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Healing Rivers Spurs City to Bend Growth Around Its Restored Spine
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Banks Stand Still While Currency Pressures Do the Running
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The Delicate Art of Natural-Resource Diplomacy
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Africa’s Debt Is an Opportunity
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A “Talking Gorilla” Walks into Mercato
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Soaring Taxes Fail to Plug Holes as Audit Reveals Enduring Waste
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Fulfill Your Dream of Becoming Parents
Approximately 1 in 6 couples are affected by infertility globally. Fertilization problems can arise from various causes related to men, women, or both partners. Assisted reproductive technologies have been helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood for years.
At Acıbadem IVF Center, we offer individualized treatment approaches, supported by an experienced team and advanced technologies, to help couples fulfill their dream of becoming parents. With approximately 10,000 IVF cycles performed annually, our fertility specialists, who have over 30 years of experience, develop customized treatment plans tailored to each couple’s unique conditions and needs, significantly enhancing the chances of success.
If you’d like to learn more, we encourage you to visit acibademinternational.com and share your condition with us through the contact form. Our expert team will contact you within a few hours.
Innovative Applications Boost IVF Success Rates
Every year, the number of couples seeking IVF treatment increases. Why? Factors like the rising age of marriage and delayed decisions to have children significantly contribute to this trend. Fortunately, advances in assisted reproductive technologies continue to meet couples’ expectations. Pre-implantation genetic testing enables the selection of genetically healthy embryos, while innovative approaches focus on improving the ovarian reserve in women. Additionally, advancements now enhance sperm count, concentration, and motility, offering new hope for male infertility. Today, assisted reproductive technologies are more effective than ever in helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood.
Acıbadem stands as an internationally recognized leader in reproductive medicine and infertility. With over 30 years of experience, we have been providing comprehensive assisted reproductive services to couples facing infertility challenges.
If you’d like to learn more, visit acibademinternational.com and share your condition with us through the contact form. Our expert team will reach out to you within a few hours.
Improving Sperm Count, Concentration, and Motility in Men with Infertility
Azoospermia, a condition characterized by the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate, is a common cause of male infertility and affects approximately 5%–10% of infertile men. The primary treatment for azoospermia is Micro-TESE, a procedure that retrieves sperm directly from the testis under a microscope. However, some men still don’t yield sperm even after repeated Micro-TESE attempts. In such challenging situations, we offer testicular PRP therapy that might enhance sperm quality and quantity, increasing the likelihood of conceiving.
To investigate the effects of PRP on male infertility caused by azoospermia, published the first academic study in this field, achieving promising outcomes. Testicular PRP therapy was administered to 135 men included in the study, resulting in positive sperm retrieval rates of 27.5% in patients with one prior failed Micro-TESE procedure and 16.4% in those with two or more failed attempts.
This groundbreaking technique offers significant promise for enhancing IVF outcomes and boosting the chances of achieving successful conception.
Promising Results in Enhancing Ovarian Reserve and Egg Quality
A woman’s ovarian reserve and egg quality play a crucial role in achieving successful fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy. If these parameters are compromised, pregnancy may not be achievable, even through IVF. In such challenging cases, Acıbadem offers innovative solutions to enhance egg quality and quantity, increasing the chances of conception.
PRP is a promising method for enhancing ovarian reserve and egg quality by stimulating the ovaries and potentially increasing the chances of pregnancy. Professor Bülent Tıraş, Head of the Acıbadem Maslak Hospital IVF Clinic, highlights the encouraging results of this procedure. For women who received PRP therapy, when ovarian reserve parameters were analyzed, a statistically significant increase in AFC and AMH, as well as a decrease in serum FSH, were observed, which indicate favorable responses. He states, “We conducted a comprehensive study involving 510 women experiencing poor ovarian response with an average age of 40.3. Following the PRP and IVF procedures, we achieved a 20% pregnancy rate. These findings highlight the potential benefits of PRP in enhancing fertility treatments, especially for women facing specific challenges in conception.”
If you’d like to learn more, visit acibademinternational.com and share your condition with us through the contact form. Our expert team will contact you within a few hours.
The Impact of Experience on IVF Success Rates
The experience of physicians, embryologists, and nurses is one of the most significant factors in achieving higher success rates in IVF treatment. This is why a couple who has experienced failed IVF attempts at one clinic may achieve positive results at another clinic. It is crucial to identify the treatment modality that would be most beneficial for each patient, as the reasons for infertility can vary from case to case. Even when two patients share the same infertility cause, their treatment plans may differ. Individualized approaches are essential for every patient.
