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Author: Tizita S.

Can Qatar Ease Tensions with Somalia, Reshape Horn of Africa Geopolitics?

Posted on by Tizita S.

In a recent turn of events, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has reached out to Qatar, potentially seeking its mediation in the diplomatic tensions with its southern neighbour Somalia. A letter from Prime Minister Abiy, delivered by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide to Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (Sheik), is reported – at least on the surface – hope to bolster bilateral relations. However, subsequent actions hint at a more pressing agenda.

Three days later, the Qatari Emir held separate phone conversations with Somali President Hassan Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy, suggesting that Ethiopia may seek Qatari help to resolve its diplomatic tussles with Somalia. Assuming this would be the case, it raises questions about Ethiopia’s leaders’ strategic disposition.

The geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea arena are intricate and influenced by multiple regional and international powers, including Iran. Qatar’s involvement in the region is far from straightforward, as it often operates within a web of alliances and adversaries involving major Middle Eastern players such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt. Qatar has long pursued a distinct foreign policy in this region, often leveraging its relationships to offset the influence of other regional powers.

Somalia, in particular, has been a confluence of Qatar’s strategic interests in the region. Doha has cultivated strong ties with Mogadishu, viewing Somalia as a crucial partner in its broader regional strategy. This relationship extends beyond mere diplomacy; it is part of a calculated effort by Qatar to enhance its influence, often in alignment with Iranian interests. The involvement of other powerful actors further complicates the geopolitical chess game. With considerable interests in Somalia and the broader region, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt have not hesitated to assert their influence, often in ways that challenge Qatar’s objectives.

Somalia’s leaders have charted these waters with a clear-eyed understanding of its sovereignty and national security priorities, often playing these external powers against one another to their advantage.

Ethiopia appears to be less adept at manoeuvring within this complex geopolitical arithmetic. Addis Abeba’s recent diplomatic overture, including its controversial memorandum of understanding signed with the President of self-declared Somaliland, has placed it at odds with its neighbours and regional heavyweights. The current political crisis in Sudan adds another layer of complexity, as Middle Eastern powers are deeply entangled in shaping the outcomes there, further impacting Ethiopia’s regional standing.

If Qatar is indeed positioned as an impartial mediator between Ethiopia and Somalia, Prime Minister Abiy’s administration will need a robust and nuanced strategy to navigate negotiations in Doha. It is essential to recognise that Qatar, in any mediating role, will likely pursue its interests, which may not align with those of Ethiopia. Given the established rapport between Qatar and Somalia, Doha’s mediation could potentially skew towards favouring Somalia.

While diplomatic engagement is essential for resolving conflicts, it must be approached with a strategic mindset. The complexities of the Horn of Africa’s geopolitics demand a nuanced approach, and Ethiopia’s leaders should be prepared to navigate these waters with skill and foresight. Engaging Qatar as a mediator may offer a path forward, but only if underpinned by a strong and coherent strategy prioritising Ethiopia’s long-term political and national security interests.

Major Middle Eastern players are unlikely to welcome an enhanced Qatari role in the Horn of Africa. These countries have vested interests and historically supported Somalia’s political agenda over Ethiopia’s in international forums. The Western bloc, led by the United States and Israel, remains vigilant of Qatar’s activities in the region, particularly its cosiness with Iran. The geopolitical stakes are high, and any misstep could have far-reaching implications for Ethiopia’s regional standing and internal stability.

Prime Minister Abiy’s administration would do itself well in crafting a well-defined strategic policy before engaging in any mediated talks under Qatar’s auspices. Diplomatic efforts must be grounded in a clear understanding of the regional power dynamics and a commitment to Ethiopia’s national interests. The strategy could consider carefully exploring alternative diplomatic channels to address Ethiopia’s disputes with Somalia. Engaging with regional organisations such as the IGAD and leveraging international frameworks under the United Nations could provide more balanced negotiation platforms, ensuring that Ethiopia’s positions are adequately safeguarded.

Mirage of Comparison in Contentment Desert

Posted on by Tizita S.

Scrolling through social media triggers envy. That friend’s stunning apartment makes our furniture choices seem dull, and the colleague’s constant travels put our relaxing weekend at home to shame. This relentless comparison game is not just a social media phenomenon; it is a human habit we have had since childhood. We romanticize our struggles and believe others have better lives, echoing the saying “The grass is always greener on the other side.”

