A reservoir in a horticulture farm in Koka Town, Oromia Regional State, is filled with black rectangular plastic shades to decrease the amount of sunlight that reaches the water. The shades help decrease evaporation, limit the ignition of chemical reactions from the sunlight, and reduce algae sprouts. Modern flower farms utilize a combination of contemporary innovations to outmanoeuvre the pressures of climate change, reduced rainfall and pest damage. Ethiopia is the sixth-largest exporter of flowers in the world, with the first commercial flower farms launched nearly two decades ago. Over 120 exporters have emerged since, predominantly foreign owned companies or joint ventures with local investors.
Author: Tizita S.
Premier Pushes Domestic Drug Production
A six-day domestic pharmaceutical production and innovation expo was inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) last week. More than 110 local pharmaceutical manufacturers participated at the Millennium Hall on Airport Road.
Recently appointed Minister of Health Meqdes Daba (MD), said local production of pharmaceuticals has become a cornerstone of health policy, which received approval from the Council of Ministers a month ago. However, a report from the Global Fund For Health last year revealed troubling statistics: 54pc of Ethiopian physicians reported patient deaths due to shortages of essential medicines and supplies. The compounded effects of conflict and a severe foreign currency shortage have also hampered the import and distribution of medical products to regional states in recent years.
The PM underscored the importance of import substitution in the medical sector, reflecting on experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by shortages in pharmaceutical inputs. He noted that domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing has advanced in recent years, now constituting 36pc of the market.
AfDB Lauds $8m for Solar Mini-Grid
Around half a million people foresee benefits from the pilot mini-grid built across nine sites in Amhara, Oromia, Sidama, and the Southern regional states. African Development Bank Group has approved eight million dollars in finance to support the project under the Distributed Renewable Energy & Agriculture Modalities (DREAM) program.
The DREAM project, with a total budget of 20 million dollars through concessional loans, grants, and risk mitigation, will cover half of the mini-grid capital expenditures. Developed in partnership with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), the project aims to attract private sector investments in energy access and address the water-energy-food nexus in Ethiopia.
Joseph Ng’ang’a, Interim CEO of GEAPP, said the role of reliable power in enabling irrigation and clean drinking water is critical, improving livelihoods and local economies.
Since 2014, initiatives such as the USAID-backed solar irrigation scheme for vegetables and fruits have aimed to reduce Ethiopia’s dependency on rain-fed agriculture, especially crucial amid escalating drought conditions affecting 97pc of Ethiopian farms.
Parliament Approves $275m Loan for Urban Project
A 275 million dollar loan agreement was approved by Parliament last week, to support the second phase of the Urban Water Supply & Sanitation Project. Set to be implemented over the next three years, the project follows negotiations between Ethiopia and the International Development Association (IDA).
The Chief Whip Tesfaye Beljige (PhD), presented details of the loan agreement to lawmakers and said that the project focuses on enhancing the supply of clean drinking water and improving sanitation services through policies and programs.
Tesfaye noted that the second phase of the project has been operational in previous years and emphasised that the additional loan agreement aims to complete the ongoing projects and address the budget shortfall.
The terms of the loan include an annual interest rate of up to 0.5pc on the concessional loan and a service fee of up to 0.75pc for the management of the funds by the IDA. The loan has a grace period of six years and is to be repaid over 38 years.
VAT Overhaul Targets Broader Revenue Base
The VAT-exempt items have been reduced following a directive signed by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide last week. The revised list now includes cereals, agricultural inputs, and capital goods. Notably, animal feed, edible oil, travel agent services, prints for publication, import of fuel gas, and pension funds are now included in the taxable base.
The forthcoming tax proclamation, currently under parliamentary review, aims to broaden the VAT tax base to encompass various services by the next fiscal year. In 2022, VAT constituted approximately 21pc of annual tax revenues, amounting to nearly 336 billion Br. Of this, 58pc was derived from domestic taxes, with the remainder sourced from customs revenue.
With a target of achieving an 18.2pc tax-to-GDP ratio within four years, this pending legislation represents a pivotal tool for revenue mobilisation in the developing world, where tax-to-GDP ratios typically hover around seven percent.
