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Month: March 2025

Poverty’s Last Mile as Digital Finance Redrawing Inclusion Map

Posted on by Digital Editor

At its most basic level, the goal of economic development is to eradicate poverty. By that metric, considerable progress has been made: the number of people living in extreme poverty fell from 1.9 billion in 1990 to an estimated 615 million today, largely owing to supercharged economic growth in the world’s most populous countries in Asia.

But just as the last miles of a marathon are said to be the hardest, the progress made so far is insufficient to carry anti-poverty efforts across the finish line. Now that the fastest population growth is occurring in countries where poverty remains entrenched, and the globalisation engine is no longer as powerful as it once was, growth alone is unlikely to be enough. Escaping poverty is simply one step toward true prosperity.

We need alternative and complementary approaches to extend the ladder of opportunity to all and integrate the poor into dynamic economic activities.

Here, bolstering financial inclusion would help, because poverty is not only about how much a person earns. It is about what their earnings can buy them. Lowering the cost of goods and services, and thereby making them more accessible to those who have little, can thus reduce poverty. While advanced-economy governments often provide essential services, that is not the case in the Global South, where benefits are limited in scope.

In many Global South countries, essential goods and services are sometimes more expensive for the poor, and it is often costlier to reach this segment of society because they purchase only small quantities of products.

Financial firms have been particularly effective in overcoming these barriers. By lowering the costs of services and expanding access to them, they have demonstrated how inclusion can drive broader development. To explore the thresholds where individuals gain access to financial services, World Data Lab, supported by the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth, combined its consumption models with the World Bank’s Findex database.

Our research finds that increasing financial inclusion, which ranges from basic mobile money wallets to full-fledged banking services, disproportionately benefits the poor. We focused on the world’s six billion adults – people aged 15 and older, who are more likely to be economically active – and split them into six buckets of one billion each, according to consumption level.

The poorest billion people, who spend less than five dollars a day, used to be excluded from financial services – their economic lives were built solely on cash payments. But over the last decade, a silent revolution in mobile money and digital payments has taken place, particularly in India and African countries. As a result, more than one-third of the world’s poorest billion adults now have access to financial services.

These gains have been propelled by the interplay of the income-growth effect, whereby more people have crossed income thresholds that make them “bankable,” and the price effect, whereby the cost of delivering financial services to the unbanked has fallen.

In 2015, around 3.4 billion people had access to financial services. Back then, the “price point” for entering the financial system (at 2017 purchasing power parity) was approximately eight dollars a day. That left two billion people – nearly 40pc of the world’s adult population at the time – excluded. Over the last decade, economic growth has created a larger global middle class. At the same time, the cost threshold for accessing financial services has dropped substantially, owing to technological innovations such as mobile money and digital banking.

The combination of these two forces has enabled an additional 1.4 billion people – some 800 million from the income-growth effect, and another 600 million from the price effect – to gain access to financial services since 2015. The average global threshold for entering the financial system has dropped to five dollars a day. This lower entry barrier, reflecting the impact of digital money systems, has improved the inclusion of poor people.

Among the best-performing countries, especially in Africa, financial services can be offered at a price point of two dollars a day – below the extreme poverty line of 2.15 dollars.

The progress made over the past decade proves that financial inclusion can be achieved with the right mix of innovation, investment, and collaboration. Now, as we approach the last mile in the poverty battle, we should focus on bringing the most marginalised communities into the financial fold.

Dismantling USAID Could Boost African Self-Reliance

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Back in 2015, then-Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta warned the pan-African Parliament about the dangers of development assistance.

He did not want the continent’s future left to the good graces of outside interests. He argued that foreign aid, which often comes with terms and conditions that preclude progress, should not be an acceptable basis for prosperity and freedom. He urged, it was time to give it up.

Kenyatta’s call for self-reliance seems prescient in light of US President Donald Trump’s dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and recent cuts to already-diminished foreign-aid budgets in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (UK). He had a point. As aid dependence became more entrenched over the decades, Africa’s share of global trade steadily fell, and now stands at less than three percent. National ambitions to build productive industries that meet domestic demand have atrophied, and continent-wide efforts to strengthen regional integration have waned.

That is why, despite the disproportionate impact of these cuts on the continent, some Africans see the demise of foreign aid as an opportunity.

An Afrobarometer survey of 34 African countries found that 65pc of respondents wanted their governments to finance development with their own resources, rather than with external loans. Self-reliance was an aspiration of independence leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president and a co-founder of the Organisation of African Unity (a forerunner of the African Union), who viewed the foreign-aid system as a form of neocolonialism.

