"IT'S OUR DAM" Abyssinia Business Network /ABN/ ETHIOPIA

3rd Year / #30 / July 2021 ABYSSINIA BUSINESS NETWORK

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EDITION

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ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

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Editorial Team MANAGING DIRECTOR Daniel Tiruneh

MANAGING EDITOR Getachew Alemu

EDITOR IN CHIEF Aklile Tsige aklile08@gmail.com +251 911 837 863

CONSULTANCY Zeima Ahmed

STAFF WRITERS Mekonnen Hailu Ketema Kebede

Teshome Fantahun

REPORTER

Josephine Wawira Kamba Anthony Joseph Oduha

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Daniel Tiruneh

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Web Admin

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Editorial

Change Agent

Citizens:

We firmly believe that our country has all legal and natural rights to fairy and effectively utilizes its natural resources, and are hoping to see light at the end of the tunnel as GERD is nearing completion.

It is a much-trumpeted issue that Ethiopia is developing over 6,000-megawatt hydropower plant at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), enacted the first filling phase in 2020 and planning to collect 13.5 billion cubic meters of the Blue Nile River water in the rainy season, swelling its reservoir to 18.4 billion cubic meters.

Downstream neighbors Egypt and Sudan, which fear the project could curb their water supplies, have called for additional international mediation to secure a pact with Ethiopia on filling and operating the dam before the latest pooling.

However, we, the owner and the source of the Nile keep doing our business despite regional and international pressure against our flagship project.

Ethiopia has been leaning on the generousness of the rest of the world, and there is a conviction on the part of the public to change this, to regain our lost greatness, to divorce ourselves from the status quo of poverty.

Citizens make the future of the country. Many things depend on us, citizens. In my mind, every citizen can do something useful for the development of the country.

It really doesn’t matter what sphere we work in, it is our duty to do everything we can to live in better conditions.

Citizen’s participation has always vital impact on the development of the country as economically as socially.

The engagement, inclusion, and participation of citizens, and perhaps more significantly the ownership of national projects by empowered citizens, is pivotal towards realizing the broad goals of sustainable development in such a way that no one is left behind.

There is no doubt that the public sector is a driving force of economic growth through minimizing government budgets, sharpening their competitive advantage and delivering public goods and services with new approaches and innovative nature. Of course, all that will be easier accomplished with greater citizen participation.

We, as the citizens of Ethiopa have the full right to participate in governing our nation. We need to ensure more citizen participation if we want to make our country the better place to live, and bring about socio-economic changes. Therefore, consolidating citizens’ engagement and contribution to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) until it’s complete, is a national and moral obligation which we all should respect, be dedicated to and live for.

GERD, for Ethiopians, is a symbol and a sign of selfreliance and a fight back against colonization. It is a sign of resilience and self-esteem, praising the power of unity. It is a dream come true, abolishing the walls of impossibility. It is a seal and a sign of every Ethiopian.

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Aklile Tsige

Editor-In-Chief

Aklile Tsige is a journalist, a documentary script writer, director and narrator, movie subtitlemaker and Aviation English Language Rater.

His work has earned him numerous recognitions and certificates from various film production companies in the country. Currently Aklile is engaged in freelance writing for different media houses, and also serves as Editor-in-Chief for Abyssinia Business Network/ABN/. He has studied English Language and Literature for his under graduate study and Journalism and Communications,Graduate School of Journalism and Communications Addis Ababa University.

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CONTENTS H.E Seleshi Bekele/PhD/

Gedion Asfaw/Eng./

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Aregawi Berhe (PhD)

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H.E. Mr. Demeke Mekonnen

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Selamawit Dawit

32 H.E Eng. Kifile Horo

Frehiwot Tamru

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Netsanet Lemessa

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Roba Megersa

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ETHIOPIAn

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Melaku Fanta

Feyisa Ararisa

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Paul Block. PhD

Maro Andy Tola

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Yared Esayas

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Zelalem Mengiste

Gebreyesus Igata

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Callist Tindimugaya.PhD

Tomas Jankan. Eng Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

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Mauwia Hamid.Pro

Jean Manteke

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“

What Ethiopia wants is to benefit from the dam, without causing harm to others.

However, our brothers on the other side should also understand that we do not want to live in darkness.

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Abiy Ahmed /PhD/ Prime Minister of Ethiopia

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ETHIOPIA

GERD A F R I C A N

LIGHT 10

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ETHIOPIA

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Ethiopia has confidence in the role of the AU in facilitating the negotiations and bringing the process to a successful conclusion and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s conviction on the principle of finding African solutions to African problems.

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H.E. Mr. Demeke Mekonnen

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia

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Win-Win

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Solution for All “ETHIOPIA is always looking forward to a “win-win solution” for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam through trilateral negotiation.”