Addis Abeba Dictates Minimum Building-Road Setbacks
New regulations from the Addis Abeba City Cabinet dictate minimum distances buildings must be built from roadways. Buildings must be at least 10m from the main road edge while five meters and two metres distance is required from sub-main roads and neighbourhood roads, respectively.
The regulations arose from the experience of developing the massive corridor project over the past three months, which led to the demolition of several buildings and homes located on the roadside. The grand corridor development covering 47.5hct across five main routes will entail around 400 building renovations, 70 public parks, 100Km of bicycle lanes and 96Km of pedestrian sidewalks upon completion. While the project has not been completed in the three-month schedule initially announced certain parts of the capital have already been permanently transformed.
According to the statements made last week, a “smart city” requires an environment devoid of immediate threats to pedestrians from tall buildings, complementary aesthetic standards of buildings, and smooth traffic flow.
Petrol Company Plugs EV Charging Station
A pioneering fast electric car charging public station was inaugurated at TotalEnergies Airport Road (Bole Road) outlet last week.
Sharla Abdulahi, director-general of the Ethiopian Petroleum & Energy Authority, Ambassador Rémi Marechaux, French Ambassador to Ethiopia, and Christophe Ferrand, managing director of TotalEnergies Marketing Ethiopia, attended the inauguration ceremony.
The federal government has championed transitions to electric vehicles, reducing tariffs to nearly zero and promoting alternatives to internal combustion engines. A few months ago, Minister of Transport & Logistics Alemu Sime (PhD) announced before parliament a forthcoming ban on the import of gas-powered vehicles for personal use. Meanwhile, the import of electric vehicles has nearly doubled compared to three years ago, with 72 million dollars worth entering the country last year.
Although there were close to 60 charging stations nationwide, the Ministry recently proposed a draft directive outlining conditions for constructing charging stations, including provisions that allow them to be built on the premises of fuel stations.
Central Bank Revises Gold Premiums Amid Supply Chain Chaos
The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has adjusted its gold procurement strategy in response to major supply chain disruptions over the past three years. Last week, the central bank introduced a tiered pricing system, offering premiums of 60pc on supplies ranging from 50gm to three kilograms, and up to 72pc for quantities exceeding 30Kg.
This marks the third consecutive year of revisions to the central bank’s gold premium rates, following last year’s increase to a flat rate of 35pc. Illicit mining activities, particularly those conducted by unlicensed foreign operators, have impacted the country’s gold production, which fell short of meeting 35pc of its targets last year.
In response to the high incidence of contraband in the sector, the Ministry of Mines revoked special small-scale mining licenses. Minister Habtamu Tegegn informed the Parliament’s Standing Committee for Industrial & Mining Development Affairs about the severity of the contraband issue, with some regions such as Sidama and Oromia achieving only 1.87pc and 24.13pc of their production targets, respectively.
Artisanal miners, using traditional tools for gold extraction, increasingly resort to selling their gold through contraband channels, where prices can exceed twice the official rates. This year, nearly three tons of gold were produced, with 80pc sourced from industrial mining projects, predominantly led by MIDROC Gold
Report Lauds Fund Remedy for Global Coffee Farmers
A global fund mechanism to finance over 25 million coffee farmers globally was proposed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the International Coffee Organisation (ICO).
The proposed global funding mechanism calls for collaboration among industry stakeholders, financial institutions, and public sectors to mobilise both public and private funds. It suggests leveraging blended finance strategies combining grants and investments to support sustainable development in the coffee sector.
Currently, 5.5 million coffee farmers live in extreme poverty. The global demand for coffee is projected to rise by 2.2pc annually over the next two decades. According to a study by Columbia University, an estimated 10 billion dollars annually is required to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in coffee-producing regions. Around 1.4 billion dollars in annual finance is needed for productivity enhancement and climate change adaptation.
The initiative addresses critical sustainability challenges in the coffee sector, particularly focusing on climate change impacts and financial instability among growers. It underscores the urgent need for funding to tackle climate change and structural issues such as income disparities, regulatory constraints, price volatility, productivity challenges, quality standards, and market access barriers faced by coffee farmers.
UNIDO’s model includes the Ethiopian Coffee Fund, supported by the Italian Development Cooperation, which aims to provide concessional loans and technical assistance to support impactful investment opportunities through the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE).
The funding proposals will be solicited from private enterprises, local cooperatives, and unions through a series of calls. It will be evaluated using an innovative impact assessment tool to rank them based on their potential impact, investment risks, and bankability.
