Commentaries | Sep 28,2019
Ansar Guade, 26, found a unique way to make his way through higher education -selling his famous Falafel sandwiches. As a fourth-year management student and father, his entrepreneurial journey began three years ago when he had to develop a business plan for an entrepreneurship course on campus.
"I wanted to emulate what I saw in the movies," Ansar told Fortune.
The business plan and positive feedback from his instructors gave Ansar the necessary boost of confidence to make his dream a reality. The roads to securing the necessary permits were not easy. However, Ansar managed to successfully get through university officials and local authorities and launch his lucrative street food business with a 20,000 Br loan.
Anu Fast Food has become a local sensation near the Addis Abeba University Sidist Kilo campus. Priced at 35 Br each, he goes through as many sandwiches as he can within a day.
“I try to save a third of my profits,” he said.
The aroma of freshly ground chickpeas and spices surrounds the food truck, attracting a customer base mostly comprised of university students. The quick and affordable meal option is appreciated by most.
Among the customers waiting for their turn stood Eyerusalem Ketema. She praised the street food craft, indicating that acceptable taste combined with a generous portion to get through the day made her a frequent buyer.
"It’s the better option," said Eyerusalem.
Street food plays a crucial role in the urban lifestyle, providing affordable and convenient options. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 2.5 billion people consume street food daily, making it a vital source of sustenance for urbanites in the lower economic curve.
Employment opportunities created by street food vending also enabled individuals to develop business skills with low capital investment. The allure lies in their value proposition that offers options at low costs.
Nutritionist Hanna Samson recommends a greater focus on hygiene and sanitation to meet growing market demand while considering the lower prices and wide availability of street food places. She underlines the importance of maintaining health standards and nutritional values that should be put to consideration.
"We are what we eat," said Hanna.
While street food in Addis Abeba has typically revolved around familiar options like french fries and samosas, a few establishments stand out with unique menus.
Located under a bridge in the Stadium area, Tadele's Fast Food is one such place that has gained popularity over the past few years. The owner Tadele G.Yohannes initially started with a three-legged rickshaw four years ago before transitioning to a fixed location.
He serves up to 500 customers a day, offering a variety of items from plain bread to chickpea, eggs and potatoes. Quick service, hygiene, and affordable prices capped at 60 Br has helped him build a loyal customer base. He plans for expansion with a 700,000 Br investment.
"I’m going to hire more employees and begin deliveries," he told Fortune.
There is a growing need for regulatory measures to ensure hygiene, sanitation, and the overall well-being of consumers as officials note the rise of the establishments along with service gaps.
According to Birhanu Tadese, team leader at the Addis Abeba Food Medicine Health Care Administration & Authority, identifies a pervasive problem of cleanliness, particularly the lack of clean water and exposure to dirt and dust in open kitchens.
He stressed the need for extra caution around the holiday season when markets become vibrant and street food consumers increase. To address these concerns, 271 public servants received training on monitoring and overseeing street food joints two weeks ago, organised by the Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Standards Agency and Ethiopian Food & Drug Authority.
"We conduct sweeping inspections at least twice a year," said Birhanu.
Addis Abeba is characterised by horizontal expansion, while urbanisation has been associated with high levels of economic growth, averaging 38pc of the GDP. With an estimated annual population sprawl of 4.5pc, the rate of population growth is outpacing the city's spatial expansion rate resulting in a deficient physical form.
The lack of floor space is taking a toll on liveability in the city, inducing many dwellers into informal settlements, where 60pc of the population in the urban areas live in underdeveloped spaces. Boasting a population migrating for opportunities and a better quality of life has created a congested environment, nearing five million residents, according to the World Bank.
One area where the congestion is visible is the road from Megenagna to Ayat Square, where rush hours are the cause of significant traffic jams. Born out of his own struggle to buy coffee in the mornings, Kaleab Mesfin found a way to turn it into an opportunity about two years ago.
Around Gibson School CMC stands his coffee shop selling drivers hot beverages with use and throw cups. A man holding a green flag with Abebu Coffee boldly plastered on it weaves it on the side of the street with hopes of luring in drivers from 6pm onwards. With a 90,000 Br initial capital, Abebu's current monthly sales averages over 100,000 Br. The outdoor service lasts for about five hours, with prices ranging from 20 Br to 35 Br.
As street food continues to be a significant part of Addis Abeba's urban food supply, the Addis Abeba City Administration considers it illegal.
The proliferation of unregulated street businesses branding themselves as fast-food establishments concerns officials such as Million Kassa, director of Trade Licensing & Monitoring at Addis Abeba Trade Bureau.
“Working on the streetsides does not justify legality,” he said.
Balancing the entrepreneurial spirit of street food vendors with public health considerations remains a crucial aspect. However, with proper oversight and training, these small businesses can thrive, nourishing dreams amid urban challenges.
PUBLISHED ON
Jan 13,2024 [ VOL
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