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Sileshi Bekele / PhD.Eng. / Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy

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ETHIOPIA

By ABN staff writer

Energy is pivotal to catalyze development and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). It also has direct household-level impacts (making schooling accessible to everyone), brings equity among gender disparities, reduces pressure on natural resources, and enables access to a health facility. These fundamental human needs that are accorded in the UN universal declaration of human rights are now very luxurious to the majority of Ethiopians.

To live a dignified life, Ethiopians need access to energy, health, and education. To counter fight this multifaceted poverty syndrome, Ethiopia has initiated a multibillion dollar homemade energy infrastructure development and expansion plan. GERD is part of this relevant and timely national infrastructural project.

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Energy for Ethiopians is not of a luxury commodity, preferably a hard fight choice to live a dignified life. GERD is a longawaited dream for millions of youth for an employment opportunity, and bread for the impoverished droughthit pastoral communities.

Most importantly, there is no reasonable electricity access to the majority of the Ethiopian rural villages and towns. Only 40 percent of the nation's total population has access to either grid or off-grid electricity.

“ETHIOPIA is always looking forward to a “win-win solution” for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam through trilateral negotiation.”

It is also a long-awaited dream for the rural shepherd who used to chant slogans and sorrows ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

against the bad deeds that the Blue Nile has caused over his ancestors' land.

Above all, it is a quest for equity and shares over one's natural resources. The Blue Nile, of which 86 percent flows from Ethiopia, annual water use is only 10 billion cubic water as compared to Egypt's 75 billion cubic water.

Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy Seleshi Bekele said that ETHIOPIA is always looking forward to a “win-win solution” for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam through trilateral negotiation, rejectingthe 1902/1952 colonial water agreements.

Dr. Eng. Seleshi said,“We have discussed the current stalemates, mechanisms of resumption of negotiation and Ethiopia’s views on the negotiation issues, progress of the construction and way forward,” adding that Ethiopia remains committed to a win-win solution and as always committed to African

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solutions for African problems in finding true solution through trilateral negotiation.

such GERD is important for power generation for the needs of Ethiopia, the Minister stated.

Egypt and Sudan have jointly and separately highlighted the need to reach a binding agreement on the dam, to secure the rights of both countries.However, Ethiopia unilaterally implemented the first phase of the dam filling last year and insists to implement the second filling in July 2021 despite the absence of a binding agreement and the concerns of the Egypt and Sudan.

“It removes flood risk in Sudan like the one occurred last season, saves losses of water in flood plains and GERD is not a concern for harm. It is designed smart as filling and construction go in parallel, constructed as high quality and state-of-the-art modern facility.”

Sileshi noted that the construction two bottom outlets (BO) of the GERD that provides release of water into the downstream has been completed, tested and became operational, without decreasing the historical flow of the water.In the rainy season these bottom outlets guarantee flow while filling takes place as inflow exceeding outflow at reservoir. As

Sileshi pointed out.

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To break the continued delaying tactics and the obstruction of the two countries, Ethiopia proposed new strategic solutions towards creating a conducive atmosphere and progressive confidence, Sileshi pointed out.Accordingly, Ethiopia proposed a proper reciprocal data and information exchange and conclusion of the rules and guidelines for the filling of the dam in the next 3 to 5 years.

Sileshi called on all Ethiopians to understand that the country has all the legal and natural rights to utilize its natural resource, and that is why the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is being constructed to ensure its socioeconomic development effort, and pull citizens out of abject poverty.

On the other hand, he stated that those Ethiopians who stand against this position of the country are undoubtedly considered to have committed treason.

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Impoundment:

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Structurally Inevitable “We are aggressively working to achieve our goal to generate power from two turbines of our flagship mega project during the upcoming rainy season between June and August 2021.”

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Eng. Kifile Horo GERD General Manager

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GERD

By ABN staff writer

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project is a majestic hydroelectric plant, which has such a large reservoir that it, alone, fully controls the river, thus fulfilling an ancient dream: the idea that the Blue Nile could somehow be “governed”. With its impressive installed two powerhouses, providing an unusually flexible operation and a huge power reserve, this extraordinary plant places itself among the world’s largest RCC dam and it is going to boost the future of Ethiopian energy production.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project, currently under construction in Ethiopia, is located approximately 40 km downstream of the confluence with the River Beles at a narrow point about 15 km upstream of the Ethiopian border with Sudan.

The main dam is a roller compacted concrete (RCC) gravity dam with a maximum height of 175 m and a length of about 2 km at crest elevation, reaching a total volume of about 10 million m3.

The concrete faced rock fill (CFRD) saddle dam is 60 m high and approximately 5 km long, with an embankment volume of 15 million m3.

