View From Arada

FORTUNE+ VIDEO SPONSORED CONTENTS ADVERTORIALS FORTUNE AUDIO Fortune Careers New TRADE AFRICA New

View From Arada

Oct 5 , 2024

Addis Abeba's Cultural Kaleidoscope Redefines Its Emerging Identity

I recently picked up a takeaway chicken Mendi meal from a Syrian restaurant on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, near the Jakros neighbourhood. The owner, a seasoned chef of Arabic cuisine, greeted me...

Pollution Amidst Greening Moves

My brother and I visited the Bole Arabsa neighborhood after a funeral, where my brother noted the significantly better air quality compared to downtown Addis. He described the fresh air as "food for t...

Sep 21 , 2024

The Merkato Multiverse

The sight of a porter carrying over 10 mattresses over head while zigzagging through the commotion of pedestrians and vehicles of all types epitomises what Merkato is all about. Africa's largest open...

Sep 14 , 2024

Confronting the Ghosts of Conflict, Trauma

I found myself deeply engrossed in an interview on local media. The guest was Seble Hailu (PhD), a psychologist known for her efforts in addressing trauma. The host set a sombre tone from the outset...

Sep 8 , 2024

A Kaleidoscopic Year of Tradition, Transformation

The New Year air is supposed to be filled with a sense of renewal and continuity—a blend of the familiar and the evolving. This annual cycle, while a marker of time's passage, also serves as a momen...

Sep 1 , 2024

Location Trumps Innovation, Apparently!

Legend has it that James Bruce, a Scottish traveller and writer on a mission to find the source of the Nile River, once expressed his disdain for locals eating raw meat at the imperial palace in Gonde...

Aug 25 , 2024

Post-Olympic Bitter-Sweet Taste

The love affair between the people of Ethiopia and Olympic games dates back to Abebe Bikila's historic barefoot marathon win in Rome over half a century ago. Since then, generations of athletes have r...

Aug 10 , 2024

The Fast Lane of Addis Abeba’s Life

Addis Abeba's streets are a mix of commerce and survival, where vendors and beggars are amidst the chaotic traffic in pursuit of a living. At every stoplight, the streets transform into an open-air...

Aug 3 , 2024

Hidden Costs of Constant Decision Making

It seemed only a matter of time before Joe Biden caved in to step aside from the November 2024 presidential race. The pressure had mounted with publicly raging discourses. On a personal level, I belie...

Jul 27 , 2024

The Virtual Pursuit of Happiness

A close friend introduced me to an application called "Hamster Kombat," which at first seemed like any other online game. With simple graphics reminiscent of classic games like Sonic X or Super Mario...

Jul 20 , 2024

Extinguish Hate Before it Devours

A 20-year-old man, fresh out of high school, crawled over a rooftop with a rifle, planning to commit the unthinkable. With his life ahead of him, he made the dreadful choice to take a life. This acti...

Jul 13 , 2024

A Note Rekindles Faith in Decency

One day, I found a handwritten note in Amharic on my car. The note began with a greeting and explained that the writer had accidentally bumped into my car in our residential parking area. He found no...

Jul 7 , 2024

The Perils of Unverified Information

News of a draft proclamation shared during a casual coffee chat surprised our friend group. According to one of us, the proposed law seemed to impact everyone's economic interests, sparking a heated d...

Jun 29 , 2024

Whip Up Guac While Rethinking Household Chores

An early arrival home with perfectly ripe avocados sparked a culinary whim. It had been a while since I ventured into the kitchen. While no professional, I gleaned some skills during a West African so...

Jun 22 , 2024

Mirage of Comparison in Contentment Desert

Scrolling through social media triggers envy. That friend's stunning apartment makes our furniture choices seem dull, and the colleague's constant travels put our relaxing weekend at home to shame. Th...

Jun 15 , 2024

Addis Abeba's Rush Hour River

Addis Abeba had been sweltering for most of May. The heat was unlike anything residents had experienced in a long time. The tables turned almost overnight. Looming clouds brought a sudden and unwelcom...

Columns

Commentaries | Sep 06,2025

Ethiopians Celebrate Big Dreams, While Everyday Realities Cast Shadow

The dawn of a new year is more than a simple turning of the calendar. It is a moment heavy...

Editorial | Sep 6 , 2025

Holiday Bazzars Reveal a City Split by Price, Policy, and Public Mood

At the heart of the city, the Zemen Gebeya New Year bazaar inside the Exhibition Hall behi...

Featured | Sep 7 , 2025 . By AMANUEL BEKELE

As Holidays Near, Addis Abeba's Markets Thrum with Hope, Hardship

As the holiday nears, the markets of Addis Abeba thrum with anticipation and anxiety. In t...

Agenda | Sep 7 , 2025 . By AMANUEL BEKELE

Addis Abeba's Land Auction Spurs Bidding Frenzy During Affordability Concerns

Addis Abeba's sixth public land lease auctions after a five-year pause delivered mixed sig...

Fortune News | Sep 7 , 2025 . By NAHOM AYELE