From Mines to Mortgages, PPPs Can Be Antidotes of Progress, Not Touch-and-Go Pitfall
The ruling Prosperity Party – the Prosperitians – has its leaders turned to the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) model, a strategic tool for economic development. The focus of these partnerships has recently shifted from traditional sectors like mining and energy to more immediate needs such as housing and hospital management. While prudent, the shift in focus to finance public projects through PPP warrants cautious optimism.
It should be no surprise that nearly 30 emerging economies—home to over 3.6 billion people—are embracing public-private partnerships worldwide. A recent study by McKinsey & Company, one of the largest global consulting firms, suggested that adherence to this financing model could match productivity with that of developed economies within 25 years.
According to this study, productivity, the linchpin of economic vitality, has witnessed a six-fold increase in median global output over the past quarter-century. Yet, as the world faces ageing populations, energy transitions, and supply chain upheavals, productivity growth is the only viable route to improving living standards. A refocused productivity strategy for developed countries is projected to add between 1,500 dollars and 8,000 dollars to GDP per capita by 2030. The U.S. alone might have seen a 5,000-dollar expansion in its GDP in 2022 if not for a manufacturing slowdown, and a more effective capital deployment could have contributed an additional 4,500 dollars.
Investment is critical in maintaining high productivity in fast-developing economies and propelling growth in slower ones. Countries like China and India, alongside regions such as Central and Eastern Europe and Emerging Asia, demonstrated this hypothesis through investments amounting to 20pc-40pc of GDP. These funds have been intentionally allocated towards urbanisation, infrastructure enhancement, and globally integrated manufacturing, serving as models for less developed countries like Ethiopia.
However, the pathway to sustained and inclusive growth requires meticulous investment in human and physical capital. Sadly, Ethiopia invested only 4.1pc of its GDP in capital expenditures last year, from 939 billion Br in public spending. No less depressing should be the declining ratio of national savings to the GDP, plummeting from an average of 28.8pc for the decade beginning in 2013 to 23.3pc last year. An economy that is not saving could only have as much resources to invest in productive sectors.
Here, greater private sector participation in public-private partnerships, particularly in foreign direct investment, is expected to boost efficiency in service delivery. Nevertheless, the absence of a robust regulatory framework could lead to unchecked risks, including transparency issues, policy unpredictability, and corruption — factors that exacerbate the challenges of delayed projects and mistrust between stakeholders.
In April 2018, Ethiopia began a profound shift in its leaders’ economic policy orientation, driven by the demand to modernise through public-private partnerships. Political unrest and violent but popular convulsions spurred the public disposition to transition from the hegemonic developmental state to a liberal growth model. The Revolutionary Democrats’ fidelity to a model prioritising state-led growth brought unprecedented economic growth in the country’s economic history. But, it also ignited widespread protests due to perceived exclusions from its benefits, particularly among youths in the Oromia and Amhara regional states.
These protests, fuelled by a youth bulge, were met with violent repression and promises of reform, setting the stage for Abiy Ahmed’s (PhD) ensuing rise to power.
Prime Minister Abiy began his tenure with pledges of economic liberalisation and a move away from autocratic governance. Central to his agenda was deploying public projects financed by private-public partnerships, particularly in infrastructure. His administration’s earlier articulations envisaged a blend of private sector efficiency and capital with public projects. The approach sought to rejuvenate the economy, privatising state-owned enterprises that controlled its commanding heights and opening previously restricted economic sectors to private investments.
Yet, the rush to open up was not beyond reproach. The policy was subject to criticisms that it risks widening income disparities and reducing public accountability. Concerns linger about the transparency of projects under public-private partnership processes and their public benefit, with fears that the new administration’s strategy might favour international capital and private profits over social welfare.
The initial carte blanche support the administration won from international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), bastions of unabashed market liberalisation and private sector engagement as catalysts for growth, did little to comfort these anxieties. The jury is still out on the success of public-private partnership projects in delivering sustainable development and inclusive growth—or their failure, potentially deepening inequities and perpetuating external dependencies.
However, Ethiopia’s leaders’ ambitions in these partnerships face unique impediments. It has been five years since the Ministry of Finance (MoF) established a policy framework and regulatory unit for projects launched through public-private partnerships. Despite high hopes of attracting foreign capital for large-scale public infrastructure projects, particularly in energy and mining, no single project has progressed to implementation.