Current Ghanaian President John D. Mahama has taken up the cause, calling the destruction of USAID “a signal to Africa that the time has come for us to be more self-reliant.”

Africa’s muted response contrasts sharply with the dire predictions of development professionals in Western capitals, who warn that a humanitarian catastrophe will soon unfold on the continent. According to Nicholas Enrich, formerly USAID’s acting assistant administrator for global health, gutting the agency would result in an additional 71,000 to 166,000 deaths a year from malaria and one million children annually with untreated severe acute malnutrition, among other harmful consequences.

True, Africa has long depended on foreign aid not only for short-term emergency relief but also for critical health funding. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), decades-old programs created by US President George W. Bush, have been instrumental in combating HIV/AIDS and malaria, which are disproportionately prevalent in Africa. Around 67pc of people living with HIV worldwide reside in sub-Saharan Africa and the continent accounts for more than 90pc of malaria cases and deaths.

This aid is not confined to Africa’s neediest and most vulnerable countries, such as the Central African Republic (CAR), Somalia, and South Sudan, where official development assistance accounts for more than 20pc of gross national income. Even Nigeria and South Africa, two of the continent’s largest economies, rely heavily on USAID programs. PEPFAR funds nearly 20pc of South Africa’s 2.3 billion dollars annual HIV/AIDS program, providing life-saving antiretroviral treatments to 5.5 million people every day. PMI support comprises around 21pc of the national health budget in Nigeria, which has the world’s highest burden of malaria.

African countries’ dependence on the US for public health expenditure poses a national security risk, as vaccine nationalism during the COVID-19 pandemic made clear. It also implies massive governance costs. A 2023 study has shown that foreign aid tends to weaken fiscal capacity in African democracies. These governments may become less accountable to their citizens and more autocratic, propped up by official development assistance. Foreign aid precludes economic progress precisely because of its “terms and conditions,” as Kenyatta put it.

The aid industry in Africa runs largely on foreign contractors, limiting opportunities for African entrepreneurs and undercutting local growth. This constrains the expansion of governments’ very narrow fiscal space, sustains persistently high unemployment rates, and fuels migration pressures. Even South Africa, the continent’s most advanced economy, has an unemployment rate exceeding 30pc.

In the wake of Trump’s assault on USAID, Africa should put itself on a path toward health self-sufficiency. That means taking more control over the response to HIV/AIDS and malaria, from research and development to manufacturing diagnostics and treatments, rather than relying on extra-regional solutions and imports. To mitigate the risks of aid dependence and bolster economic growth, African countries should take advantage of the opportunities inherent in health crises and unleash the animal spirits of local entrepreneurs.

The Nigerian government has already approved an additional 200 million dollars in health spending as part of its 2025 budget, and other countries are contemplating similar increases. African countries should take the same approach to other strategic sectors, especially nutrition security, because overreliance on foreign-aid-funded food imports harms African farmers by distorting markets and depressing local prices. The continent needs fair trade, not aid.

With an estimated 60pc of the world’s uncultivated arable land, Africa should not be dependent on external suppliers to feed itself. To be sure, African governments with limited fiscal space and poor access to international markets may not be able to build the infrastructure required to drive domestic production. This problem can be solved by pooling resources with other countries to develop productive infrastructure and resilient regional supply chains, thus boosting intra-African trade and deepening regional integration.

India is an example of what can be achieved. After all, its world-beating and uber price-competitive generic-drug industry began to take off long before India’s national economy did. Achieving economies of scale through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could help crowd in private capital to build up critical industries. This would enable Africa to expand aggregate output and increase trade levels, which have remained dismally low.

Trump’s attack on development assistance can be the wake-up call African leaders need. After decades of lowering ambitions and outsourcing development, it is time for the continent to take full advantage of the growth opportunities associated with domestic crises, rather than ceding control to the aid system and the foreign contractors that fill its ranks. Necessity is the mother of invention, as the cliché goes, which means that the end of USAID could galvanise African governments to confront their countries’ challenges head-on.

Ethiopians Taxed to the Bone as Legislators Attempt to Fill Aid Gap with New Salary Deductions

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Federal legislators passed a controversial tax bill this month, mandating new contributions from employees and businesses to the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Response Fund (EDRRF). The bill plans to fill a financial gap left by the suspension of USAID funding, previously an important source for humanitarian and development programs across the country.

The newly approved law empowers the Federal Disaster Risk Management Commission (FDRMC) to impose additional service charges on financial service providers, targeting loans, digital transactions, insurance premiums, and shareholder dividends. Additional revenue will be generated from fees and taxes on a broad range of goods and services including airline tickets, telecom services, passport and visa services, and business permits.