At Acıbadem IVF Center, where approximately 10,000 IVF cycles are performed annually, fertility specialists with over 30 years of experience develop customized treatment plans based on each couple’s individual conditions and needs, significantly improving the chances of IVF success.
If you’d like to learn more, we encourage you to visit acibademinternational.com and share your condition with us through the contact form. Our expert team will contact you within a few hours.
Technological Advances Boosting IVF Success Rates
In the field of reproductive medicine and fertility, significant advancements in laboratory techniques, technology, medications, surgical methods, and equipment have greatly improved overall IVF success rates. At Acıbadem, we not only apply these advancements but also work to explore new treatment modalities through scientific research to increase the chances of pregnancy for couples.
Offering a comprehensive range of services for fertility challenges, Acıbadem is home to highly regarded specialists in reproductive medicine. This reputation attracts couples from around the world who seek world-class care and innovative solutions.
If you’d like to learn more, visit acibademinternational.com and share your condition with us through the contact form. Our expert team will contact you within a few hours.
A Year of Wonders and Achievements for Acıbadem Türkiye
Once again, Acıbadem Türkiye has made history with extraordinary medical breakthroughs and pioneering treatment methods. This remarkable year has seen milestones such as the successful treatment of a 67-year-old Parkinson’s patient and the completion of a highly complex separation surgery for conjoined twins joined at the chest. These and countless other achievements have solidified Acıbadem’s reputation as the trusted choice for solving some of the world’s most challenging medical cases.
Crowning this incredible year, Acıbadem Türkiye has been honored with the prestigious title of “Greatest Healthcare Exporter” for the 9th consecutive time, reaffirming its unparalleled leadership in global healthcare.
Crossing Borders, Connecting Patients Across the Globe
As one of the world’s leading international healthcare providers, Acıbadem continues to set the standard for excellence with 24 hospitals, 15 outpatient clinics, and a dedicated team of over 25,000 healthcare professionals. With a strong presence in Türkiye, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, and the Netherlands, Acıbadem’s state-of-the-art medical facilities are a beacon of hope for patients worldwide.
Beyond its regional footprint, Acıbadem operates over 60 representative offices across 56 cities in 33 countries, ensuring patients everywhere can access world-class healthcare closer to home. This expansive network underscores Acıbadem’s mission to connect with patients globally and extend its outreach even further.
Acıbadem is not just a provider, it is a pioneer in healthcare innovation. Supported by a team of over 3,300 specialists and 4,700 nurses, the organization leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional care. Acıbadem’s portfolio includes:
• 20 breast centers, including a newly opened facility this year in Istanbul.
• 11 accredited oncology centers.
• 16 heart care centers.
• 14 fertility centers.
• 10 organ transplantation centers.
• 10 spine and neurosurgery centers.
• 10 nuclear medicine centers.
• 6 robotic surgery centers.
• 3 FIFA-accredited sports medicine centers.
These centers are dedicated to providing the highest standards of care in their respective fields, solidifying Acıbadem’s reputation as a global leader in healthcare.
Innovations at Acıbadem Türkiye: Redefining Global Healthcare Excellence
Acıbadem Türkiye is celebrated worldwide for its groundbreaking medical achievements and unparalleled expertise in managing even the most complex medical cases. With a patient-centered approach and personalized treatment plans, Acıbadem has become a destination of hope for patients from across the globe. In 2023, the institution provided high-quality medical care to 55,000 patients from 148 countries, a testament to its reputation as a trusted choice for advanced healthcare. This unwavering trust has earned Acıbadem the prestigious title of “Greatest Healthcare Service Exporter” for an unprecedented 9th consecutive year.
While the dedication and expertise of Acıbadem’s world-class physicians remain at the heart of its success, cutting-edge technology plays an equally vital role. Acıbadem integrates advanced radiotherapy technologies, including CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, MR Linac, and Ethos, which leverage artificial intelligence to revolutionize cancer treatment. These technologies ensure unparalleled precision, safety, and efficacy, giving patients access to some of the most advanced medical solutions available today.
Acıbadem’s commitment to innovation extends far beyond current technologies. By continuously investing in research and advancements, the organization strives to set new benchmarks in patient safety, satisfaction, and surgical excellence, reaffirming its position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
Some of the Groundbreaking Medical Achievements
In 2024, Acıbadem Türkiye welcomed 6 million patients from across the globe, each carrying stories of resilience and hope, ranging from plastic surgery to life-saving oncological treatmentsand organ transplantations. Among these were several remarkable cases that highlight Acıbadem’s expertise and commitment to transforming lives.