Its composite cut-off, made up by grouting and plastic diaphragm panels, was conceived to fulfil two different requirements: permeability and erosion control.

“We are aggressively working to achieve our goal to generate power from two turbines of our flagship mega project during the upcoming rainy season between June and August 2021.”

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The river diversion system, designed to discharge up to 14’700 m3/s, includes four culverts for discharging during the dry season and a temporary stepped spillway structure located in the central part of the dam, for dam overtopping during the wet season.

A system of three spillways safeguards the project against the Probable Maximum Flood (30’200 m3/s peak and 18’000 m3/s routed discharge): the main service gated spillway, located on a saddle area; the aforesaid free-flow crest spillway on the overflow section of the main dam; the side channel un-gated emergency spillway.

The main dam is crossed by sixteen penstocks (8 m diameter), two of which at lower elevation committed to early generation during reservoir impounding. getting Image

The two outdoor powerhouses are located at the main dam toe on the right and left riverside housing 7 turbine units and 6 turbine units respectively, with a total of 5550 MW potential.

The step-up transformers, erected in the yard between the main dam downstream face and the powerhouses, are connected through overhead lines to the 500 kV switchyard, located on right bank.

GERD General Manager, Eng. Kifile Horo said, “We are aggressively working to achieve our goal to generate power from two turbines of our flagship mega project during the upcoming rainy season between June and August 2021.”

The $5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is expected to collect 13.5 billion cubic meters of the Blue Nile River water in the rainy season, swelling its reservoir to 18.4 billion cubic meters, Eng.Kifile said.

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The General Manager further said that a power line 650 kilometers long has been completed to connect the electricity generated at the Dam to the country's power grid, adding that the dam is now over 80% complete and is expected to reach full generating capacity in 2023, making it Africa's largest hydroelectric power plant and the world's seventh-largest.

Currently the total civil works of the Dam reaches 91.4% while other activities such as installation and construction of control system, powerhouse, and power distribution centers are being carried out as per the plan.

With regard to financial performance of the project, Eng. Kifile noted that although the project cost was initially 78 billion birr it has now incurred 120.5 billion birr due to project delay caused by mismanagement and corruption as well as construction input price hike and Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

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inflation, disclosing that a total of 180 to 185 billion birr is expected to complete the Dam. Unlike other known hydroelectric dams, GERD is being constructed uniquely that as the height of the dam increases its water reservoir rises in volume. It is naturally and structurally inevitable to fill the dam while the height of the dam goes up.

According to the General Manager, the third generatorof the Dam will be installed in 2023 then after one generator will be installed every two months until all generators are erected. He added that the country has no choice except completing the long-awaited Dam. Ethiopia insists the dam, which it has fully financed itself, is a crucial development that will help pull millions of its nearly 110 million citizens out of poverty and make the country a major power exporter. ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

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Eng. Gedion Asfaw

Sudan, Egypt Need to Join Nile Cooperative Framework Agreement

By ABN staff writer Ethiopia’s decision to build the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) remains to be a matter of survival.

Ethiopia, in fact, has undertaken some projects in the Blue Nile Basin such as TanaBeles Hydroelectric project which has a capacity to generate 460 MW, Fincha Hydroelectric project and some irrigation projects around Lake Tana and Fincha.

Ethiopia keeps going on what it is doing over its own natural resource, moving towards completion of its mega hydroelectric project despite external pressure to distract the filling and operation of the Dam. Still showing interest to continue negotiations with the downstream countries, the country wants to bring about a win-win solution for the deadlock.

ABN met Engineer Gedion Asfaw, Chair, and Technical Committee of the Ethiopian Negotiating Team, and presented a few question related to the impact of the first filling of the GERd reservoir and the unpredictable Egypt’s and Sudan’s stand on the negotiating table.

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Gedion Asfaw / Eng. / Chairperson, National Panel of Experts and Technical Negotiating Team

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ABN. Let’s begin with the impact of the first filling of the GERD’s reservoir. How do you describe the feelings and reactions of Ethiopians at home and abroad to the first filling of the dam?

Eng. Gedion The first filling took place during July and August, 2020 as per the construction and filling schedule. The low block was raised to 560m.a.s.l and when the inflow to the GERD increased in July and August the level of water behind the dam gradually increased and overflowed through the low block. Water was continuously flowing downstream through the culverts and later over the low block. The retention of 4.9BCM is the first stage/year retention agreed by the three countries’ scientific research group.

The Ethiopian public was satisfied for the filling was conducted as per the previously publicly announced period of filling.

There was complaint from Sudan that the impact of the first filling resulted in affecting the water supply stations downstream of Roseires dam. This is not a reasonable assessment since 26

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Sudan was receiving in the order of 90 to 100 million cubic meters per day which is much more than the water supply demand of Khartoum and other towns below the Roseires dam.