One of the most controversial provisions of the proposed law is the mandatory requirement for public servants and private sector employees to contribute a portion of their monthly salaries to the fund. Curiously, the deduction will be applied to net salaries, substantially increasing the financial burden of fixed-income workers who are already struggling with ever-growing living costs. Despite its far-reaching impact on the lives of millions, the bills was hastily discussed in Parliament before being unanimously referred to the House’s Standing Committee on Foreign Relations & Peace Affairs for approval.

With a population exceeding 100 million, Ethiopia had been the largest recipient of American aid in sub-Saharan Africa, receiving 2.3 billion dollars from USAID in 2022/23, and more than nine billion dollars from 2014 through 2023. However, most of these programs have now been suspended, placing USAID staff on administrative leave and disrupting essential services such as healthcare, employment initiatives, and refugee support.

The Ethiopian government insists the new taxes and fees are essential to maintain critical services. Yet the law faces significant opposition from employees who already strained by economic difficulties.

The salaried have long endured economic pressures from high taxation and inflation. Current income tax rates can reach up to 35pc, with an additional seven percent pension contribution deducted. The consumer price index for February this year was reported to be 15.5pc, the lowest in five years. Yet, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts inflation will spike to approximately 29pc later this year.

In effect, employees end up giving up nearly half of their gross income to taxes and pension contributions, while the purchasing power of the remaining portion is effectively halved every two years due to inflation. These developments are contributing to a rapid and unprecedented rise in poverty among fixed income earners.

Many Ethiopians have drawn comparisons to a biblical story in which the Israelites pleaded for relief but instead faced harsher treatment. King Rehoboam responded, “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier!” A dark joke circulates among Ethiopians who suggest the government simply take their entire salary and return only the taxed portion, as it represents more than half of their earnings.

Similarly, Ethiopians today feel increasingly burdened by mounting financial obligations imposed by their government.

Inflation’s real-life impact is undeniable. The cost of essential goods, particularly food and housing, has skyrocketed, making essentials unaffordable for many families. Employees earn much lower wages than their peers in other African countries, and recent currency devaluation has further weakened their purchasing power.

Ethiopia’s tax regime is also more burdensome to citizens than in many other countries. For instance,

Ethiopia taxes monthly incomes over 4.65 dollars, with a 35pc rate applied to earnings above 84.50 dollars. Kenya exempts income up to 186 dollars, applying a maximum 32.5pc tax at 2,318 dollars; Uganda exempts 63 dollars and taxes incomes over 2,720 dollars at 30pc. From Tanzania to Rwanda, the story is more or less similar. Djibouti’s taxation begins at a modest two percent for earnings up to 169 dollars, with the highest 45pc rate reserved for incomes exceeding 11,236 dollars.

Such figures illustrate that the salaried in Ethiopia carry a heavy burden relative to their regional peers.

Since 2019, Ethiopia has experienced consequential economic instability. At the beginning of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s (PhD) administration, the Birr was valued around 30 Br against the US Dollar. Following economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic, global inflation, and internal conflicts, the currency steadily depreciated, reaching 57 Br by July 2024.

Federal authorities secured a 3.4 billion dollar IMF loan accompanied by stringent economic reforms, including removing subsidies on essential goods, adopting fiscal austerity, privatising state enterprises, and shifting from a fixed to a floated exchange rate regime. The outcome of these measures is that Birr lost its value drastically, and it is now exchanged for a 130 Br buying rate for the banks. The gap between the official and parallel market, the very policy objective of floating the exchange regime, has widened.

The rapid depreciation has caused living costs to skyrocket despite policymakers’ attempts to mitigate the impact with selective wage increases. Inflation continues to outpace these efforts, leaving middle—and lower-class Ethiopians struggling financially.

The removal of fuel subsidies, encouraged by the IMF to ease fiscal pressures, led to immediate fuel price increases. On March 23, the federal government again raised fuel prices overnight, marking the second increase in two months, with gasoline prices rising by 11pc and diesel by nine percent. These hikes will likely cause further price surges across the transportation, logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, compounding inflation.

The federal government used to cover 67pc of fuel costs through subsidies, but the authorities plan to eliminate these within a year. This could raise petrol prices from 112 Br a liter to over 300 Br, exacerbating economic hardship. Electricity tariffs will soon increase quarterly to recover operational and debt service costs by 2028, further squeezing low-income citizens.