Separation of Conjoined Twins
At just 17 months old, conjoined twins from Algeria arrived at Acıbadem Atakent University Hospital in Istanbul for a life-changing separation surgery. Born with a congenital abnormality, the twins were joined at the chest and shared the pericardial sac, sternum, and chest tissues. Complicating matters further was a complex congenital heart condition.
The journey to separation involved months of meticulous planning and two surgeries totaling nine hours, performed by a multidisciplinary team of cardiovascular surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and anesthesiologists. Thanks to extensive preoperative care, precision surgery, and thorough postoperative support, the twins now enjoy the freedom of independent lives.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease
After 11 years of battling Parkinson’s disease, a 67-year-old patient from Azerbaijan turned to Acıbadem Türkiye for hope. Her condition caused debilitating symptoms such as tremors, slowed movements, and dyskinesia as the effects of her medication wore off.
Under the care of Professor Dr. Fatih Bayraklı, she underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a procedure designed to restore control over her movements. Following the successful surgery, she returned to her home country free from the symptoms that had disrupted her life for over a decade.
IVF Success for a Patient from Azerbaijan
A woman from Azerbaijan in her 40s, seeking to overcome the challenges of advanced maternal age, approached Acıbadem Türkiye’s IVF center. Guided by Professor Dr. Cem Fıçıcıoğlu, the patient underwent comprehensive pre-treatment testing, including genetic screening of embryos to ensure the best outcomes.
Following the correction of an internal uterine deformity, the embryos were successfully implanted, and the patient achieved a healthy pregnancy. She returned to her country with the joy of carrying twins, marking yet another success story for Acıbadem’s IVF program.
These extraordinary cases underscore Acıbadem Türkiye’s position as a trusted destination for complex medical treatments. By combining cutting-edge technology, world-class expertise, and a compassionate approach, Acıbadem continues to transform lives and provide hope to patients worldwide.
Contact us now to get a free second medical opinion from our experts: https://acibademinternational.com
Invites Visionary enterpreneures to build transformative buisness
Derived from the Swahili word for ‘bold’, ‘brave’, and ‘courageous’, Jasiri is a transformative program under Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and early-stage startups to address critical societal challenges across Africa and meaningfully improve people’s lives. We invite visionary individuals from Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, passionate about building impactful businesses from scratch to apply for the Jasiri Talent Investor Program, Cohort 8. The application is open from 13th January 2025- 5th April 2025.
Youth unemployment is one of Africa’s most pressing challenges. Jasiri rmly believes that high-impact entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking the continent’s potential for job creation. Yet, aspiring entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to bring transformative ideas to life. Jasiri minimizes these barriers with a holistic, hands-on approach to entrepreneurship, ensuring that bold innovators can build businesses that benet society while contributing to an empowered, prosperous African citizenry.
Since 2021, we have supported 227 entrepreneurs who have created 93 ventures, with 81 of these ventures still active across 42 industries. These ventures operate in Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, addressing diverse challenges in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, waste management, and more. Collectively, these startups have generated approximately 2,035 jobs and provided solutions that have positively impacted 12,627 individuals across their industries.
The Jasiri Talent Investor Program offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to:
- Transform Ideas into Impact: Takes a long-term holistic approach to developing entrepreneurs by providing them with the time and space to identify ideas through a process of Problem & Opportunity Identication, Customer Development, Product Development, and Market entry (Venture Creation)
- Access Tailored Support: Fellows benet from a structured program comprising a one-month online Jasiri Jumpstart, a three-month residential intensive, and nine months of venture creation.
- Cultivate Leadership Skills: The program fosters ethical leadership values and behaviors to ensure sustainable, meaningful contributions to African societies.
- Collaborate with Like-Minded Innovators: We believe that entrepreneurial teams are at the heart of successful venture creation, and provide the entrepreneur with access to a diverse group of potential co-founders.
If you are an individual with the drive to create businesses that address Africa’s most pressing challenges, we encourage you to apply for the Jasiri Talent Investor Program.
Applications are now open. Join us in transforming lives, creating jobs, and building a better future for Africa.
For further information about Jasiri Talent Investor, please contact Amandine Kayizali, Recruitment & Selection Manager, amandinek@jasiri.org.
To stay updated follow us @Jasiri4Africa.