Meanwhile, the few projects that have commenced — bar projects under the Prime Minister’s Office — suffer from opaque financial backing.
In September, the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) attempted to spur foreign investment by allowing offshore accounts for projects under public-private partnerships, increasing the debt-to-equity ratio to 80pc, and guaranteeing fast-tracked foreign currency repatriation after such companies made profits. Yet, this move appears to have attracted inadequate interest, with domestic companies frustrated by the bureaucratic web of doing business.
The proposed public-private partnership models have either been financially daunting — like a housing scheme requiring 45 million dollars in assets — or presented lacklustre returns, as seen with the medical outsourcing envisioned for hospitals in the capital.
The federal government’s latest urban redevelopment initiatives under a public-private partnership arrangement suggest a promising but potentially risky venture. The overwhelming aesthetic renaissance in the capital also looks to include elements of the public-private partnership arrangement.
A deal promising developers 30pc of homes in exchange for building on newly repurposed land is gaining popularity. Yet, if these projects falter, the repercussions extend beyond economic stagnation; they could undermine the political standing of Prosperitians, especially when their monopoly on the use of legitimate force is challenged in several regional states. Tens of thousands have resettled from their homes while the development they paid for appear to remain a castle in the sky.
Bankable projects, particularly those that mitigate risk for private partners while enhancing transparency and ensuring contractual obligations are met, should be prioritised to rebuild trust and legitimacy in public-led initiatives. Failure to do so could threaten economic progress and risk political instability and, eventually, social turmoil.
Looking back, the shift from prioritising public-private partnerships in large-scale national projects like energy or mining to more immediate concerns such as housing should reflect a cautious recalibration of economic strategy, potentially spurred by macroeconomic concerns. Several half-finished projects scattered across the country should provide adequate lessons in how poorly public funds have been previously managed. The inadequacies of project management that assail the public ones should not be transferred into the public-private partnership domain.
For instance, the Aysha II energy project in the Somali Regional State, backed by the Chinese Exim Bank, should warn of the perils of prolonged project timelines and complex risk-sharing arrangements. Despite the government only needing to contribute 15pc, the project has languished for seven years.
To cushion such risks, Ethiopia’s leaders need a comprehensive public-private partnership framework that guides the entire project lifecycle, from concept to financial closure, with stringent fiscal accounting and reporting standards.
The broader macroeconomic reality cannot be overlooked either. Inflation and interest rate variations could theoretically encourage more efficient capital allocation, potentially curbing recent decades’ rampant debt and asset price surges. Artificial intelligence is a transformative force that could reshape economies by opening new investment avenues. Yet, as observed in regions like the United States, Japan, and major European economies, substantial investments in digital technologies have yet to boost productivity outside the ICT sector.
While public-private partnerships offer a viable strategy for addressing Ethiopia’s infrastructure needs, their success depends on implementing robust regulatory frameworks, enhancing transparency, and maintaining diligent oversight. Through rigorous governance, projects financed in such models can fulfil their potential as catalysts for sustainable economic growth.
Museveni Hits Out at World Bank Amid Calls for Economic Revamp
President Yoweri Museveni’s recent remarks at the World Bank summit in Nairobi sharply encapsulate a long-standing debate about the direction of Africa’s economic development. By invoking the term “sustainable underdevelopment,” Museveni shed light on the continent’s struggle against economic models that have historically not served its best interests. This critique points to the deeper issue of economic strategies often externally influenced by institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The establishment of the IMF and the World Bank by the victors of the Second World War, led predominantly by the United States, has long been a contentious issue. The Bretton Woods Conference of July 1944 set the stage for this new economic order, establishing a system of fixed exchange rates that effectively placed the U.S. Dollar at the global economy’s centre, linked directly to gold. Other currencies were pegged to the Dollar, embedding an American dominance in global finance.
The implications of this system, which ended when President Richard Nixon decoupled the Dollar from gold in the early 1970s, still resonate today. Despite the collapse of the fixed exchange rate system, the Dollar’s influence continues, underpinning critiques that the Bretton Woods institutions represent a form of modern colonialism. The sentiment is particularly resonant in Africa, where economic policies prescribed by the IMF and the World Bank continue to influence domestic economic strategies.