But here is the problem: social comparison creates a skewed perception of reality. We only see the reels of others’ lives, the vacations, the promotions, the new cars. We rarely see the struggles, the rejections, the financial burdens. This creates an illusion that everyone else is winning, while we are falling behind.

Psychologists call this “social comparison theory,” and it boils down to this: we assess our worth by looking at others. As an independent self, we naturally focus on our own experiences. Our sense of self reflects and forms our worldview, feels pain, and tries to navigate social and physical environments. Primarily concerned with our well-being, we tend to be less attuned to the experiences of others.

We learn how to perceive the world from our environment. No one is immune from external influences shaping our thoughts, behaviours, and decisions.

Children measure their success by comparing toys, clothes, and school supplies. When selecting schools for our children, checking if other students are fairly in the same lifestyle should be a priority. A polarised economic background becomes an issue that ends in frustration and loss of self-worth. If a child sees a new toy, they soon beg their parents for the same while affordability becomes an issue.

As teenagers, the pressure to fit in intensifies. Suddenly, everyone seems cooler, more popular, or stylish. This desperate need for external validation leads to extreme behaviours, to keep up with the perceived peers. People strain themselves to achieve what they believe will put them on par with others they admire.

Failing to meet expectations based on comparisons have serious implications.

It can be emotionally devastating. Take the iconic sitcom Friends. In one episode, Ross, determined to impress Rachel, substitutes to be her date for the high school prom. However, his heart is broken when she leaves with a date who initially stood her up. Social comparison, even in childhood, can lead to disappointment and a sense of inadequacy.

In today’s consumer-driven society, the stakes are higher. People compare themselves through possessions like cars, homes, and bank statements. Aggressive marketing promotes a culture of competition and materialism. When competition and envy peak, rationality and common sense often disappear. People go to great lengths to avoid falling out of favour in others’ eyes.

Those who appear better off sometimes flaunt their status, driving envy and bitterness in others. People forget they are unique individuals, and no amount of material possessions match their inherent value. Although one has much to be thankful for, an inferiority complex or a sense of lacking may arise.

During my school days, a wealthy businessman in my neighbourhood was dying from an incurable disease. His wife left him, and he sought comfort in the presence of a high school student who helped him in his final days. The man’s wealth meant nothing when faced with his mortality. His luxury car remained unused, teaching me that human connection mattered more than material possessions.

Social comparison has evolved with the digital age, where online platforms amplify the issue. We see others’ curated best moments and feel inadequate, wondering if we are doing enough. Social media showcases the best aspects of life, making us feel worse about ourselves and lowering self-esteem. Instead of focusing on our own goals and passions, we become fixated on replicating what we see others achieve. It may lead us down paths that do not align with our values or talents. We may end up neglecting our strengths and unique abilities.

Regrets stem from comparing our lives to others rather than analysing our shortcomings. We must evaluate whether others’ possessions and achievements should measure our success. This is difficult, as humans are hardwired to compare themselves to others.

Social comparison can be misleading because it overlooks the challenges and sacrifices people make to achieve what they have. The colleague who travels constantly might be neglecting their health or relationships to afford those trips. The friend with the stunning apartment might be working long hours and barely have time to enjoy it. Social media feeds are especially adept at portraying a one-dimensional image of success, airbrushing out the struggles and complexities of real life.

While progress and well-being are universal needs, defining success through others’ eyes leads us astray. Instead of getting caught in the comparison trap, we should cultivate a growth mindset. By focusing on our personal development and celebrating milestones, no matter how small, we see how far we have come and identify areas for continued improvement.

We should count our blessings and take pride in our achievements instead of constantly peeking into others’ lives. Income disparity and the cost of living fuel jealousy and unhealthy competition. Although comparing ourselves to others is natural, it leads to unnecessary suffering. True contentment is found in valuing our unique experiences.

In Breaking the Mold, the Cement Industry Faces Crucial Climate Test

Posted on by Tizita S.

The cement industry is on the cusp of transforming as federal authorities strive to meet ambitious emission reduction targets outlined in its Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy. Launched in 2011, the strategy addresses the adverse effects of climate change while propelling Ethiopia towards becoming a middle-income country by 2025. The government has set a target to reduce emissions by 64pc from business-as-usual scenarios by 2030.