ABN. How do you chronologically describe the outcomes of the bilateral or/and multilateral talks between/among the downstream countries mainly Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia?

Eng. Gedion .Phase 1: International Panel of Experts (IPOE) (May 2012May 2013) established by Ethiopia’s initiation. The IPOE consisted of 4 international experts and 6 experts from the three countries of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan and reviewed the study and design documents of the GERD. The IPOE submitted its report to the governments of the three countries. Ed. in May 2013 Phase 2: Tripartite National Committee 2013-2016 ( DOP 2015) 12 members ; 4 members from each of the three countries established by water affairs ministers of the three countries to implement the recommendations of the IPOE.

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Phase 3- Nine ministers party and national scientific research group (2017-2018) Submission of filling and operation plan by Ethiopia [2017] The three countries also established the National Independent Scientific Group (NISRG consisting of 15 members, 5 from each of the three countries to formulate a filling and operation plan of GERD.) Phase 4: Egypt appealed at the 74th UN GA for the involvement of the international community. Egypt Requested the US and the WB to mediate, Ethiopia accepted US & WB invitation to participate as observers. After holding a number of meetings during Nov. 2019Feb. 2020,Ethiopia discontinued the consultationwhen the observers overstepped their mandate and proposed unacceptable provisions that may compromise the national interests of Ethiopia.

Phase 5: During COVID 19 a number of virtual trilateral negotiations meeting took place during June 9-17, 2020.

Phase 6: Africa Union Involvement

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(July 3. 2021 –April, 2021) 7 meetings including two bureau meetings under South Africa were conducted; The AU led negotiation has continued and the first meeting under the chairmanship of the DRC president took place during April 3-6, 2021.

ABN. Ethiopia has been trying a lot to bring the downstream countries, mainly Egypt and Sudan, to round table discussions to solve the deadlock on the dam's filling andoperation.

Why does this process seem to be unsuccessful?

Eng. Gedion Negotiations on TransBoundary Rivers take time. The signing of the Declaration of Principles by the three countries in 2015, the formulation of the first filling schedule and reaching consensus on the filling and timing of filling can be mentioned as success of the trilateral negotiation.

ABN. Various scholars argue that Ethiopia’s diplomatic effort to convince and persuade the international community to support its effort in utilizing the Abay River is insignificant. What’s your reaction to this?

Eng. Gedion Ethiopia has made

great diplomatic efforts to inform the international community on issues related to its transboundary rivers and has been participating at various platforms to consult with neighboring countries on the use and management of these resources.

However more needs to be done in informing the international community and Nile basin countries on issues related to the equitable and reasonable use of Trans Boundary Rivers.

ABN. Let’s talk about the second impoundment of the GERD; Ethiopia has been expressing its commitment to filling the DAM in the coming July. Will it cause any disagreement or not? What impact will it generally cause?

Eng. Gedion The second phase filling of GERD is part of the first filling schedule formulated by the National Independent Scientific Research Group (NISRG) composed of five experts from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. Moreover the DoP has a provision which indicates that the construction of the dam and the impoundment are inseparable. Thus, there is no reason for disagreement and the NISRG would have not Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

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recommended the filling schedule if significant impact downstream was expected.

ABN. Many argue that the only thing Ethiopia should do is to simply complete the filling of the Dam and start generating power.

What does that mean for the downstream countries?

Eng. Gedion Ethiopia and the downstream countries have signed the DoP and the three parties are governed by this framework agreement.

ABN. The water politics over the Nile River is more escalating than it was before; as a negotiator, what needs to be done to ease the situation?

Eng. Gedion The two downstream countries should join the Nile Cooperative Framework Agreement, which currently is signed by six countries and ratified by four countries. Then the basin countries will have a framework which will herald a cooperative and rule based Nile waters management.

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Public Participation:

Cementing GERD

By Aklile Tsige The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam /GERD/ is being undertaken by Ethiopians at home and the Diaspora in all corners of the globe; no financial assistance from international, continental and regional organizations. But it is all because of the strong conviction and commitment of its citizens that the mega project is nearing completion despite different pressure imposed by the downstream countries, USA and the European Union.

Ethiopia has a long tradition in participation and consultation. Participants are all people in a society involved in political, economic, and social activities.

The government is aware of the need to solicit proposals and suggestions from the public about policies, the Constitution, and development strategies to encourage communities to express their views and increase their sense of ownership and responsibility in the future of the country.

Aklile Tsige, Editor-in-Chief of ABN sat with Aregawi Berhe (PHD), Director General of the Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation to the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam /GERD/ to discuss updates on continued public contributions to the National Flag Project.Aregawi, whowas attending his higher education at the Addis Ababa University before he became one of the founders of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), is currently in charge of the opposition Tigray Democratic Coalition Party.