These institutions have embedded themselves into African countries’ political and economic fabric, coaxing development strategies that do not necessarily conform to their individual needs or contexts. For instance, the enthusiasm of African leaders, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), for endorsements from the IMF and the World Bank about their economic growth, seems misplaced to some observers. These growth reports often contrast with the daily realities of the populations they are meant to depict.
Despite positive growth reports, millions of Ethiopians struggle with necessities—a disparity made apparent by Foreign Minister Taye Astkesellassie’s recent appeals in Geneva for aid to assist millions affected by hunger and conflict.
Museveni’s sermon at the summit reflected an awareness of the philosophical, ideological, and strategic missteps that have historically plagued African economies since the 1960s. He argued, rather forcefully, that only radical changes to these socio-economic policies would establish a sustainable development pathway for the continent.
Indeed, looking at Africa’s vast resources, it possesses over 30pc of the world’s natural reserves. Yet, the continent has not effectively leveraged these resources due to corrupt practices, inadequate political governance, and external economic pressures. These factors contribute to an economic status quo where many countries in Africa remain dependent on the frameworks set by the Bretton Woods agreements, limiting their ability to pursue independent economic policies.
The adherence to economic models promoted by the IMF and World Bank often does not translate into real economic progress or development that reaches the broader population. While political leaders may tout GDP growth figures amplified by these institutions, the lived experiences of their respective citizens often tell a different story. The disconnect feeds into the narrative that international financial institutions, while perhaps well-intentioned, may inadvertently perpetuate economic dependencies that resemble a new form of colonialism.
Corruption, poor governance, and the persistence of conflict are substantial barriers to development that need to be addressed internally within African governments. These internal crises often provide an opening for international bodies to exert influence over domestic policies, further complicating the path to genuine autonomy and sustainable development.
Leaders like Museveni have urged the way forward, which involves reevaluating the economic and political strategies that have guided Africa’s post-independence life. Breaking free from the Bretton Woods institutions’ economic prescriptions will require innovative economic policies and a robust political will. The leaders must commit to long-term strategies prioritising their populations’ welfare over favourable short-term economic reports.
Greater continental integration might strengthen Africa’s path to economic sovereignty. Economic and political collaboration among African countries could provide the collective strength needed to negotiate more favourable terms on the global stage, counterbalance external pressures, and ultimately promote an environment where the continent’s resources are used for its development. While President Museveni’s call for a socio-economic overhaul clearly acknowledges past errors and offers an optimistic roadmap for the future, the real challenge lies in its implementation.
Preserving Literary Treasures One Crime Fiction Masterpiece at a Time
The past holiday weekend had my mind racing back over four decades to the early 80s when watching a TV show was one of the quality time spent with my parents. A particular moment came to mind when anticipation filled the air at home. Every eye in the living room was fixed on the black-and-white 17-inch TV set as the intro music of a hit crime series played. The title of the three-part movie was “Yaltekefele Ida” (Unpaid Debt), starring the then-young virtuoso actress Alemtsehay Wedajo.
At the tender age of six, grasping the hang of the adult world portrayed in the plot was difficult. But, certain scenes remain vivid, like the moment when the heroine pointed a pistol at her pyjama-clad lover, who pleaded for his life. After what felt like an eternity of tension, she fired the shot and fled, completing her vendetta against her unfaithful and abusive partner. The overarching theme of avenging a lifetime of misery stuck with me.
The show became a sensation, rerunning two times due to popular demand on the sole TV station available at the time. Following its success, another gripping series titled “Yeabekyelesh Nuzaze” (Abekeyelsh’s Will) captivated audiences with its tale. I distinctly recall the legendary actor Wogayehu Nigatu’s portrayal of a patient at the Amanuel Hospital, the sole psychiatric institution in Addis Abeba at the time. Both series were adaptations of crime novels penned by the esteemed detective story writer, Yilma Habteyes. A pioneer in Ethiopian crime fiction, he remains unmatched in his field, with 16 novels to his name, 13 of which are detective stories.
