial vision.
Capital: You are associated with the social impact investment movement. What specific projects are you currently involved in within Africa, and what impact are they having?
Gurjit Singh: We are currently pursuing a wide range of projects, either directly through the ESG Fund for Africa, established by the Aavishkar Group, or in collaboration with international foundations and institutions. These projects cover areas like agri-tech, agro-processing, digitizing land records, and setting up innovation incubators. In partnership with the International Solar Alliance, we are also working on blended finance models to implement renewable energy projects across African countries. Given the debt stress many countries face, these models prioritize grants and investments over loans. In a sense, I am playing the role of a private sector diplomat, facilitating business-to-business (B2B) cooperation rather than government-to-government (G2G) collaboration.
Capital: How can social impact investment be scaled up to address the pressing development challenges in Africa? What role can governments, private sector, and philanthropic organizations play?
Gurjit Singh: Governments should create a supportive environment, while the private sector needs to make space for small entrepreneurs. Philanthropic organizations should recognize that their grants will be more sustainable if they are part of the impact investing process and support entrepreneurial efforts. Scaling up comes once projects succeed, but impact investing is particularly effective for smaller projects, while larger ones need a different scalability approach.
Capital: How do you assess the current landscape of social entrepreneurship in Africa, and what support mechanisms are needed to nurture and grow this sector?
Gurjit Singh: For the past 11 years, we have been hosting the Sankalp Africa Summit in Nairobi at the end of February. If you attend, you will see the enthusiasm of entrepreneurs and investors driving social entrepreneurship. New ideas and investors are emerging, and there is a growing realization that we are lagging in achieving the SDGs. The social entrepreneurship and impact investing movement offers the best path forward. The Aavishkar Group has publishes an impact investment report on companies it has invested in across India, and this evolving matrix will help evaluate the social impact of these projects in the coming years. The key question remains: should investors prioritize returns or social impact? The theory of impact investing suggests that impact should come first, with returns following. So far, this has proven true, but as projects scale up, investors often seek regular returns and become less patient, which could affect the movement’s sustainability. Impact investing must guard against this tendency.
Capital: Given your experience in both diplomacy and social impact investing, how can these two worlds better collaborate to achieve sustainable development goals?
Gurjit Singh: I have found great satisfaction in sharing my diplomatic experiences with young people across India and abroad. The impact investing movement has given me new insights into how public good can be achieved without relying solely on governments. Through private sector diplomacy, I use my diplomatic experience to open doors and find pathways where development cooperation, once reliant on government efforts, can now be driven by private sector engagement. This area remains a great interest to me, and I believe it holds the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people in the Global South. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you.
A sharp rise in the prices of essential goods is causing significant hardship for both traders and consumers in Ethiopia, as the cost of living continues to escalate. The sudden increases in prices are impacting a wide range of products, including cooking oil, lentils, and the country’s renowned coffee, raising concerns about economic stability and food security.
Recent reports indicate that the price of five liters of cooking oil has surged from 1,200 ETB to 1,600 ETB in just a few months. Lentils, a staple source of protein in the Ethiopian diet, have also seen a notable price hike, climbing from 200 birr per kilogram to 275 birr. Perhaps most alarming is the dramatic increase in coffee prices; a kilogram that once sold for 400 birr is now priced at 700 birr—a staggering 75% rise.
“It’s very hard to keep track of,” says Alemnesh Degenet, a mother of four living in Akaki, Addis Ababa. “Every time I go shopping, the prices have gone up again. We’ve had to cut back on many things. Meat has become a luxury; we struggle to buy even vegetables.”
Alemnesh’s sentiment is echoed by Biserat, a day laborer who notes that while his salary remains unchanged, the prices of essential goods have skyrocketed. “I used to be able to buy enough food for my family, but now I’m struggling. We’re eating less, and I worry about my children’s health.”