After a long period in exile, Aregawi returned home in 2018 following Prime Minister Abiy’s call for political dissidents who were living abroad, to come home and participate in peaceful political struggle.

While he was in exile Aregawi has managed to earn his Master’s Degree in Politics of Development, and his PHD in Political Sociology. He has also been engaged in active political participation and related activities such as national inter-party dialogues, among others, since his return.Aregawi is now in charge of a renewed effort of sustaining the public support for the construction of GERD, a major project Ethiopia is building without external support.

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As an Ethiopian citizen I have bought bond; as Director General of the Office I am working hard day in day out to help achieve the objective of the office I am responsible for

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The Blue Nile runs through 11 countries of East and North Africa, including Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt, before reaching the Mediterranean Sea. The Blue Nile contributes about 86% of the Nile’s water and originates in the Ethiopian highlands, while the White Nile, which contributes about 14%, originates from Burundi and flows through the Equatorial Lakes (Victoria, Kyoga, and Mobutu) to the Sudd swamps of Sudan.

The Nile covers about one-tenth

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Aregawi Berhe (PhD)

Head, Office of National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation on the Construction of GERD. of the African continent and is the primary source of water for about 430 million people (Freitas, 2013; Salman, 2013). The GERD project, which started in 2011, is being constructed over the Blue Nile (the main tributary of the Nile), spanning about 1529 km and is located about 15 km east of Ethiopia’s frontier, the Benishangul-Gumuz Region.

It is expected to hold 63 billion cubic meters of water, generate 6,450 MW of electricity that could be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa and the tenth largest Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

in the world. Once completed, the dam is estimated to take about 5 to 15 years to fill with water.

Director General of the Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation to the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam /GERD/, Aregawi Berhe (PHD) stated that Ethiopia’s aspiration and commitment for development is best demonstrated through the unanimous support and contribution to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

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From the very inception, the GERD has been an attempt to answer what has been our generation’s quest for an equitable and reasonable utilization of the Abay River and other rivers contributing to Nile from Ethiopia.

“As an Ethiopian citizen I have bought bond; as Director General of the Office I am working hard day in day out to help achieve the objective of the office I am responsible for.”

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a major component of Ethiopia’s economic diversification plan, and it should have been completed earlier as per its initial plan. However, after a series of delays linked to political uncertainty and allegations of corruption in the military-run conglomerate that was the lead domestic contractor, it is now taking the right track due to Government’s political commitment, alleviating the bottlenecks that hampered the construction process, recalled the Director General.

The principles of public participation include that the public should have a say in decisions about actions that could affect its members’ lives, the promise that the public’s contribution will influence the decision, promotion of sustainable decisions by recognizing and communicating the needs and interests of all participants, including decisionmaking agencies.

Public participation seeks out and facilitates the involvement of those potentially affected by or interested in a decision. It also 30

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seeks input from participants in designing how they participate, and provides participants with the information they need to participate in a meaningful way. It communicates to participants how their input affected the decision Best practice principles for public participation in protected area management, According to Aregawi Berhe (PHD), public consultation and participation has played a key role in the continued planning of development projects. Many argue that Project design has been improved to reduce negative and enhance positive impacts of projects; Project sustainability has been achieved through increased public understanding and support of projects and the ability for other projects to be conceived and implemented in a complementary fashion.

“As an Ethiopian citizen I have bought bond; as Director General of the Office I am working hard day in day out to help achieve the objective of the office I am responsible for.”

Aregawi noted, adding that he has been contributing his share to enhance the participation of different sections of the society in the ongoing support for the construction of the Dam. Aregawi also emphasized the importance of coordinating and organizing a platform that brings together influential institutions such as Ethio-telecom, Ethiopian Electric Utility, Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Diaspora Agency as well as organs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

make the international community well aware of Ethiopians development need,the truth about Abay River’s water resource current status,and Ethiopia’s position on the construction of GERD. Besides bond purchase and fundraising events, the general public, the Diaspora, government and private institutions, as well as scholars in universities across the country have begun to show enhanced interest to raise public awareness on the Abay issue through organizing various seminars, workshops and public gathering.

Aregawi further stated that research papers being undertaken by Ethiopian Universities’ scholars mainly focus on revealing the misleading and false propaganda of the downstream countries: Egypt and Sudan about the construction of GERD, and Ethiopia’s quest for fair and logical utilization of its natural resource, adding that the findings and recommendations drawn from the researches have been published and communicated with Ethiopian Embassies across the globe, websites and different media channels.

With regard to the first filling of the Dam, the Director General noted that the first filling of the Dam was the cause of great jubilation among the general public; it has been moment, showing Ethiopia’s long-awaited development need is nearing. Children have been motivated to write poems on Abay River, drawing paintings and doing other related artistic works.