These TV adaptations left an indelible mark on my childhood memories. To date, I can visualise scenes from the series with remarkable clarity. My familiarity with Yilma’s works deepened during a school break in my junior high years. A cousin of my father, studying at the university, inadvertently left behind a bag filled with treasures for my burgeoning passion: books. Among them, Yilma Habteyes’ “Delalaw” (The Broker) and “Agatami” (Coincidence) stood out. With the whole winter to myself, I delved into Yilma’s thrilling narratives, captivated by the action and intrigue that held me spellbound until the last page.
Yilma’s life story is intriguing. He was born in 1938 in Addis Abeba, around Ras Desta Damtew Hospital area. Raised in a conservative family, he grew up to embody the quintessential urbanite, shaped by his surroundings in Arada. He attended the Lycée Guébré-Mariam, a renowned French school in the capital, where he rubbed shoulders with contemporaries like Fikru Kidane, who later became a sports journalist and an official in the International Olympic Committee. Yilma’s formative years revolved around the old Piassa area, immersing himself in the era’s zeitgeist. He pursued a laboratory technician course at the Louis Pasteur Institute, a collaborative program between the French and Ethiopian governments.
His professional journey began in Gonder town, Amhara Regional State, where he interned and honed his skills as a laboratory technician. It was during this period that Yilma’s love for literature blossomed, as he devoured works ranging from Shakespeare to Agatha Christie. Little did he know, he would follow in Christie’s footsteps, crafting gripping tales in his native Amharic language. The idea of becoming an author first crossed his mind when a friend praised his eloquent four-page letter, jokingly suggesting he could be a novelist. Taking the jest to heart, Yilma began contributing articles and short stories to magazines. Upon returning to his hometown, he continued his literary pursuits, garnering critical acclaim and cementing his place in Amharic literature.
Literary love transcends the act of reading or writing itself; it becomes a profound connection to the world of imagination and storytelling. For many, diving into a book is not merely an escape from reality but an immersion into new worlds, perspectives, and experiences. This deep emotional attachment to literature can spark a lifelong passion that extends far beyond the pages of any single book.
Exploring literary pursuits may lead to creating them. What starts as a casual hobby—perhaps writing short stories, jotting down poetry, or even just avidly discussing literature with friends—can gradually evolve into a central aspect of our identity. The journey from hobbyist to professional writer or scholar is a profound transformation. What began as a simple love for reading or writing grows into a lifelong commitment to honing one’s craft, exploring new genres, and contributing to the literary world in meaningful ways.
However, even for those who do not pursue writing or academia professionally, the impact of their literary passion can be profound. It shapes the way they view the world, informs their understanding of human nature, and provides solace during difficult times. For some, literature becomes a source of inspiration, guiding their personal and professional endeavours.
Sharing literary passion with others is rewarding. Whether through book clubs, literary events, or online communities, enthusiasts find a sense of belonging and camaraderie among fellow bibliophiles. In essence, the journey from literary love to life’s work is a testament to the transformative power of passion and curiosity. It demonstrates how a simple hobby can evolve into a lifelong pursuit that shapes not only individual lives but also the cultural fabric of society.
The establishment of publishing companies during the 1980s provided a brief respite for Yilma and his fellow writers. The Ethiopian Books Agency, in collaboration with the Oxford Printing Press, facilitated the publication of Yilma’s later works, marking a period of peak production and recognition.
Despite writing over 16 books and selling over 110,000 copies throughout his career spanning half a century, Yilma remained dedicated to his profession as a lab technician until retirement. He always maintained that his writing stemmed from passion rather than financial gain, lamenting the nascent reading culture in Ethiopia that deterred many writers and publishers from pursuing their craft wholeheartedly. His commitment to literature mirrored that of Anton Chekhov, who famously described medicine as his “lawful wife” and literature as his “mistress.”
Yilma’s legacy as a master of crime fiction remains unmatched, yet he was not adequately rewarded financially for his contributions. His modest lifestyle was supported by a meagre state pension and minimal proceeds from his literature. But he continued to write passionately until his passing in 2017 at the age of 79. His works face the threat of obscurity, as his books become increasingly scarce.
I believe his crime novels possess the potential to be cinematic blockbusters, provided they receive the treatment they deserve, incorporating authentic narratives and language. The lack of recognition for his work tells the importance of promoting indigenous literature to preserve literary heritages. While foreign adaptations dominate the film industry, original works like Yilma’s languish in obscurity. However, I remain optimistic that such works experience a resurgence, shining brightly once more, as they rightfully should.
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