About Jasiri
Jasiri invests in, nurtures, and empowers entrepreneurs who benet society and attack poverty by creating high-impact businesses, and new markets on the African continent. Jasiri believes that entrepreneurial teams are at the heart of new venture creation and provide entrepreneurs with access to a diverse group of potential co-founders. The program supports new ventures from idea generation to venture creation and takes a long-term approach to developing exceptional, responsible entrepreneurs on the African continent.
THREADBARE TRADITIONS, WEAVING UNRAVELS FAST
The looming scarcity of essential imported materials has overshadowed traditional weaving in Addis Abeba. Weavers recall a time when Timqet festivities meant a flurry of orders in the northern outskirts of Shero Meda. They once earned at least 2,000 Br a day, but now struggle to pull in half of that. The cost of thread alone has soared from 30 Br to 300 Br a roll. Forced to take on multiple roles, from delivery to marketing and embroidery, a few weavers strive to honour the legacy of their forebears in an industry many are abandoning. On the third floor of a building the city government allotted to local weavers, the atmosphere differs from the dynamic “Sunday Market” era they fondly remember. Their workshop is mostly empty, and the lack of direct trade partnerships has stifled the flow of raw materials. It has also inflated prices beyond the reach of many workers, forcing them to buy through layers of merchants. Some items sold by producers for 5,000 Br end up retailing at 80,000 Br, exposing a glaring imbalance.
Disruptions brought by a corridor development project eroded the market, demolishing the shops that once thrived in Shero Meda. Underpinning this anguish is the widespread shift among consumers towards printed and imported chiffon fabrics. Increasingly facing economic uncertainty, price-conscious buyers prefer these lighter, cheaper materials they can wear more often than the heavier, more expensive hand-woven garments. Adding to the pressure, merchants frequently mark up the cost of threads and other inputs, leaving weavers with razor-thin margins. Embroidery workshops on the second floor mirror the same malaise. Social media lures customers, but even machine embroidery, a faster and sometimes cheaper method, is not enough to spark the robust demand of previous Timqet seasons. Taxes also weigh heavily; one embroiderer was slapped with a 95,000 Br bill. To cope, some have branched into newer crafts, hoping to appeal to the growing appetite for chiffon and modern designs.
Even the fashion-conscious segment of the market is not insulated from the shortages. A few designers who blend traditional hand-woven fabrics into contemporary outfits may have found success with new T-shirts and blouses. However, it has been undercut by a chronic lack of working capital and unpredictable input supply. Fearful of faulty raw materials, they juggle multiple suppliers, driving up operational costs. Such constraints restricted the expansion of what could be a thriving industry. Officials at the Ministry of Culture & Sport acknowledge that the spindly chain leaves weavers at the bottom of the earning pyramid. Efforts are underway to build direct links between producers and exporters, as well as to brand and legally protect cultural clothing. Experts warn that without integration of the cotton and weaving sectors and an inflow of younger talent, the time-honoured craft might struggle to maintain a presence in a country known for its vibrant textile heritage.
Hailu Shawel’s Family Embroils in Billion-Birr Property Dispute
The family of the late Hailu Shawel, a civil engineer and a prominent opposition leader, is embroiled in a high-stakes lawsuit over assets allegedly worth billions of Birr. His widow and several children have pitted against his eldest son, Samson, over a complex web of inheritance claims, share transfers, and allegations of mismanagement.
Samson demands tens of millions of Birr in reimbursement, the reassignment of shares, and a formal audit of the family’s estate.
Claiming a five percent share in Samson Sports Plc, known for its ownership of Laphto Mall, Samson has taken the extraordinary step of suing his mother and siblings for what he alleges is an under-capitalisation of his share in a venture his legal team claims to be valued at five billion Birr. He demands 27.7 million Br, claiming that his ownership stake has been improperly diluted.
Laphto Mall, built in 1997, was erected on 10,000Sqm of land near Besrate St. Gabriel Church, is a landmark in an upscale neighbourhood. It features 33 multi-purpose spaces and has been billed as a family-oriented commercial centre. Samson Sports Plc, operates additional subsidiaries, though Samson alleges the lines between family assets and corporate holdings have blurred.
The lawsuit, filed in December 2024 at the Federal First Instance Court in Nifas Silk Lafto District, brought one of the well-known families to the limelight. Hailu, the patriarch, was a towering figure in the political opposition, particularly during the highly contested 2005 national election. Hailu led a four-party alliance under the Coalition for Unity & Democracy (CUD), challenging the electoral hegemony of the EPRDF and winning Addis Abeba’s city council in a landslide. Hailu led the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) from 1996 to 2013.