Further initiatives as part of Ethiopia’s nationally determined contributions (NDC) to the Paris Agreement plan to slash CO2e emissions by 68.8pc.

Despite the looming deadlines, many industries remain entrenched in traditional practices. This inertia calls for immediate action from federal agencies. Among the various sectors identified in the strategy, the cement industry is notably responsible for a portion of CO2e emissions, contributing approximately half. The emissions in this sector predominantly stem from the calcination of lime and fuel combustion. The calcination process accounts for most CO2e production, but coal combustion in kilns and precalciners also plays a substantial role.

Cement plants consume vast quantities of coal daily, leading to considerable emissions. An average cement mill may consume up to 100tns of coal daily, revealing the substantial savings potential. Stakeholders, including industry players and those focused on emission mitigation, need to examine and address this aspect closely.

Prioritising the cement industry is essential for Ethiopia to meet its CRGE goals.

The sector holds the potential to achieve a 70pc reduction in CO2e emissions, a target driven by the anticipated 20pc annual growth in cement production. Efficient coal combustion remains a critical avenue for emission reduction.

Promoting energy efficiency in the cement industry can lead to higher productivity and greater efficiency. However, energy efficiency has not received the necessary attention within the manufacturing sector, including the cement industry. The conversation around energy efficiency among industry players needs to be enhanced immensely.

The energy consumption of an average cement plant can range between 10MW to 20MW during full operation. Governmental institutions supporting the cement industry should focus not only on productivity but also on energy efficiency. Energy savings can bolster smaller plants or increase available power for export. Hence, addressing energy wastage within cement mills can reduce emissions. Efficient energy use would allow the country to redistribute more power generated from plants, potentially equating to the output of some power plants.

Plant roles in energy efficiency are critical. Achieving energy efficiency requires collaboration among public, non-state and private institutions, including factory management. Pivotal initiatives should include raising awareness, setting mandatory performance indicators for energy efficiency, improving spare part management, reducing power interruptions, and enhancing the technical capabilities of operators and engineers. The cement sector demands skilled technical knowledge to run efficiently. Forming think tanks with extensive experience to support local industries could be beneficial, especially as more cement plants will likely be established to meet the country’s infrastructure needs.

Frequent power interruptions are a major cause of energy loss and increased emissions per ton of clinker or cement. When power is interrupted, production lines cool from high to ambient levels, requiring energy to reheat to operational temperatures. Lengthy interruptions can take days to recover from, with fans and motors running full capacity to distribute heat, consuming megawatts of electrical energy and tons of coal. Adopting more energy-efficient production practices must be a priority and implemented promptly.

Local regulations and directives should incorporate energy efficiency concepts. Introducing a directive restricting the use of 100pc imported coal has spurred local investment in coal-washing plants, saving foreign currency and impacting industrialisation and employment. Coal-washing plants address challenges such as poor coal quality, low calorific value, high sulfur content, and volatile matter, improving local industries’ efficiency.

Technological adaptations for more efficient production need thorough investigation and adoption. Learning from other countries’ experiences can help achieve lower emissions and energy consumption. Despite their higher emissions and energy wastage, technologies like vertical shaft kilns require support and intervention due to their lower investment costs and potential to enhance production. Experts can establish a clear balance between emission reduction and running such technologies.

Reducing emissions through energy efficiency meets environmental responsibilities and boosts productivity. Energy efficiency projects result in increased output and can enhance cost competitiveness among domestic industries, benefiting consumers with fair prices.

Given the cement industry’s susceptibility to energy wastage and CO2e emissions, special attention is required to enhance overall efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Its transformation depends on meeting the targets of the climate-resilient green economy strategy.

 

Ethiopia Has the Digital Tools, But Can It Shift the Mindset?

Posted on by Tizita S.

Over the last two decades, Ethiopia has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its technology ecosystem, especially in telecom infrastructure and services. Since the mid-2000s, the telecommunications sector has undergone large-scale modernisation, laying down a national fibre backbone and deploying successive generations of networks. These efforts have increased coverage to broader geographical areas. A symbolic milestone came in May 2022 when Ethio Telecom launched 5G services in Addis Abeba.

