WELLS ON WHEELS


WELLS ON WHEELS

A man delivers jerrycans of water around the Ayat neighbourhood. Acute water shortages are ubiquitous in Addis Abeba, with most urbanites having grown accustomed to running water three days a week. While over 230 underground wells contribute to the Legdadi, Gefersa, and Dire dams, the capital's water supply is barely adequate to meet the demand. A population last counted nearly two decades ago is severely underserved by the close to 0.5 million cubic meters coursing daily through the pipes.

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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...