Despite these economic headwinds, the federal government continues to prioritise military expenditure to deal with internal conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regional states. The federal government recently increased defense spending by 23pc, allocating 65.7 billion Br this year alone. These expenditures divert critical funds from essential social sectors like education and healthcare, which receive much lower allocations: 79.8 billion Br for education and 33.9 billion Br for health.

Urban infrastructure and beautification projects have also received substantial budget allocations — 104 billion Br — despite concerns about limited economic returns during times of hardship. These spending priorities have prompted criticism that the federal government remains focused on projects that offer limited relief to average citizens. Public investments in luxury resorts across various regions remain largely unused by tourists due to security issues and lack of affordability. Funds for these projects could have yielded better returns if they had been redirected toward initiatives promoting job creation and poverty alleviation.

While conflicts and political instability are ongoing, the ambitious target set by Central Bank Governor Mamo Mihretu to lower inflation below 10pc appears increasingly unattainable. Economic recovery depends mainly on restoring internal peace. Resolving conflicts could improve economic conditions by stabilising prices and attracting much-needed foreign investment.

However, inadequate transparency and insufficient public engagement on the new tax law are evident. Civic organisations such as the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) and the Employers’ Federation were not consulted before the swift legislative process.

So, what should be done/call to action

One, the government should substantially cut military spending.

Two, the government should abort all urban beatification projects

Three, the government should be transparent and accountable to the public in making financial and economic policies.

Alternative measures could include boosting domestic productivity and enhancing tax collection efficiency instead of further burdening employees. Revising outdated income tax brackets could offer immediate relief to workers struggling with essential expenses. The current tax brackets, unchanged for 17 years, no longer reflect the economic reality. For instance, the tax-exempt income of 600 Br barely covers a single meal today, compared to previously covering a month’s rent.

Policymakers should consider raising the tax exemption threshold to at least 50 dollars monthly and increasing the daily per diem tax exemption from 600 Br to 1,500 Br to address rising costs. Adjustments are needed to exempt fuel expenses up to 10,000 Br monthly and allow a non-taxable transportation allowance of 3,000 Br to assist workers commuting daily.

Healthcare Faces Setback as Talent Exodus, Foreign Aid Cuts Bite

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Ethiopia’s efforts to build a robust and accessible healthcare system face a severe roadblock, primarily driven by disabling shortages and management issues within its human resources sector. As the country works toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), persistent brain drain and recent cuts to crucial foreign aid threaten to reverse the hard-earned progress.

Doctors, nurses, and healthcare specialists increasingly seek opportunities abroad, drawn by higher wages, improved working conditions, and better professional growth. Domestically, they face poor pay, heavy workloads, inadequate resources, and limited career advancement opportunities. Political and economic instability adds another layer of uncertainty, further motivating health workers to pursue careers elsewhere.

Recent cuts in USAID funding have intensified these problems. Reduced foreign aid directly affects salaries, training programs, and vital infrastructure projects. The reduction has resulted in job losses across the health sector, deepening the understaffing crisis. Fewer training programs and limited medical resources also compromise patient care, burdening already overstretched facilities.

Recognising this, the federal government introduced a strategic plan for the national human resource for health (HRH), whose shelf life is to end this year. The ambitious program sought to address workforce shortages, geographic distribution disparities, and skill gaps in healthcare personnel. Assessing its successes and shortcomings has become essential as the initiative nears its conclusion.

The plan delivered some encouraging outcomes, including an expansion of the health workforce, targeted recruitment for underserved regions, and initiatives to build healthcare capacity. Task-shifting programs, designed to optimise available staff, also marked a noteworthy step forward. Nevertheless, major constraints remain largely unaddressed. Workforce shortages in rural areas persist, and retaining experienced professionals is problematic.

Quality education and training programs for health professionals require substantial improvement. Graduates often emerge ill-equipped to manage contemporary healthcare demands, creating additional pressure within an already strained system. Urban-rural disparities persist, disproportionately affecting rural regions by workforce shortages and limited healthcare accessibility. Inadequate governance, planning, and resource allocation undermine effective management and coordination of the healthcare workforce.

Despite attempts to address these issues, health authorities’ limited financial resources constrain the comprehensive execution of the strategic plan. They need targeted interventions to address the damaging effects of brain drain and declining aid. Foremost among these is boosting domestic healthcare investment. Allocating a larger portion of the federal budget specifically for healthcare, including salaries, training, and infrastructure, is essential to mitigate reliance on external funding.

Improving workforce retention remains a crucial priority. Offering competitive salary packages, enhancing working conditions, and providing clear pathways for career growth would encourage healthcare professionals to stay in Ethiopia. Tailored strategies meeting the unique needs of rural healthcare workers could alleviate workforce imbalances and attract professionals to underserved areas.