The country has also matched progress in infrastructure with policy and institutional frameworks. The “Digital Strategy for Inclusive Prosperity 2025,” a key initiative introduced in May 2020, envisions realising a digital economy and society and provides a roadmap for the country’s tech-led growth. Major government-led projects, such as the Ethio-ICT Park, WoredaNet & SchoolNet, the electronic World Trade Platform, and a digital identification project, have been steps towards enhancing ICT adoption.

These technological changes have opened new possibilities, particularly in the financial sector.

In 2011, the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) launched the Ethiopian Automated Transfer System (EATS), modernising the country’s payment systems. EATS includes the Real-Time Gross Settlement system (RTGS) for the final settlement of payments between financial institutions and the Automated Clearing House (ACH) for clearing and netting services for bulk payments. Before this system, all payments, including interbank transfers, were made through the exchange of letters, resulting in lengthy settlement times.

The introduction of ATMs and mobile money agents has expanded access to financial services. Point of Sale (POS) terminals and debit card users have also risen. Mobile banking is now the most convenient and accessible digital payment channel, significantly increasing mobile money and wallet users. Traditional lenders, telecoms, and fintech firms are cooperating to introduce new digital financial services and credit access. As a result, digital payments have proliferated, with official sources indicating that payments worth more than 4.7 trillion Br were processed digitally by the end of June 2023, almost three times the previous year’s value.

Despite this progress, inadequacies abound. In recent years, electronic government services have been rolled out, but their implementation has been troubled, and their impact remains uncertain due to deficient design and inadequate preparation. Public service employees have not undergone the required mindset shift, and the wider public has been left to cope with these changes on their own.

While service requests are available online, swift responses from institutions are still hard to come by. Delays are common, and the queues have merely shifted from government offices to internet cafes. The public’s digital skill deficit means additional costs as people recruit third parties to process requests, raising privacy concerns.

Another weakness lies in data use. Public institutions possess vast amounts of data collected through citizen interactions, such as tax payments, exams, and health visits. This data could be used to understand user needs better and improve public services. Data-driven decisions can lead to more effective public service operations. However, old-fashioned approaches to data have limited the potential for these insights to be fully realised.

Data analytics is essential for drawing actionable insights and informing decisions. These decisions can help reduce crime, lower traffic congestion, improve the environment, and provide more efficient public services. Yet, government agencies shy away from utilising data and deploying processing tools to reap these benefits. The recent unveiling of the government’s startup innovation scheme, a nine-point initiative designed to set the startup innovation ecosystem on the right path, has garnered support from notable innovators and many circles.

Political and institutional environments are key constraints holding the country back. Continuous improvements in policy, state capacity, and public service delivery at all levels are needed to create an innovative state capable of meeting the needs and requirements of 21st-century society. Without these improvements, isolated initiatives will only create enclaves of progress.

Agencies need to use data and associated technologies to create a government that solves problems more effectively and legitimately. Data-analytical approaches can help agencies understand the problems they are addressing more empirically and devise responsive policies and services. Data-processing tools can also make citizen engagement more efficient, assisting agencies to handle large quantities of information and invite meaningful participation from diverse audiences who have never engaged in governance.

However, to harness the power of new technologies for governing, the government must invest in training public service employees to work differently and prepare the general public for a new technological age.

The path to an innovative state is a rough road, but the potential rewards are substantial. Ethiopia’s technological advancements and policy initiatives have laid the groundwork for a digital economy and society. The financial sector’s transformation has demonstrated the benefits of embracing digital solutions. However, the public service and governance realms require a concerted effort to align mindsets and skills with the new technological landscape.

In the Shadow of Europe’s Floral Giants, Local Growers’ Fight for Fair Prices

Posted on by Tizita S.

Flower growers and exporters have long wrestled with their role in the global market, often describing themselves as “price takers” rather than “price makers.” The terminology reflects their perceived lack of control over pricing within the highly competitive international flower market. They are forced to accept market prices set by larger, more influential players, primarily based in Europe. These players, including wholesalers, breeders, and re-exporters, possess advantages such as patented products, remote buying technology, value-added logistics facilities, and sophisticated marketing strategies, which allow them to exert substantial influence on market prices.