“We’ve to safeguard our national interest by standing in unison. The solution for our problems is in our hands because if we don’t solve the

problems by ourselves, no one can solve it. Now, all patriotic Ethiopians should make inclusive contribution than ever for the completion of the construction of GERD,” The Director General noted that the Office has plan to further expand the various fundraising platforms to enhance the public participation for the construction of the dam, which is 80% complete and expected to start generating power with its two turbines at the end of the current 2020/21 fiscal year.

Fundraising platforms through mobile SMS, bond purchase, and financial grants will continue with increased participation from both Ethiopians at home and in the diaspora community, said Aregawi, adding that last year, the office, despite the impact of COVID 19 pandemic, managed to raise 745 million Birr of its 1.2 billion Birr target.

Regional Public Coordination offices have been working closely with the Office of the National Council and Preparations are underway to sustain the public support for the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the Director General said.

Other possible alternatives of fundraising and public participation mechanisms will also be considered in the coming months in order to secure up to 2 billion Birr during the current budget year, the director added.

According to Aregawi, “Bond Purchase Week” is one of the most effective and popular fundraising scheme the Office is

undertaking, bringing together all Ethiopians at home and the Diaspora.A special tombola lottery will be also prepared by the office as part of this year’s fund raising campaign, he said.

The public and the private sectors, financial institutions, and the Diaspora community in particular have been playing key role for the contribution.

According to the office, over 121 billion birr has so far been invested for the construction of the dam and expected to consume additional 40 billion Birr up to its completion.

Fundraising platforms in various forms have been continued to enhance the public participation for the construction of the GERD, Office disclosed.

The office is always working to further strengthen public contribution and participation in environmental protection activities across all tributaries of the Abay River and the construction site , said Aregawi Berhe (PHD), Director-General of the Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation to the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The director general indicated that enhancing public participation and strengthening media coverage has also paramount importance.According to him, efforts have been underway to mobilize the society starting Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

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from grassroots. The public, private and other stakeholders should play a key role in this end.

“We’ve to safeguard our national interest by standing in unison. The solution for our problems is in our hands because if we don’t solve the problems by ourselves, no one can solve it.” Now, all patriotic Ethiopians should make inclusive contribution than ever for the completion of the construction of GERD,” Aregawi said.

Public involvement is necessary for the efficient implementation of development projects in Ethiopia. Public involvement is not only required for development projects affecting the environment, but is also necessary for identifying the impact projects will have on communities.

He called on general public and stakeholders to engage actively in all activities as the dam would change the livelihoods of many Ethiopians bringing overall economic and social and economic advantages. Realizing the construction of GERD will address the growing demand for power without harming downstream countries, he noted How public involvement will be included in projects like GERD will depend on the project site. The ultimate goal is to make projects sustainable as public involvement in participatory process requires sufficient logistics, expertise, and appropriate data and information.

As Ethiopia is among the Least Developed Countries (LDC), striving hard to be a middle-income nation in the next few years, it will need to receive technical and financial international assistance in this area. Most importantly, it has to consolidate its plan to put in place the home-grown economic development initiative, thereby averting dependency syndrome the country has pursued for many years.

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Ethiopian Diaspora:

Attorney for GERD

By ABN staff writer The Government of Ethiopia recognizes that a partnership needs to be built with the diaspora to benefit both parties and has worked to grant significant rights and privileges to the diaspora since the establishment of the Ethiopian Expatriate Affairs (EEA) in 2002, and the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency later. The Ethiopian government has encouraged the diaspora to invest in the country both financially and through knowledge exchange to assist in developing the country and improving its fiscal situation With an ever increasing remittance flows over the last couple of decades, the diaspora’s role in the development efforts of the country has gained broader interest from both researchers and receiving countries. Besides financial remittances, flows of skills, knowledge, and social remittances have also gained more attention, particularly the relevance of diaspora associations as drivers of development processes. In this article, we explore the role of Ethiopian diaspora across the globe in supporting to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam(GERD) 32

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The diaspora has contributed close to 50 million dollars.

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IT'S OUR DAM

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Selamawit Dawit Director General, Ethiopian Diaspora Agency

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Over the past 10 years the Ethiopian diaspora has been supporting the construction of GERD both financially and diplomatically irrespective of the apparent political differences one may expect from the diaspora. However, the support has never seen such a massive growth until the first filling of the dam was materialized. The first filling of the GERD has not only accelerated the rate of support the Ethiopian diaspora has been making but also increased its motivation to the highest level.

As a result, the financial contribution of the diaspora to the construction of GERD has quadrupled from a little over 784,000 dollars in 2012 EC to over 3 million dollars in

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the past nine months alone.