Diversifying funding sources is equally critical. Encouraging public-private partnerships, creating innovative financing mechanisms, and raising domestic revenue could lessen the dependence on international assistance. Technological innovation presents additional opportunities. Telemedicine, for instance, offers the potential to bridge gaps in rural healthcare access. Remote monitoring, virtual consultations with specialists, and online training could revolutionise healthcare delivery, especially in isolated areas lacking adequate facilities.

Enhancing policy frameworks and governance practices is another vital step. Strengthening regulatory oversight, improving data collection, and ensuring transparency are necessary to optimise healthcare resource management. Effective governance will facilitate better resource allocation and enhance accountability, thereby improving overall health outcomes.

Educational reforms are no less important to ensure that healthcare graduates are adequately prepared. Curriculum improvements, increased investment in faculty training, and the adoption of innovative teaching methods will help graduates meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector. The strategic plan may have laid the groundwork for addressing these issues. However, sustaining progress requires ongoing investment, innovative strategies, and robust governance. Without addressing these fundamental issues, Ethiopia’s ambitions for universal health coverage may falter.

Travel Is a Right, Not a Privilege, and the Global South Leads the Way

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For some, it is as routine as paying at the checkout counter. For others, it is as nerve-wracking as a prostate exam, and as undignified as being reprimanded in front of class. The experiences depend largely on one thing: where we were born.

We are talking about international travel.

Lately, Western travellers trying to enter the United States have been getting a taste of what it can be like to be a traveller from the Global South. Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, there have been a number of widely publicised incidents of tourists as well as visa and green card holders getting a rough welcome at the United States (US) border.

Lucas Sielaff, a German tourist trying to enter the United States from Mexico with his American fiancé, was handcuffed and shackled at the border in Tijuana, and held in detention for 16 days, before being deported at his own expense. Another German tourist and a Canadian national on a work visa were stopped at the same border and detained for more than six weeks and 12 days, respectively. Fabian Schmidt, a German national with a green card, was stopped at an airport in Boston, reportedly subjected to harsh interrogation tactics and shoved into a cold shower, naked, and ultimately sent to a detention facility.

Other incidents include a French scientist who was planning to attend a conference near Houston but was denied entry and a British artist who was held in “horrendous conditions” for three weeks.

The United Kingdom (UK) and Germany have updated their travel advisory for the United States, and Western travellers are now thinking twice before booking a flight to “the land of the free,” which under Trump is experiencing a staggering descent into authoritarianism and does not seem as free anymore. For German, French, British, and other Western travellers who are used to simply booking flights and strolling past immigration counters and into their favourite holiday destinations without visas or other hassles, this is a new thought process. For travellers with “weak passports,” the struggles of crossing borders have long been a fact of life.

Those say from Bangladesh or Tanzania who want to visit a Western country may not have to literally strip naked like Schmidt, but figuratively. They will likely be required to disclose their employment history and financial situation, and be asked about family, past travel, and social media activities. They also need to plan far ahead, as often it is impossible to get a timely interview appointment at the relevant embassy. According to the latest data, the wait times for an interview for a visitor visa to the United States in, for example, Abidjan, Bogota, Dhaka, Lagos, and Mexico City are 280, 507, 288, 377, and 350 days, respectively.

If hopefuls make it to the interview, they are at the mercy of a consular officer who decides whether to approve visa applications. If they are unlucky, their visa could be refused, and they will be handed a piece of paper that says, “Today’s decision cannot be appealed.” Of course, they will not be handed a refund for the overpriced application fee. In this situation, the consular officer is a mini autocrat, and the foreign traveller has fewer rights than a convicted murderer. After all, the murderer can appeal.

Things are set to get even worse at the US border for some travellers without the privilege of a strong passport. President Trump is planning a new version of the infamous “Muslim Ban” that resulted in chaos at airports, protests, and lawsuits during his first term. His upcoming travel ban could target 43 countries, more than half of them in Africa. Many Americans will be okay with that, as people rarely question the right of sovereign countries to set their visa and immigration policies as they see fit. International travel is seen as a privilege rather than a right.

But is it?

Any other policy that unfairly disadvantages people based on characteristics over which they have no meaningful control, such as ethnicity, race, sex, gender, religious upbringing, or native language, would rightly be unacceptable.

When it comes to borders, why do we accept policies that blatantly discriminate against people, mostly from poorer countries, based on where they were born?

The world is more interconnected than ever, and the ability to move freely is essential to taking advantage of professional, educational, and personal opportunities provided by globalisation. A person’s place of birth should not determine it.

