Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) has announced plans to reenter the global stock market by investing in multinational corporations. This marks Ethiopia’s return to international equity markets after more than a century, following Emperor Menelik II’s investments in New York stocks in the late 19th century. According to Brook Taye, CEO of EIH, the sovereign wealth fund is in the final stages of acquiring stakes in foreign companies through Euronext Paris, the Paris stock exchange. This strategic step signals Ethiopia’s ambition to diversify its investments and strengthen its presence in the global financial system. EIH currently oversees some of Ethiopia’s largest and strategic 34 state-owned enterprises, including Ethiopian Airlines Group, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Ethio Telecom, and Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics. These entities form the backbone of the country’s economy and provide EIH with the financial foundation to pursue international investment opportunities.
How the move from Nigeria to Russia has changed her life and how does she helps others
The Alabuga Start programme is actively expanding in Russia, aimed at relocating young women from Africa, India, and Latin America to pursue employment and career advancement. Over the past few years, hundreds of young women have chosen to transform their lives through this initiative. We spoke with one participant of the programme to gain insights into her experiences living in the largest country in the world.
In an interview with our publication, Victoria Kilani from Nigeria shared her insights on the programme, discussed her personal experience, and addressed why some girls have expressed negative opinions about it in the media.
HOW CAN I MOVE TO RUSSIA WITHOUT PAYING A CENT?
– Victoria, please tell us how did you move to Russia?
– I moved to Russia via the Alabuga Start programme, which is run by the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, the largest of its kind in Europe. This initiative allows young women to work in various fields while receiving education to enhance their career prospects, as well as learning the Russian language and local culture. I discovered this programme through an online advertisement that my brother shared with me; he had previously lived in Russia and thought it might interest me. I was intrigued by the opportunity to learn a new language and gain work experience, so I decided to participate. I believe this programme is an excellent fit for my goals, which is why I chose to come here.
– It is not cheap to move to Russia and it takes much time. How much did you spend?
– Alabuga covered all the expenses for my transfer from Africa. We reached out to HR specialists, and I gathered the necessary documents. They then sent me my tickets. Once I arrived, they welcomed me and helped me settle into an apartment.
–Where do you work and what is your job?
– When I first got there, I had no idea who I was going to be. They gave me a bunch of options to pick from, and I decided to go with Catering. Now, I work at a café. I started out as a kitchen worker and did that for six months. Then, I became a waitress, and now I’m a barista! My salary has gone up along the way too. Next, I’m hoping to either move up to being an administrator or become a chef.
– What salary was offered? How much do they pay now?
– I used to make 42 thousand rubles (about $500). Now I get 120-125 thousand rubles (about $1300), it depends on how well I fulfill my KPI. I make enough to have decent life.
– How do you like to work here?
– Sometimes work is really demanding, but I have got used to it. If the place is fully booked, there is a lot of work to do.
– How do you enjoy your free time? Where do you like to go, and what activities do you engage in?
– When I’m not working, I usually go out on Saturdays. I enjoy shopping and often stroll around the city with my friends. If we feel like it, we always make time to go to the cinema or a restaurant in town.
IS THE PROGRAMME SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE?
– You can find negative reviews from participants of the Alabuga Start programme online, and these reviews are anonymous. What might be causing this negative attitude towards the programme?
– To be honest, I haven’t come across any negative reviews. The reality is that we have some girls here who just want to unwind – going to clubs every night and drinking alcohol – but that’s not really possible in this environment. When they received feedback, the girls got upset and responded that they wanted to live freely, without any restrictions.
I’ve been here for nearly two years now, and I’ve encountered a variety of participants in the program. Personally, I’m focused on studying and working, and I feel really good here. However, I’ve noticed that some people have different priorities and aspirations, which makes this place less than ideal for them.
– If they don’t like it here, then why don’t those girls just go back home?
– It’s possible that things at home aren’t great either. I just want to say that for those girls who want to stay here, patience is key. It won’t be easy anywhere. You need to know what you want and work hard to achieve your goals, just like I’m doing.
