FERTILE FANCIES


FERTILE FANCIES

A corrugated tin fence is painted over with greenery and trees around Arat Kilo as the corridor development project snaking through the neighbourhood nears its end. The high fences have become ubiquitous across Addis Ababa, hielding locations incompatible with the city's reimagined aesthetic. Mayor Adanech Abiebe revealed two weeks ago that the ambitious project tallied up to around 33 billion Br with meticulous spending.The project, closely overseen by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), is reviewed every 100 days for performance and progress. While the majority of the architectural concepts stem from a city-wide structural plan devised nearly seven years back, novel elements were introduced by the current administration toward realizing 'smart city' goals. A concerted effort has been launched by authorities to replace combustion engine vehicles with electric alternatives, endorse cycling and promote waking

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In-Picture

YELLOW SIGNAL

Forget flashy billboards and painted signs. In Mekelle, a single yellow jerrycan resting on a dusty curb does the job just fine. It's the new language of the street—simple, unmistakable, and profitable. The written note tells motorists that petrol is available, but not at the government rate. At 200 Br a litre, the markup is steep, yet demand remains constant. Across Ethiopia's regional cities, this quiet trade fills the gap left by formal distribution channels. What began as a stopgap has bec...


In-Picture

MARKET MOMENTUM

At the Sheraton, delegates from across Africa joined Minister of Revenues Aynalem Nigussie as she cut the ribbon to launch the Africa Export Competitiveness Report 2024. A bright red ribbon sliced across a bold yellow banner, symbolising ambition and renewal. Dressed in an elegant Habesha qemis, Aynalem brought heritage to the moment, bridging tradition and progress. Applause filled the room, a mix of pride and promise marking a confident step forward for Africa's trade future...


In-Picture

SILENT ANCHOR

A student from Addis Abeba University carries the university's logo across his chest, guiding newcomers with quiet authority. The sun does not only shine on him—it radiates from within. His silence speaks volumes, a calm confidence rooted in belonging to something larger. Around him, life moves on: mothers carrying children, curious youngsters exploring, a nonchalant man in sunglasses and a bright blue shirt weaving through the crowd, yet he remains steadfast, a silent anchor amid the bustle...