While open borders are still a distant dream, a number of countries are resisting the temptations of xenophobia and nationalism raging in the United States and parts of Europe, and have recognised that more liberal border policies are not only more moral, but also benefit the receiving country by promoting economic growth, tourism, and innovation, as well as encouraging mutual understanding between cultures.

Since 2018, Rwanda has allowed citizens of all countries to obtain a visa upon arrival without prior application. This visa is free for citizens from member countries of the African Union (AU), the Commonwealth, and La Francophonie. Samoa does not require a visa for stays less than 60 days from anybody.

Historically known for its strict policies, China is also making strides towards more inclusive immigration rules. It is cautiously opening its doors to foreign visitors. This is particularly notable because Trump seems well on his way to upstaging the United States in the international arena, and China may well emerge as the new leading superpower. China has mutual visa-exemption agreements with 23 countries and, since 2023, has been implementing a series of unilateral visa-free policies for an increasing number of countries. Initially covering France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia, the list has since grown to include 38 countries whose citizens can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, and visiting family and friends for up to 30 days.

Tourists from these countries can now more easily explore China’s historical sites, such as the Forbidden City or the Great Wall, and experience modern marvels, such as high-speed trains and smart city technologies. For business people, visa-free entry to China means more opportunities to conduct market research and forge new partnerships.

Countries like Rwanda, Samoa, and China are proving that a more open world is not only possible but beneficial for all. Instead of building ever-higher walls, they are setting a positive example that the “Free World” would do well to follow. The ability to travel freely should not be a privilege reserved for the lucky few, but a right, a recognition of our shared humanity and the interconnected world we live in.

Natural, Enhanced, or Just Exhausted?

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As a woman, navigating the world of beauty and attraction often feels like confronting a maze of contradictions. My personal experiences and observations have led me to wonder how men perceive these complexities; particularly the gap between what they claim to prefer and how they actually behave.

A recurring theme is the contrast between men’s vocalized admiration for “natural” beauty and their apparent attraction to enhanced appearances. Many insist they favour a fresh-faced look, dismissing makeup, cosmetic surgery, and other modifications. Yet, in reality, the same men who denounce these ‘enhancements’ often gravitate toward women who embody these very ideals. While they may not always pursue long-term commitment with such women, they undoubtedly enjoy their company, attention, and presence.

This isn’t a critique of personal preference – attraction is, after all, subjective. The very notion of “natural beauty” is itself an enigma. Wouldn’t it be ideal to possess flawless skin, a perfectly toned physique, and a glow sustained purely by a healthy lifestyle? For a fortunate few, this is reality. However, for many, achieving the beauty ideals perpetuated by the media and reinforced by the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry feels like an uphill battle, often necessitating interventions beyond diet and exercise.

The beauty industry has long capitalized on the, selling an ever-expanding range of products and procedures that promise perfection. From luxury skincare lines and high-end makeup brands to cosmetic surgeries that claim to sculpt the “ideal” body, beauty has become a highly commodified pursuit. The relentless portrayal of women in media, often filtered through the lens of advertising, plays a significant role in shaping these expectations.

Women are inundated with images of perfection, shaping expectations that often feel impossible to meet. Perhaps if there were a stronger chorus of male voices validated and celebrated women’s natural appearances, perhaps fewer women would feel compelled to alter themselves in pursuit of an unattainable standard; one that can even come at the cost of their health and well-being.

Beyond external pressure, there’s also a competitive undercurrent among women, often stemming from the desire to capture male attention. When one woman undergoes enhancements and receives increased admiration, others may feel the need to follow suit. It’s as if an unspoken beauty arms race, driven by the notion that desirability equates to personal fulfilment. For generations, society has reinforced – subtly and overtly – the belief that a particular aesthetic is a prerequisite for self-worth.

My stance on beauty enhancements – whether it’s makeup, cosmetic surgery, or body modifications – rests on the principle of autonomy. The decision to alter one’s appearance should be rooted in self-love and personal satisfaction, not external validation. If these choices stem from deep-seated insecurities, the real question becomes whether such interventions genuinely address those feelings or simply mask them.

Men’s conflicting views on “natural” beauty further complicate the discourse. If a woman undergoes enhancements or expertly applies makeup, and a man is drawn to her without recognizing these modifications, does that invalidate his attraction? If she “has it,” regardless of how she achieved it, does the method negate the appeal? It’s an intriguing paradox – many men struggle to discern natural from enhanced beauty, yet they are often the first to decry “fakeness” while simultaneously being drawn to it.