– Are there people here who were brought under false pretenses? Those who wish to leave but are not permitted to do so?
– If someone wants to leave, no one is going to hold them back. They can just break the contract, pack their things, and go. I have a friend who recently left Alabuga without making a fuss.
– Have the representatives from your countries visited you?
– Yes, representatives from different countries come regularly. They are interested in the Alabuga Start programme and how do the participants live and work. For example, last year, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nigeria to the Russian Federation, Professor Abdullahi Y. Shehu visited us, to find out how we live here, whether we like it here, whether it’s hard or not. It was cool to talk to him. Abdullahi Y.Shenu found that the conditions here are very good for girls from Nigeria and other African countries.
MY LIFE IN RUSSIA IS EXCELLENT
– When you arrived in Russia, did your expectations match up with reality? Were there any surprises or differences between what you anticipated and what you actually experienced?
– I really love my experience in Russia. Unlike in America, there is no such a racism here. People are genuinely warm and welcoming; they’re always excited to see me and eager to chat. Every Sunday at church, I feel so embraced by the community. I truly believe that Russians are incredibly friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand.
– Was there any fear of moving to Russia? Are there bears outside? Cold?
– Absolutely not! I wasn’t scared at all. My brother has been living in Russia for five years, and he always told me how cold it could get. But honestly, he said it was perfect for me, and I was really excited to be here!
– And how quickly did you manage to make friends here?
– I quickly became friends with a girl from Kyrgyzstan when we lived together in a corporate apartment. Even though we’ve since gone our separate ways, we still stay in touch. I also have friends from Nigeria and Russia!
– What are the main disadvantages of working at Alabuga Start?
– I never really thought about it before, but I absolutely love my job at a café! The 5/2 work schedule suits me perfectly. I work at the bar in the mornings, and it’s such a great experience – I’ve even learned how to make some really delicious coffee! Honestly, I don’t see any downsides to being at Alabuga Start. Sure, I get tired sometimes, but that’s totally normal.
– Some girls send a portion of their salary back home, but how do you like to spend yours?
– I typically save some of my earnings for the future. Occasionally, I send money to my parents and younger brother back in Nigeria. I love going shopping with my friends to pick up some stylish clothes and cute little decor for my apartment.
– You were one of the first to join the programme, and now you’re already part of the company! How are the new participants settling in?
– It’s definitely challenging for everyone at first since they’re still adjusting to the work environment. However, the girls are really excited about earning their own money and managing their finances independently, without relying on their parents. My neighbors were quite anxious when they first arrived because the job search process took about 3 to 4 weeks. The girls were understandably worried about being without work and income during that time. But everything has worked out now! Everyone is employed, earning money, and they’ve bought stylish, warm clothes for the winter. So, all is well!
– The Alabuga Start programme is designed for two years. What will you do once you complete the programme?
– I want to stay working here for at least a year. Then I haven’t planned yet, maybe I’ll go home to my family, or travel around Russia.
The Moroccan junior judo team made on January 16 a remarkable statement on the first day of the Open International African Judo Championship, which began on January 16, claiming a total of 8 gold medals.
Held at the Mohammed V Complex in
Casablanca, the tournament saw the Moroccan athletes shine, with both men and women excelling across various categories.
In the men’s competition, Morocco’s gold medalists included Ahmed Alaoui Chrifi (-60 kg), Aniss Ijioui (-66 kg), Nouh Lahmouri (-73 kg), and Amine El Azzouzi (-100 kg). Each delivered powerful performances, securing their spots at the top of the podium.
On the women’s side, gold medals went to Meriem El Maakoul (-48 kg), Amina Alaoui Chrifi (-52 kg), Malak Lakhal (-78 kg), and Taouab Aboulizza (+78 kg), making a clean sweep in their respective divisions.
This impressive achievement showcases Morocco’s rising dominance in judo, clearly reflecting the team’s strength in the sport across Africa. With 8 gold medals out of a total of 29 (8 gold, 8 silver, and 13 bronze), Morocco is firmly establishing itself as a powerhouse in African judo.