The perception of being trapped in an uncompetitive position has led flower producers to call for adjustments to the existing minimum floor price set by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). The sentiment has become particularly pronounced since the Floriday market platform introduced a new standard a few weeks ago. Flower exporters are required to set their minimum selling prices, considering cost structures and marketing strategies.

Their critics blame under-invoicing for distorting the picture. They assert that the value of flowers repatriated to Ethiopia is often lower than that received in the global market. These critics contend that detailed records of transactions, such as volume, varieties, stem lengths, thicknesses, colour descriptions, real-time price information, and sales terms, are not easily accessible to regulatory agencies. This lack of transparency fuels suspicions that selling prices at auctions and other market channels are concealed or not fully disclosed by market players. They would argue that fine-tuning the existing minimum floor price might be irrational.

Efforts to make the minimum floor price more responsive to global market conditions have faced numerous pushbacks. There are two different standard units of measurement for flower sales: price per stem and price per kilogram. Globally, flowers are sold by the stem, especially in Dutch auction markets and retail channels. Flower growers who supply to these markets receive real-time selling price information. Yet, the Central Bank’s system primarily uses price per kilogram as the standard unit for setting minimum selling prices.

The divergence between these measurement units has caused an apparent tension.

When the floriculture export business began, there was no threshold floor price system to monitor and regulate foreign currency repatriations. The system relied on good faith and honesty, with the Central Bank accepting self-declared prices, invoices, or contractual agreements. During this period, there was little noise about market prices, as the Central Bank accepted whatever price the exporters repatriated for the volume of flowers sold.

However, many were concerned about under-invoicing risks, where exporters might deliberately declare lower values for flowers than their actual market prices.

In April 2007, the Central Bank issued a directive introducing the stem unit of flower measurement, setting a minimum price of 0.1 dollars for a stem. The Ethiopian Customs Commission was then responsible for registering the number of flower stems exported and reporting to the Central Bank to control and manage foreign currency repatriation. However, the directive was short-lived. Flower producers and exporters complained about the inefficiency and quality degradation caused by customs inspection practices, such as opening flower boxes and counting stems at cargo terminals.

In February 2012, the NBE issued another directive, changing the measurement unit from stem to kilogram, and revised the price per kilogram in April 2022. Despite this, many in the flower export business argue that the kilogram unit is neither familiar nor widely used in the global flower market. For the industry, the kilogram measurement mechanism is incompatible with global market practices.

The motivation for changing from stem to kilogram is often seen as the implementing agency’s excuse to avoid counting and registering stems accurately. Unlike Ethiopia, Kenya does not set a minimum floor price. Still, it relies on credible international data service providers to access global flower selling price information per stem for domestic tax purposes.

There are limitations to the kilogram unit of measurement for flower growers in Ethiopia. For instance, in the mid-altitude cluster of Bishofu (Debrezeit), the average number of roseflower stems per kilogram is roughly estimated to be 33 stems. The minimum price for rose flowers in this cluster is 4.334 dollars for a kilogram, which is approximately 0.131 dollars for a stem. However, a recent survey by DLV PLANTS revealed that there are more than eight different types of rose varieties with different selling prices in the market for this cluster.

The average auction price for a stem of the Mariyo variety in 2022 was 0.248 dollars, while the Sonrisa variety averaged 0.155 dollars. Thus, the selling price for some varieties was higher than the cluster’s floor price average. Thus, the existing floor price regulation does not account for price variations within the same flower variety in a given cluster but only considers agroecology and flower type.

The inherent characteristics of rose flowers, such as stem length, thickness, and customer-specific orders, result in different numbers of stems per kilogram, further complicating the situation. Unfortunately, the current minimum selling price formulation does not consider these characteristics, leading to notable variations in selling prices per kilogram within the same cluster and even within individual company shipments.

Critics argue that setting a minimum selling price per stem would be more advantageous for the country than the current kilogram-based system.

Since the global market primarily uses stem-based pricing, there is an option to adjust the floor selling price based on actual market conditions, increasing foreign currency repatriation and protecting exporters from sudden price shocks. Digital platforms providing real-time price information for various flower varieties can address the potential for under-invoicing, while comparing flower export performances with competing countries becomes easier with a standardised stem measurement. Finally, high-value flower varieties can yield better returns, which may not be realised under the kilogram measurement system.