Consider something as ubiquitous as nail extensions. Women invest in manicures and intricate nail art because they enjoy the aesthetic, find confidence in it, and yes, often believe men appreciate it. Yet, the same men who admire a woman’s polished look, her elaborate nail art might question why women are “obsessed” with their nails. The irony is that, in part, women do it for them.

This raises a broader question: Who dictates beauty trends, and why do they hold such power? While physical appearance plays a role in attraction, it is far from the most significant measure of a person’s worth. Authenticity, kindness, values, and depth of character matter far more. Not every woman who embraces enhancements is superficial, just as not every woman who forgoes them is inherently genuine. True beauty – real, unfiltered beauty – lies in one’s essence, not just their outward appearance. Perhaps that is the kind of “natural” beauty we should all strive to recognize and celebrate.

Ultimately, the conversation surrounding beauty should shift from rigid expectations and narrow ideals to a more inclusive, individualistic approach. The beauty industry is unlikely to relinquish its grip on societal standards anytime soon, but we, as individuals, can begin to dismantle the rigid definitions of attractiveness that it perpetuates. By broadening the narrative and nurturing a culture that values authenticity over unattainable perfection, we might finally return beauty to the beholder.

The Cycle of Generosity Coming Full Circle

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In a world that often prioritizes individual success, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact of generosity. Yet, time and again, acts of kindness create lasting effects; not just for those who receive them but also for those who give. The simple act of giving – whether time, resources, or support – ripples outward, touching lives in ways we may never fully realize.

What’s even more remarkable is how kindness tends to come full circle, returning to the giver in unexpected and life-changing ways. The belief that kindness begets kindness isn’t just a moral ideal; it’s a deeply ingrained pattern in human nature and society. Those who give without expecting anything in return often find generosity making its way back to them when they least expect it.

One powerful example is a couple I know who faced financial hardship despite their family’s long history of generosity. Over the weekend, they shared with my family how they overcame their housing crisis.

Decades ago, the husband’s parents had donated portions of their land in Addis Ababa to underprivileged families and individuals with disabilities, enabling them to build homes and gain financial stability. Yet, despite their family’s giving nature, he and his wife recently found themselves in dire straits, struggling to afford housing and facing eviction.

With young children and limited income, they had no choice but to move in with relatives. I remember them asking us for prayers as they navigated the painful reality of being without a home. Then, when they thought they had nowhere to turn, an unexpected act of kindness changed everything. A person who heard about their struggle gifted them a fully owned villa; without asking for anything in return. This selfless gesture transformed their lives, giving them financial security and a renewed sense of stability. In many ways, the generosity his parents had shown years ago had come back to bless him when he needed it most.

Kindness doesn’t stop with the recipient, it continues to spread. Studies show that acts of generosity improve mental well-being, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community. Giving benefits not just the receiver but also the giver, filling them with a sense of purpose and fulfilment. More importantly, kindness creates a ripple effect. Those who experience generosity are more likely to pass it on, ensuring a continuous cycle of goodwill.

Generosity isn’t limited to personal relationships; it plays a crucial role in professional environments as well. A junior employee can benefit from the mentorship of an experienced colleague. Seasoned professionals who willingly share their insights and guidance, without expecting anything in return, help shape a workplace culture of trust and collaboration.

Workplaces that encourage generosity tend to see higher morale, increased productivity, and stronger team dynamics. Studies show that employees in positive work environments are more engaged and committed to their jobs. When generosity is woven into workplace culture, success becomes a shared experience rather than an individual pursuit.

Scientific research also supports the power of generosity. Acts of giving stimulate the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which strengthens social bonds and increases happiness. Generosity activates the brain’s reward system, producing a rush of positive emotions that reinforce a sense of connection and well-being.

Beyond personal benefits, generous communities tend to have lower crime rates, stronger social ties, and greater economic stability. This demonstrates that kindness is not just a personal virtue, it’s a force capable of shaping entire societies for the better.

One of the greatest gifts we can pass on to our children is the value of kindness. Teaching them generosity from a young age ensures that this cycle of goodwill continues. Encouraging simple gestures – like sharing, helping a friend, or expressing gratitude – builds their character and helps them understand the power of generosity.

Schools that implement kindness-focused programs report higher student engagement, improved social skills, and stronger academic performance. Raising kind children benefits not only them individually but also ensures the next generation contributes to a more compassionate society.

Throughout history, influential philanthropists have demonstrated how generosity can create lasting change. Andrew Carnegie, Oprah Winfrey, and Warren Buffett are among those who have used their wealth to transform communities worldwide.