The late Hailu had a storied career that placed him at the forefront of major public institutions. During his decades of service, he had stints heading the Ethiopian Transportation Authority, the Ethiopian Sugar Corporation, and what was then the State Farms Development Authority. In 1983, he founded Shawel Consult International Plc, which eventually passed into the hands of his son, Shawel Hailu (PhD), who earned a doctorate from Wayne State University and currently holds CEO positions in Rekik Food Plc and SCI Plc.
When Hailu died in October 2016 at the age of 80, he left behind an expansive business that Samson claims “was never allocated in the orderly fashion mandated by Ethiopian inheritance laws.” He contended that his family’s “refusal to address alleged under-capitalisation and withheld dividends” compelled him to seek legal recourse. The affidavit of inheritance was registered twice, first in 2017 and later again to account for Pele’s interest, but Samson claimed that “shares remain improperly assigned.”
He also alleges that his mother and siblings have disregarded multiple attempts at an amicable resolution, pushing the family into limitations in a court of law.
Samson claimed that the defendants, his mother, Almaz Zewde, and siblings, including his brother, Shawel, along with Anteneh, Nadew, and Yamrot, have failed to pay his “rightful dividends,” ignoring repeated requests for accountability, and withholding what he claims is his inheritance. The legal wrangle intensified with Samson’s claim that he is entitled to additional shares once held by his late brother, Pele, who passed away after their father’s death and whose interest in the estate, Samson claims, has not been adequately recognised.
Samson contends that 2,743 shares in Samson Sports Plc were transferred to Shawel only temporarily in an era of political unrest, part of a broader process to safeguard the family’s assets should Hailu’s high-profile political activities draw unwanted attention. According to Samson’s affidavit, the initial intention was to register these shares under Pele, the youngest son, but the shares eventually ended up in Shawel’s name.
Samson appealed to judges that the shares belonged to him and the late Pele, arguing that the registration under Shawel was never meant to be permanent. He appealed to the Court to restore 274.3 of those shares, interest dating back to mid-2017, and to buy out his shares on the grounds that his position in the family enterprise had become “untenable.”
The case extends beyond the immediate question of Laphto Mall’s shares. Samson also claims the family has two houses in the Lafto District, one on 1,928Sqm and another on 1,258Sqm, which should be partially his, equivalent to 10.03pc ownership. He seeks 865,308.18 Br, which he says is his share of 9.4 million Br held in Nib International Bank and the Bank of Abyssinia accounts belonging to his late father. Included in Samson’s demands is a tranche of 792 shares in the Bank of Abyssinia, which he claims encompass inheritances from both Hailu and Pele.
Court documents also reveal he is pressing for payouts on 44 shares from Shawel Consult International Plc and 53 shares from Agrimecs Share Company, part of the late Hailu’s initial portfolio of 500 shares across different companies.
Samson alleges in his lawsuit that Almaz and Shawel, who hold a majority shares in Laphto Mall, “mismanaged corporate finances” and have “jeopardised the interests of other shareholders by diverting company and rental income for personal use.” The lawsuit alleges that dividends have not been distributed as required, leaving Samson to question the corporate structure built by his late father. He appealed for an official audit of company finances and a full accounting of the dividends he claims should have been paid since 2017, the year the inheritance was registered.
Court filings reveal Samson’s appeal for an immediate release of 10 million Br. He claims an urgent need for knee treatment in Bangkok, Thailand, which he says involves procedures necessary for his health and cannot be delayed while legal proceedings continue.
The Ethio-Alliance Advocates legal team, representing Samson, has summoned three witnesses — Bethlehem Ashenafi, Samson Hailu, and Firehiwot Mekonnen — to substantiate the allegations.
Edible Oil Industry on the Brink as Factories Shut Down, Succumb to Foreign Competition
The edible oil industry is on the brink of collapse, with the number of fully operating factories plummeting from 60 three years ago to just four. Over 20 manufacturers have permanently closed, while many others produce only sporadically.
Rising raw material costs and economic instability have left manufacturers struggling. Industry players are calling for urgent policy reforms, including imposing customs duties on imported oils and exempting raw materials from VAT.
The Ethiopian Edible Oil Producers & Manufacturers Association (EOPMA) recently appealed to Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, warning that policy misalignment, tax adjustments, and unchecked imports have pushed the industry to the edge of collapse. Manufacturers argue that immediate action is needed to prevent further closures.