The conclusion is clear. The kilogram standard unit of measurement is not feasible for regulating minimum threshold prices and ensuring adequate repatriation of foreign currency earnings. It also fails to address malpractice issues related to under-invoicing effectively. The viable solutions seem to be threefold: introducing innovative technology to count flower stems accurately at customs checkpoints, enabling regulatory agencies to determine the actual volume of flowers exported; accessing the digital flower market and price information for each flower variety through reliable means or third parties to manage foreign currency repatriation; and, identifying flower types with different market prices using criteria such as varieties, colour, stem length, stem thickness, bud size, and leaf index.

Ultimately, the floriculture industry’s ability to compete globally and secure fair prices depends on aligning its measurement and regulatory practices with international standards. Addressing these will require concerted efforts from both government and industry stakeholders to implement solutions that enhance transparency, accuracy, and competitiveness in the global flower market.

Can Private Hospitals Increase Access to Health Care in Developing Countries?

Posted on by Tizita S.

In recent years, governments in low- and middle-income countries have been experimenting with ways to alleviate the financial burden of high out-of-pocket healthcare costs, accounting for 40pc of household’s catastrophic health spending. To ensure universal access, they are gradually shifting away from public provision of health care to publicly funded insurance that covers treatment at private facilities.

India is a prime example. Since the mid-2000s, the central government and various states have introduced such insurance programs to expand healthcare access in low-income communities.

These kinds of public-private partnerships (PPPs) have long been integral to health-policy discussions in developing countries. Since building physical infrastructure is often costly and plagued by bureaucratic delays, political favouritism, and budgetary constraints, national and subnational governments across Asia, Africa, and South America have implemented health insurance schemes enabling low-income families to receive private care at substantially or fully subsidised prices.

The success of these programs varies by country and depends on their design and local context. For example, China and Vietnam are often cited as success stories, with nearly 100pc and 80pcof their populations, respectively, covered by some health insurance schemes as of 2016. But, while out-of-pocket expenses for tertiary care in China have increased, they have decreased following the private-public partnership program’s expansion in Vietnam.

India’s approach is similar to Vietnam’s, focusing on providing the poorest communities with free access to government-funded insurance.

Fully subsidised insurance can improve health outcomes by providing access to private facilities and freeing up space in public hospitals. Yet, despite numerous free insurance programs and high out-of-pocket expenditures, adoption rates in India remain low. Based on data from India’s National Family Health Survey, estimates show that just 41pc of Indian households have some form of health insurance. And even those covered seem to have little understanding of how these programs work.

This underscores the importance of the unique context of developing countries, where informal risk-sharing networks traditionally help mitigate the impact of health shocks. In rural areas, households often rely on their local communities and even join groups whose members pool money for health emergencies. Some studies show that the presence of these informal groups can reduce the willingness to pay for formal insurance. While this suggests that informal insurance crowds out formal schemes, our research shows that informal networks might facilitate the widespread adoption of government-provided plans.

For example, the support of such networks can make it easier for people to travel to remote hospitals.

Governments must assess whether the PPP model is the best way to deliver healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that health is a public good with many positive externalities and that direct public provision might be the only feasible option in some cases. Even in less extreme circumstances, it is crucial to understand whether the money spent on one type of program could have been used more effectively elsewhere.

In an ongoing study, we examine the complex implications of the PPP model for healthcare access. In theory, health outcomes might improve if the private system is better than or as good as the public one. But, if the public system is better than its private counterpart, overall health outcomes might be adversely affected. For example, one area where India consistently lags behind its peers is maternal and child health, partly owing to the low rate of hospital deliveries, which in turn can be attributed to the high cost of private services and long wait times in overcrowded government facilities.

If private care were subsidised, more women might choose to deliver their babies in private hospitals instead of non-institutional settings like their homes.

Women often switch from public to private facilities for childbirth following the introduction of a formal health insurance program. Such programs also decrease out-of-pocket expenses, suggesting that individuals who previously paid for private care can now access it at a subsidised rate. Households located far from hospitals, however, remain unaffected by such programs.

Recent estimates from India’s National Health Accounts reveal two significant trends: a massive decline in government spending on tertiary health care and a sharp increase in the government’s social security expenses, including social health insurance. This reflects the country’s shift from direct public provision to the PPP model for tertiary healthcare.