The Open International African Judo Championship, which runs until January 19, aims to promote the sport across the continent while strengthening sporting ties between nations. The event has drawn 304 participants, including 186 men and 118 women, from 34 countries, showcasing the event’s international reach.
As the competition continues, the Moroccan team will look to extend their success, with cadet and senior events set to take place later in the week. With such an impressive start, Morocco is certainly one to watch in the coming days.
CECAFA General Assembly line-up five tournaments for 2025
The CECAFA Ordinary Assembly has approved five tournaments to be staged by the Zone in the 2025 calendar.
During the non-elective Ordinary General Assembly held at the Imperial Plaza Hotel in Juba, South Sudan on Wednesday, the delegates approved the five competitions.
Auka John Gecheo, who presented the competitions report on behalf of the chairman of the Committee Isayas Jira Bosho, pointed out that the tournaments have been planned after considering the different CAF and FIFA tournaments on the International calendar.
The Zonal body agreed to have the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Competition in Kenya between May 31st to June 7th, while the CECAFA Senior Women’s Challenge and the CECAFA Senior Men’s Challenge Cup have also been lined up.
The Dar Port Kagame Cup 2025 will be expected to take place August 31st to September 14th, and the CAF Women’s Champions League, CECAFA qualifiers. However, Member Associations have been asked to apply to host any of the tournaments that have been planned to run in the 2025 calendar.
Yazeed Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi to win the Dakar Rally when he completed the race on home sand on Friday.
After 13 days of desert racing and more than 5,000 kilometers of specials, Al-Rajhi beat home Henk Lategan of South Africa by less than four minutes, the smallest margin in 15 years.
Daniel Sanders won the motorbike crown, the second Australian champion after two-time winner and mentor Toby Price.
Sanders won the first three stages and was never caught. He’s the first rider to dominate from start to finish since Spain’s Marc Coma in 2009 when the rally was in Argentina and Chile.
Lategan led the car standings for a week by capitalizing on consistency. He appeared to cement victory on Monday when he won the eighth stage. But a navigation error on Tuesday opened the door for Al-Rajhi as the race entered the Empty Quarter dunes.
Lategan rebounded on Wednesday when Al-Rajhi got stuck in a hollow. But Al-Rajhi’s superior expertise in dunes gave him the decisive break on Thursday.
He won at his 11th attempt after completing the brief 12th and last stage back to Shubaytah on Friday. His German co-driver Timo Gottschalk claimed his second Dakar title: He helped navigate Nasser Al-Attiyah to victory in 2011.
Their final margin over Lategan was 3:57, the smallest in the Dakar since 2010, when Stephane Peterhansel beat Al-Attiyah by 2:12 in Argentina and Chile.
“I am very, very happy to do it, it is not an easy race, it’s the toughest one that I’ve done in the last 11 years,” Al-Rajhi said. “Me and Timo and my team did a great job like always.”
Sweden’s Mattias Ekström was third, 20 minutes back. Like Al-Rajhi and Lategan, Ekström earned a personal best finish, and held off five-time champion Al-Attiyah by 3 1/2 minutes.
Al-Attiyah was forced to drive hard after a 10-minute penalty on stage five for losing his spare wheel, and was undone by navigation errors. It’s the first time he’s failed to finish on the podium in a race he’s completed in 18 years.
Sanders ‘got instant chills’
Sanders won the Dakar at his fifth attempt. He was fourth and the best rookie on debut in 2021.
“When I came out of the dunes … I could see the bivouac and I just got instant chills through my whole body, I was super nervous. I couldn’t believe it. All the emotions started coming through and I could see the finishing line,” he said.
“To win the six-day international enduro and now the Dakar, it’s just ticked off all the goals for my career. After the last three years of a lot of lows, now we’ve got the up, so all the hard work has paid off.”
Spain’s Tosha Schareina, second to Sanders since stage four, completed his best finish, nearly nine minutes back.
France’s Adrien van Beveren, second last year, was third, nearly 15 minutes off the pace. Defending champion Ricky Brabec was fifth, nearly 30 minutes behind.