Traders are also feeling the pinch as they navigate rising wholesale costs while facing increasingly price-sensitive customers. “The price of coffee has become unpredictable,” says a local coffee shop owner. “My suppliers raised their prices, so I had to do the same, but customers are complaining. I’m worried about losing business.”
Emebet, who sells lentils and cooking oil at a local market, describes similar challenges. “Wholesale traders tell us that prices are rising due to global inflation and supply chain issues,” she explains. “We have no choice but to pass these costs onto our customers, but they are unhappy. They understand it’s not our fault, but they simply can’t afford these prices.”
The situation is further complicated by the depreciation of the Ethiopian birr, which makes imported goods more expensive and contributes to overall price increases. This is particularly concerning for items that rely on foreign products, such as cooking oil.
According to the Ethiopian Statistics Service (ESS), overall inflation fell slightly from 17% in December to 15.5% in January 2025. However, food items accounted for 15.8% of this inflation rate while non-food items contributed 15%. Despite this slight decrease in overall inflation, both consumers and traders express ongoing concerns about rising living costs.
“We want the government to intervene and do something,” says Meseret, a concerned consumer. “These price increases are hurting families. We need some kind of price control or subsidies for essential goods.”
The coffee shop owner suggests that government support for local producers could help increase the supply of key commodities. “If we could produce more cooking oil and other essentials locally, we wouldn’t be so dependent on foreign products and wouldn’t be vulnerable to these price fluctuations.”
The current economic climate reflects a delicate balance between supply and demand and highlights the vulnerability of consumers and small businesses to economic shocks. Addressing the root causes of this crisis—such as strengthening local production capabilities, improving supply chains, and stabilizing exchange rates—will be critical for ensuring economic stability and the well-being of Ethiopian citizens.
In response to rising prices, the City Administration of Addis Ababa’s Trade Bureau has announced plans to take action against traders who unjustifiably increase product prices, including revoking their licenses if necessary. The bureau emphasized that it is aware of complaints regarding unnecessary price hikes and has systems in place to address these issues.
While officials assert that there is no shortage of products in the market and that price reductions are expected on most items, consumers remain anxious about their financial futures as they navigate this challenging economic landscape.
The Gender Matter My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC), a coalition of 400 African civil society organizations, feminist activists, and human rights advocates, has issued a powerful call for the immediate ratification and implementation of the African Union Convention on the Ending of Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG). This plea came during a meeting held this week in Addis Ababa, emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize the elimination of violence against women and girls as a central issue in the fight for justice and reparations.
Under the theme “Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations,” GIMAC highlighted that addressing gender-based violence must be an integral part of broader reparative justice efforts. The AU-CEVAWG is poised to be a comprehensive continental framework aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, and GIMAC insists that African Union heads of state must finalize the convention by February 2025.
“CEVAWG is a long-awaited, legally binding instrument that establishes clear obligations for member states to prevent, address, and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls,” GIMAC stated in its announcement. The network condemned the historical and ongoing violations faced by African women and girls, linking these abuses to colonial exploitation, slavery, apartheid, systemic discrimination, economic marginalization, and armed conflict.
GIMAC pointed out that violence against women is systematic and deeply rooted in patriarchal structures, economic exclusion, weak legal frameworks, and harmful cultural norms. The situation has been exacerbated by conflicts, climate change, pandemics, and authoritarian policies that silence women’s voices.
The network expressed outrage over alarming statistics regarding violence against women in Africa. In 2023 alone, Africa recorded the highest intimate partner and family-based murder rate globally, with 21,700 women killed. GIMAC also drew attention to horrific incidents of sexual violence in conflict zones across the continent, including Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and the Central African Republic.
GIMAC emphasized that eliminating all forms of violence against women is essential for achieving both the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While acknowledging existing legal instruments such as the Maputo Protocol, GIMAC criticized their implementation as lacking effectiveness. The organization argues that AU-CEVAWG provides a crucial opportunity to impose binding obligations on member states to break the cycle of repression.