This contribution was made either by buying bonds or giving large sums of money as a gift for the completion of the dam. In total, over the last ten years, the diaspora has contributed close to50 million dollars.

Considering the impact of the financial contribution the diaspora has been making over the years, the government is devising different approaches that can harness the diaspora’s potential to the fullest.

Whenthese mechanisms become operational, they are supposed to boost the financial support.

The diaspora intensified its

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has also fight for

Ethiopia’s equitable share of the Nile waters. In the quest for Ethiopia’s legitimate rights over the Nile waters, many in the diaspora have held rallies in support of Ethiopia’s stride towards providing light to its people in the dark. Major cities across the world be it in the US, Europe and Australia have witnessed avalanches of Ethiopian’s and friends of Ethiopia in their streets requesting Ethiopia’s fair share on the Nile, among others.

Members of the Ethiopian diaspora have not only filled streets of western capitals for the request of equitable share of the Nile waters, they have also been making different public relations campaigns and advocating Ethiopia’s cause to the whole world by using media outlets. Ethiopians’ residing in the Arab countries or those who are eloquent in Arabic language have become common faces in Arabic channels challenging the status quo

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of Egyptian monopoly of the narrative in that part of the world. Little by little wrong narrative that have been taken for granted are being deconstructed and a new reality which portrays the facts on the ground is being constructed by Ethiopians versatile in Arabic culture and the history of their beloved country.

Chief among Ethiopians prominent in Arabic channels include Mohammed Al Arusi andUstathJemal Bashir.

The same challenges towards deconstructing wrong narratives in the west that attest the Nile as Egypt’s sole property are being made by Ethiopian scholars working in western Universities and other members of the Ethiopian diaspora. These strides made by individual Ethiopians like DrAklogBirara, Prof. Almemariam (you can find his argumentative pieces on the Nile on his personal blog:http:// almariam.com/?s=Nile), etc… and many public diplomacy teams of Ethiopian origin are bearing fruits.

Now Egyptians’ cries are falling on deaf ears as the world is beginning to grasp the facts of the matter on the waters of the Nile thanks to the huge efforts exerted by the Ethiopian diaspora. Due to these efforts, the necessity of the Nile waters for lighting over 60% of Ethiopians’ is understood; the vast difference in terms of basic necessities that exists between Ethiopia and Egypt is uncovered; and last but not least a win-win approach which could happen by sitting around the table, not a zero-sum game of beating the drums of war, is accepted as a way forward by major powers of the world.

This was possible because Ethiopians in the diaspora have worked tirelessly to show the world how Ethiopia has been

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treated unfairly with regards to the Nile waters. The facts argued by the diaspora include: While Ethiopia contributesover 86% of the Nile waters, over 60% of its population lives in the dark,Egypt has achieved universal access of electricity to all of its citizens.

While Ethiopia asks for fair and equitable share of the Nile waters, the downstream countries try to enforce a colonial era agreement which leaves 0% of the Nile waters for Ethiopia.

As any reasonable mind cannot defy these solid facts, numerous attempts made by the downstream countries to deny Ethiopia its rightful requests towards using the Nile waters fairly and equitably were futile.

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Reaching New Height

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia /CBE/ A Landmark of Promise After the completion of the CBE New Headquarters Building, it will become the tallest building in East Africa and the third tallest building in Africa. The total building height will be 209.15 meters and 53 floors. The height of the structure is 201.75 meters and the height of the shape top is 209.15 meters.

By ABN staff writer 2021 marks the historic 80-year anniversary and the official inauguration of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. We are pleased to have you here to witness this monumental day as Ethiopia begins its next chapter toward our prosperous future. Today, we celebrate the collective drive, resilience and spirit of all Ethiopians as we all come together to Reach New Heights.

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia is one of the largest financial industry leaders in the continent.

Over the past 80 years the CBE has become the beaming example of what’s possible when relentless dedication, unity and perseverance are held to the highest of standards Building Facts 36

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Located on an 18,000-meter plot on Ras Desta Damtew Road at the heart of the nation’s capital, Addis Ababa, the magnificent Commercial Bank of Ethiopia stands as the tallest building in all of East Africa. It was designed to contain eight conference halls, a sightseeing tower, and two restaurants on the two uppermost floors. At the upper tier of structure is the office for Board of Directors of the Bank. It also has an emergency waiting room, an inclusive two 5-storey podiums and 20-meter-deep underground parking.

The new headquarters provide flexibility of programmed components for both everyday use and individual use with an attention to products, customers, geographical distribution, and the high function of all its resources.

This structural feature truly showcases the ingenuity, authenticity and pride of Ethiopia.