But, if there are too few private facilities, reduced government spending could force people to travel longer distances to access healthcare. Our findings suggest that in Andhra Pradesh, where hospital density is among the highest in India, the difficulty of getting to a hospital – whether monetary or otherwise – affects insurance adoption rates, even when insurance is fully subsidised.

By contrast, Vietnam’s success in achieving universal coverage can be partly attributed to substantial public investment in hospitals and health centres.

If India’s new social insurance policy leads to the establishment of private hospitals, it could expand access to tertiary healthcare and offset reduced government spending. However, if the growth of these facilities is concentrated in urban areas, far fewer people will benefit. Cultivating PPPs is not enough to make essential healthcare services accessible to all. It is also crucial to ensure that private hospitals are accessible nationwide.

The Power of Unwavering Faith

Posted on by Tizita S.

Most people who knew me would describe me as someone with strong faith. I used to consider myself the same way. However, the sudden passing of my father shattered my once unwavering faith. Lost and adrift in grief, I retreated from the world. Watching my husband struggle alongside me only deepened the pain. It took two years to find my way back.

But witnessing Zeritu Kebede’s journey when she lost her firstborn, Khristian Lackachew, taught me what embodying faith means. Zeritu is the kindest and most decent lady in my circle. I knew the depths of her grief because I had been there myself. I knew how much she fought for her son’s survival during his sudden illness. Her children meant the world to her, and I braced myself for the inevitable collapse.

For me, spirituality has always been about finding peace. But an essential part of that peace lies in accepting death as an inevitable part of life. We cannot shield our loved ones from it, and the “why” might forever remain unanswered. But, faith offers solace in the belief that there is a continuation beyond this life.

But Zeritu, ever the embodiment of calmness, faced this tragedy with remarkable strength. Her usual conversations, brimming with compassion, now carried a quiet acceptance of a higher purpose. Though heartbroken, her faith remained her anchor. Unanswered prayers for her son’s recovery did not break her spirit.

Seeing her strength was both inspiring and heartbreaking. She transitioned Khristian from hospital bed to casket, then burial, all while dealing with overwhelming sadness. As a mother myself, I could only imagine the ocean of pain she is in.

However, she had to be strong for her remaining children, already struggling to grasp their brother’s absence. When Khristian was hospitalised, she juggled constant vigilance by his side with caring for the others at home. Even in the throes of grief, she ensured their needs were met. Her embodiment of strength is beginning to translate to them.

Her faith remained a pillar, and her respect for life’s mysteries shone through her actions. Throughout this ordeal, I witnessed a profound resilience blossoming within her. In her moments of vulnerability, she became a source of strength for everyone around her.

The power of community support resonated through this experience. But while comforting visitors, she stood to express gratitude for their presence. It was a display of kindness and care I had never encountered at a mourning event. Her home became a haven filled with prayer and an ever-present sense of peace. Being there brought solace, a quiet comfort that lingered long after leaving.

Although a grieving mother had every reason to succumb to bitterness, she chose kindness. Anger would have been a natural response, but she chose quiet strength. Losing hope was a real possibility, but she clung to the faith she always spoke of. When grief threatened to consume her ability to mother, she continued to provide unwavering love and support.

Her strength never ceases to amaze. Blessed with a beautiful voice, she uses it to spread love and compassion. A year ago, when I shared the pain of my father’s passing, she listened patiently, then offered words of comfort – to gain strength each day and live a life that would honour him. She has been my greatest inspiration. While my faith faltered in the face of grief, rare individuals like Zeritu hold onto their convictions with unwavering strength. She possessed an understanding I lacked at the time.

Zeritu chose the path of resilience. Her response to loss was to create a new kind of relationship with Khristian – honouring and celebrating his life. She found new meaning, offering invaluable lessons—even when a loved one is long gone, love never dies.

Deadly Shortcuts Behind the Wheel

Posted on by Tizita S.

While riding the bus the other day, I noticed a young woman deeply engrossed in a phone conversation. She was recounting the story of finally getting her driver’s license, vividly describing the difficult exams and the “token of appreciation” of 1,000 Br allegedly given to the instructor for “tea.” She did not consider it as a bribe but I could not help but disagree. Her behaviour depicts the shadowy system of bribery that permeates driving tests, creating a dangerous situation on the roads.