Local edible oil processors are losing market share as cheaper imported products dominate the market, driving consumer preference away from local alternatives. Many manufacturers have reduced production or shut down entirely due to higher factory gate prices for local oils compared to imported ones.
Mohammed Yusuf, board chairman of the Association, plans to lobby for higher duties and taxes on imported oils to support local producers. He argues that equal import duties on raw materials and finished products create an unfair playing field. He says the shortage of essential raw materials such as soybean, sunflower seed, sesame, and palm kernel, along with rising costs are major factors forcing manufacturers out of business.
“Imported oil must face duties,” Mohammed said. “The current conditions discourage new players from entering the market.”
VAT requirements have further raised production costs, inflating the final prices of locally produced oils. Over recent months, the price of a five-litre bottle of local edible oil has jumped by 300 Br (30pc) reaching 1,300 Br. The Association blames these increases on the new VAT levy.
The Association has appealed to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for duty on imported oil and tax exemptions for local manufacturers but has yet to receive a response.
Abay Edible Oil, a new entrant in Bahir Dar, has a plant capable of producing 200,000 litres of soybean oil daily. However, a severe soybean shortage has hindered operations.
Esubalew Mengesha, the deputy manager, stated that the company sources less than half of the 30,000 quintals of soybeans it needs daily. Soybean prices have doubled to 6,000 Br per quintal in the past four months, cutting production capacity by 80pc. The company is lobbying for VAT removal, as it has sharply raised the final price of a five-litre bottle from 900 Br to 1,160 Br.
Esubalew also says transportation costs have risen by 100pc in recent months, further straining the company and the industry. “We are really struggling,” he said.
Local producers, who could meet half the country’s demand, face forex shortages and what they call unfair competition from importers. Duty-free conditions on both raw materials and imported edible oils favour importers, reducing the local producers’ market share to five percent.
Rising cooking oil prices have hit ordinary citizens hard. Tigist Adane, a teacher, noted that the price of a five-litre bottle in her area has climbed to 1,400 Br from 1,000 Br within a few months. This comes amid surging prices for other staples, such as teff, now at 15,000 Br per quintal, and onions, at 110 Br a kilogram.
“It’s hard to afford anything anymore,” she lamented.
The federal government’s new tax strategy seeks to boost VAT collections and raise the tax-to-GDP ratio by 0.5pc this year. This aligns with a broader tax reform plan agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July, which targets a four-percentage-point increase in the ratio by 2027/28 through VAT reforms and other measures.
The government’s tax collection target for this year has risen to 1.5 trillion Br, including 170 billion Br from VAT.
Mohammed said recent price hikes stem solely from new tax levies. He told Fortune that his appeals to Ministry officials during discussions on the tax amendment bill were unsuccessful.
The Ministry introduced a directive last year to establish a tax management system to combat counterfeiting, track goods, verify stamps, and meet international standards.
Mulay Woldu, tax policy director at the MoF, stated that tax exemptions on imports were temporary measures during the pandemic when inflation hit 32pc. He argued there is no evidence local manufacturers can meet demand and that consumer-based policies are necessary. The Ministry has asked the Ministry of Industry (MoI) to study local manufacturers’ capacity.
“We cannot take policy measures without proper evidence,” Mulay said. He stressed the need to protect citizens from inflation caused by supply shortages or surges in demand.
A report by the Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration (MoTRI) shows annual demand for edible oil is around 1.1 billion litres, with local production covering less than five percent and imports accounting for 95pc.
Tilahun Abay, head of strategic affairs at the MoI, says that cooking oil is a critical food staple for low-income households and suggested it should be tax-exempt. “Assessments are being made on our side,” he said.
A US-based think tank, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Centre says that VAT disproportionately impacts lower-income households. Ethiopian Customs Commission data shows 2.2 billion litres of edible oil were imported over the past three years, mainly from Djibouti, Malaysia, and Turkey, with 741 million litres imported last year.
Kassaye Ayele, customs tariff director at the Commission, says that essential goods like edible oil received VAT exemptions three years ago to counter inflation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tax expert Tadesse Lencho (PhD) warns that tax revenues often place a heavy burden on consumers, particularly fixed-income earners who struggle with inflation. He argues that imposing tariffs on imported edible oils is a flawed protective policy. It will not solve competitiveness issues and will increase agricultural produce prices, ultimately hurting exporters and consumers.
Tadesse stresses the importance of balancing tax policies. “Policies should prioritise consumers over manufacturers or importers,” he said, calling for thorough analyses of tax impacts to avoid ripple effects.
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