Carnegie, the steel industry magnate, gave away 90pc of his fortune – over 300 billion dollars in today’s value – funding thousands of libraries, universities, and scientific institutions. Oprah Winfrey, media mogul and the first Black female billionaire, has invested millions in education, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian efforts, including founding the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most successful investors, has pledged to donate 99pc of his wealth, already giving over 51 billion dollars to causes like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

But kindness doesn’t require immense wealth. It can be as simple as offering a helping hand, a kind word, or a moment of genuine support. The impact of generosity, whether financial or emotional, is immeasurable and often outlasts a single lifetime.

My friends’ story is proof of this truth. Their family once gave away land to those in need, and years later, their son received an unexpected home when he was struggling. Their legacy of kindness ensured that, when the time came, they too were cared for.

Kindness isn’t just a virtue, it’s a powerful force that shapes our lives. Whether through grand gestures or small daily acts, generosity has the power to uplift, inspire, and transform. We may never know how our kindness will return to us, but one thing is certain: the good we put into the world never truly disappears. Each act of generosity strengthens the world around us, proving that the kindness we give today may one day come back to us in ways we never imagined.

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The volume in gross hydro-energy potential Ethiopia has in terawatt-hours a year. This represents eight percent of Africa’s entire hydro-energy potential. Ethiopia has only realised around two percent of this potential.

Tech Ministry Falters as Audits Expose Mismanagement, Unmet Ambitions

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The Ministry of Innovation & Technology is under scrutiny after an audit revealed lapses in project management and financial oversight. This raised questions about governance standards within a Ministry central to the country’s tech-driven growth ambitions.

According to the Federal Auditor General, the Ministry has completed only 11pc of its planned projects with its overall financial administration standing at 37.4pc for a year-long project that commenced in 2022. Budget mismanagement and persistent project delays were discovered as major factors behind the poor performance, prompting Parliamentary committee chairs to demand explanations from senior Ministry officials.

The audit’s detailed review of financial practices painted an alarming picture. Among the irregularities were unauthorised contracts amounting to 8.4 million dollars and discrepancies of 1.6 million Br in payroll records. These financial missteps have drawn attention from policymakers and experts, heightening accountability concerns.

Further complicating matters was the diversion of 50.2 million Br originally intended for a local project to an international company. The shift not only raised red flags about financial oversight but also brought into question the transparency of international transactions handled by the Ministry. Minister Belete Molla defended the transaction, insisting that all actions adhered strictly to established financial protocols, though scepticism persisted on the federal legislative floors.

The audit findings have broader economic implications as Ethiopia strives toward innovation-led development. Federal legislators demanded that the Ministry submit a detailed remedial action plan within 15 days, pressing the urgency of improving management and accountability.

Central Bank Keeps Lending Lid Tight as Inflation Squeezes Economy

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The Central Bank has reaffirmed its decision to maintain an 18pc cap on credit growth, reinforcing a commitment to tighter monetary policy during persistent inflation and economic uncertainty. The National Bank of Ethiopia’s (NBE) monetary policy committee cited ongoing concerns over inflation, which stood at 19.9pc year-on-year (YoY), and liquidity imbalances as reasons to uphold the restriction on lending.

Bankers and analysts interpret this move as evidence of regulators’ determination to control credit expansion and address rising consumer prices. Businesses, particularly those seeking loans for expansion or new projects, are expected to struggle under the continued lending constraints. Observers note policymakers’ increasing caution, unwilling to loosen credit controls while inflation remains elevated. The consumer price index for February this year was 15.5pc, according to the Ethiopian Statistics Services (ESS).

The economy has recently faced inflationary pressures, prompting Central Bank Governor Mamo Mihretu to adopt stricter monetary measures. The latest Central Bank’s decision confirms with broader macroeconomic policy reforms agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), signalling tighter control over money supply and limiting private-sector lending.

Financial experts warn that while the lending cap could ease inflationary pressures, economic growth may slow, particularly for companies heavily reliant on borrowed funds. The impact will likely ripple through commercial banks and microfinance institutions, demanding more efficient capital allocation. With the cost of living still high and the economic outlook remains uncertain, businesses are preparing for tougher times ahead.

DIMMING FLASHBACKS

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A retired red BMW and a well-worn sofa still in use sit side-by-side around CMC. Relics of past journeys, their faded forms rich with memories, now they sit as outdoor junk. Addis Abeba generates approximately 750,000tns of municipal solid waste annually with an average per capita household waste of 0.45kg a day. Most of it is dumped in landfills, although illegal open dumping and burning remain widespread practices. Landfills and neighborhoods are increasingly burdened by plastic waste and used home appliances. This results from the widespread use of plastic in household appliances, compounded by a lack of recycling habits and public awareness.