Interview

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Jan 19 , 2025 . By MICHAEL GIRMA

"Music is a Science, We Must Respect Our Scientists"

Mulatu Astatke, the creator of Ethio Jazz, views music as a science, much like chemistry, where sounds combine to form melodies and harmonies. Mulatu's unique style blends Ethiopian musical modes with jazz, funk, Latin rhythms, and even psychedelic rock. He says that the "bottom" of his music is alw...

Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW

State Enterprises from Oracles to Apprentices

Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitive powerhouses, the sovereign wealth manager, Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), is at a defining moment. At the helm is Brook Taye (PhD), its third CEO since its founding in 2020, whose vision departs from conventional public-sector oversight. He characterises EIH not as a regulator but as an active owner prepared to intervene, invest, and usher in fresh governance standards, offering the vitality of a private enterprise backed by public interest. EIH's approach stands out for its insistence on robust cor...

Jun 1 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU

Weeding Out Debt, Seeding a Greener Economy

Jennifer Lee Morgan, inaugural state secretary of Germany and special envoy for International Climate Action, is spearheading a shift in global financial structures to facilitate a sustainable transition towards a green economy. As a leading advocate for meeting the loss and damage demands of emerging economies, she played a role at CoP27, laying the groundwork for its establishment. Drawing from her tenure as the former executive director of Greenpeace, Jennifer advocates for the simultaneous pursuit of development goals and decarbonisation. Recognising the crucial role of global financial...

May 11 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW

BGI Ethiopia Stirs the Pot with Bold Moves, Sour Realities

Herve Milhade, the CEO of BGI Ethiopia, believes he is steering the company toward a more consumer-centric focus. He emphasises that his goal is not to be a leader in paying taxes but to “become the leader in the heart” of consumers. His tenure began as Ethiopia emerged from a bloody and brutal civil war in the North, after the signing of the Pretoria Accord, marking a landmark for the company. Milhade's appointment coincided with the reopening of BGI Ethiopia's Raya Brewery in Machew, Tigray Regional State, which had been closed due to the civil war in the North. Under its French paren...

Interview

Aug 4 , 2024

Patience - Consistency - Respect

France's Ambassador to Ethiopia up until last week, Remi Marechaux, arrived in Addis Abeba four years ago with a dual mandate of representing his country and engaging with the African Union (AU). He d...

Jan 27 , 2024

Cloudy Horizons in the Digital Ecosystem

With a background in cybersecurity, CEO Charly Bahaous is from Israel and relocated to South Africa in 2006. Under his watch, Touchnet has grown to encompass over 300 employees across various sub-se...

Jan 7 , 2024

Inside the Quirky World of Ethiopia's Tech, Finance Mavericks

ABREHAM TILAHUN (Kacha) Abraham Tilahun, 40, married and a father of four, is an alumnus of Addis Abeba and Jimma universities and graduated in Banking & Finance and Accounting. Under his leade...

Dec 23 , 2023

Marcus Pledges to Offer Modern Ethiopian Experience

Fortune: What does opening a new restaurant feel like? Marcus Samuelsson: It is a homecoming. I have been in hospitality most of my life, so sharing this in my homeland is incredibly gratifying. Bo...

Oct 21 , 2023

Germany Takes a Stand

In a noteworthy gesture signalling its commitment to international peace and development, Germany has sealed an ambitious deal with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The agreement, amou...

Sep 9 , 2023

TRADITION TALENT TRANSITION

At the forefront is Jemberu Demeke, a name that echoes local music evolution's rhythmic and lyrical potency. Yididya Wondwossen, fondly known by this artistic pseudonym, bridges the rich musical legac...

Sep 10 , 2023

The Untamed Spirit: Living Young, Wild and Free

Q: If we went through your car right now, what three things would we find? Aziz Ahmed: Glass case. Breaking too many eyeglasses is a perennial headache for a traveller. This one holds it tight, so...

Aug 19 , 2023

Audacious Blueprint: Partnership in Tackling Planetary Upheaval Caused by Climate Change

FORTUNE: What outcome do you hope for from the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment? Rose Mwebaza: This particular African Ministerial Conference hopes to examine three critical issues...

Jun 24 , 2023

France's Bold Bid to Reshape Development Finance Amidst Global Crises

Fortune: I understand this was not a summit for any particular resolution or trying to create any new international organisation. Can I say it was designed as a warming up for something big? Amb. M...

Apr 29 , 2023

A Minimum Wage Law Warrants Some Dignity

Fortune: How has the labour movement evolved through its tumultuous half-a-century history? Kassahun Follo: The beginning of the worker's union was completely different from its current state. Duri...

Apr 22 , 2023

Count on France and the Paris Club

Fortune: What principles and guidelines does the Paris Club follow when dealing with debt relief for long-term and debt-burdened developing countries like Ethiopia? William Roos: It is an informal...

Apr 15 , 2023

Apprehending Global Shifts in Climate Change

Q: It has been almost 35 years since the IPCC was born. How has your understanding of climate change over the past few decades evolved? What are the most significant findings that have shaped your cur...

Mar 18 , 2023

Unilever's Bold Strategy: Invest in Local Production to Shield against Global Disruptions

Q: Unilever was among the top 20 taxpayers a few years ago. However, it did not even reach the top 40 last year. Why? Stefan Cloete: We paid a record level of taxes last year - 85pc more than in 2...

Mar 4 , 2023

It’s about People, the Planet and Prosperity

Q: When it was established over 77 years ago, the United Nations was created to stop wars. Look at the world today; it is full of violent conflicts from Ukraine to Ethiopia. Do you find it frustrating...

Jan 24 , 2023

Inflation, Geopolitical Tension and Climate Change Torment the World

Project Syndicate (PS): You have often pointed out that inflation has been exacerbated by trade protectionism, which weakens the market competition that induces firms to keep prices low, and by immigr...

Jan 7 , 2023

Offloading Climate Responsibility on the Victims of Climate Change

Question: Climate change is a complex problem, but maybe there is a simple solution. What might that look like? Nnimmo Bassey: Simple solutions are avoided in today's world because they do not supp...

Columns

Commentaries | Mar 30, 2025

Media Council's Edging to Accreditation a Deceitful Drift

When the private satellite channel, Ethiopian Broadcasting Service (EBS), aired an emotion...

Editorial | Mar 30 , 2025

Trapped Between Sunlight, Soaring Costs, Farmers Struggle to Ditch Diesel

Fenta Atele gazes at the shrinking shores of Lake Abaya, in Southern Regional State, worry...

Featured | Mar 16 , 2025 . By YITBAREK GETACHEW

CHASED FOR A LIVING

At dusk, Haile Garment Square in the southern outskirts of Addis Abeba transforms from a q...

Agenda | Mar 30 , 2025 . By YITBAREK GETACHEW

Barley Supply Chains Sway Under Regional Strains

The brewing industry faces a storm, with barley shortages leading to a substantial spike i...

Fortune News | Mar 30 , 2025

"Music is a Science, We Must Respect Our Scientists"

State Enterprises from Oracles to Apprentices

Weeding Out Debt, Seeding a Greener Economy

BGI Ethiopia Stirs the Pot with Bold Moves, Sour Realities