Her instructor had thoroughly explained the exam, but passing was not guaranteed. Failing meant paying again to retake the test but the young woman aced it, despite uncertainities. A similar situation with a friend exposed the system’s true darkness with the assigned instructor demanding a hefty 5,000 Br bribe upfront, even before she completed the practical requirements.

This blatant extortion attempt, sadly not uncommon, reveals the exploitation within the licensing process. The proper route involves receiving adequate training and passing the driving test fairly. But this system of bribery thrives for several reasons.

Low salaries for examiners and weak enforcement mechanisms create a breeding ground for corruption. The subjective nature of the test allows some examiners to exploit this by failing deserving candidates and offering a “second chance” for a price. Students may also be driven to bribery by fear of failure, time constraints, or unclear testing procedures.

The consequences of this bribery cycle are severe. Unqualified drivers pose a safety hazard, increasing accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Recent statistics from transport authorities show a surge in traffic accidents, with penalties doubling to over 1.1 billion Br in the past year. Transport authorities placed blame on driving schools and vehicle inspection centres during a presentation at Parliament.

Beyond safety concerns, a corrupt system erodes public trust, discourages honest applicants, and undermines the efficiency of the entire licensing process.

To dismantle this system, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Increasing examiner salaries can eliminate the financial incentive for bribery. Stricter penalties for both examiners and students involved can act as a strong deterrent. Implementing standardised testing procedures with clear, objective criteria will reduce examiner discretion and opportunities for manipulation.

With nearly 100,000 cars joining the roads annually, around 600 driving schools produce thousands of new drivers yearly for tests prepared by transport authorities. Implementing standardised national guidelines for all driving schools would ensure consistent training quality while a digital point penalty system would enable stricter driver monitoring.

Driving schools also play a crucial role. Rigorous teaching on the behavioural aspects is important. Nearly two million drivers were penalised for over nine million traffic violations this year while a crackdown on driving schools led to the cancellation of permits for 10 driving schools across the country. By providing quality instruction and ensuring students are proficient before taking the exam, schools should empower students to confidently take the test without resorting to bribes.

Ultimately, a cultural shift is needed. Cultivating respect for traffic laws and promoting responsible driving practices is paramount. We need a system that prioritises safety and ensures a driver’s license signifies competence, not a product of a corrupt system.

86000000

Posted on by Tizita S.

The dollar value of a loss caused by Japan’s coffee import ban on Ethiopia due to high levels of pesticide residues. Coffee is one of Ethiopia’s primary exports; such revenue loss due to non-compliance with international safety standards calls for better pesticide management and regulatory oversight.

“It’s very shameful.”

Posted on by Tizita S.

Bartemaw Fekadu, an MP, delivered a scathing critique of the audit findings presented by the Federal Auditor General, Meseret Damte, in Parliament last week. He thundered about the audit report’s damning revelations, stating the alarming degree of financial unaccountability within federal agencies. He demanded greater accountability from government bodies.

STALWART PROPELLERS

Posted on by Tizita S.

A used tyre dealer around Qera pushes a pile across the muddy streets undergoing rennovations. The neighbourhood typically attached to the expansive cattle market has a bustling informal sector for vehicle spare parts. Both lines of business have been largely swept up under the galloping aesthetic revival Addis Abeba has been undergoing for the past few months. Several shops have been demolished, hundreds of vendors resettled, and many more informal operators stranded. An aesthetically revivified capital has split public opinion, with some heralding it as an architectural renaissance while others label it as an unaffordable luxury.

TENDER TALISMAN

Posted on by Tizita S.

A strawberry moon peeks through the clouds above a half-finished building prepped for demolition. Native Americans coined the term for the red ambience that adorns the night sky during a full moon in June and the coincidental ripeness of strawberries in the season. The full moon — which reaches the crest of its fullness at 9:08 p.m. ET Friday — comes one day after the summer solstice, the day of the year when the sun appears the highest in the sky for the Northern Hemisphere. Since a full moon is opposite the sun, this strawberry moon will shine lower in the sky than usual, according to NASA. However, the soft reddish glow will do little to rescue the building around the Megenagna area.