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Building Facts

Our Future Starts Today

● Final height: 209.15 meters ● Final number of floors of the Tower Building: 53 Floors, Commercial Building is 8 Floors and Conference Center 6 Floors ● Built-up area: 165,476.4m2 ● Weight of empty building: 500,000 tons ● Total concrete used: 200,000 cubic meters ● Total reinforced steel used: 30,000 tons ● Total glass used for façade: 80,000 m2 ● Total stainless steel used for cladding: 5,000 m2 ● Total man hours: 2139 days ● Employer: Commercial Bank of Ethiopia ● Contractor :China State Construction Engineering Corporation ● Employer Representative: Addis Ababa Institute of Technology The public have access to: ● The 47-48F sightseeing and Sky Cafe. ● The CBE bank lobby and the auditorium for 2000 people at the conference center. ● The commercial center shopping mall, movie theater, children’s entertainment, game areas and outdoor fountain plaza. ● The HQ remains the third tallest building in Africa while stands 1st in East Africa

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Since its establishment 80 years ago CBE has been dealing with a lot of social corporate responsibilities, supporting community and national development at grass root, town,and city, regional and national levels. The Bank has shown its commitment to making the country’s future as of today.

Most importantly, CBE’s contribution to various national projects that aim to boost the country’s infrastructural and energy development is of paramount important; hence, it has so far supplied a total of 352 billion birr, out of which 103.4 billion birr has been allocated to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) until today.

Ethiopia is the country of dreamers, doers and makers. Today, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia shows that our collective ambitions and ideas can register great achievements.

Together, we will continue our pursuit of promise to facilitate the growth and promise of Ethiopia’s future.

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ABAY The inauguration of the Headquarters Building is just the beginning. The Central Bank of Ethiopia knows that dreams are fuel to the future. Today we are introducing something entirely new into the world, the epicenter where dreams become realities. The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia stands as an inspiration for what we all know to be true, that when we stand together, we will always be able to Reach New Heights.

''IT'S OUR DAM''

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The Sprinter Ethio Telecom

By ABN staff writer

Telecommunications service was introduced in Ethiopia by Emperor Menelik II in 1894 when the construction of the telephone line from Addis Ababa to Harar was commenced. Then the inter urban network was continued to expand in all other directions from the capital. Many important centers in the country were interconnected by lines, thus facilitating long distance communication.

History has it that in late 2006, the ETC signed an agreement worth US$1.5 billion with Chinese company, ZTE Corporation to upgrade and expand Ethiopian telecommunications services.

Following increased demand for telecom services, the company once again signed turnkey projects with three international telecom equipment manufacturers to expand its network and related systems in 2013. The capital has enjoyed LTE services back in 2015 with limited presence in hotspot areas and massive LTE and LTE rollout was realized in 2020. The company is announcing the launching of LTE and LTE Advanced Services in regions outside of the capital, Addis Ababa, almost on weekly basis.

Ethio telecom has been striving hard to play its role as enabler and to boost multiplier effects of its services for the socio economic development of the country.

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“

the completion of GERD will play a great role in lifting us out of poverty by improving the lives of our society.

”

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IT'S OUR DAM

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Frehiwot Tamru Chief Executive Officer /CEO/ Ethio Telecom

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ETHIOPIA ABN. How do you describe the development of telecommunication in Ethiopia over the past two decades (i.e. after mobile phone service is introduced locally)?

Frehiwot. Mobile network service was introduced in Ethiopia in 1998.

The overall capacity could only handle 36,000 customers because it was thought that not many users would subscribe initially. However, the demand was unexpectedly great that we had to do incremental capacity upgrades and feature introductions.

In 2006 G.C, a $1.5 billion contract was signed with ZTE Corporation to build New Generation Network Expansion Projects which comprised 9 mega projects one of which was for boosting mobile capacity which resulted in a capacity upgrade from handling 8.5M to handling more than 23.5M customers.

The other was also projects to expand fixed network and fiber optic cable installation of about 4000 KM in different directions across the nation.

Furthermore, the project included NGN call center, public phones, various IT systems like CRM,

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CBS for handling customers and charging and security solutions.

Following network and related system expansion, Ethiopian Government decided to reestablish and rename the then Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation to Ethio telecom. In Parallel, the government decided to award a two-and-half-year management contract to France Telecom in 2010 to manage Ethio telecom.

New eToM based structure and business processes developed, indirect channels introduced to increase foot print and outreach of our services boosting customer and revenue growth.

The demand for telecom service kept growing and to accommodate the growing demand and introduce latest technologies, another big turnkey project, Telecom Expansion Program launched in 2013. To realize this massive network and system expansion projects, Vendor financing modality applied and three big telecom equipment manufacturers won the bid. ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

Accordingly, 1.6 Billion USD agreement was signed with ZTE, HUWAEI & Ericsson. Even if the agreed amount was for 1.6 Billion, only around one billion USD amount was spent on the projects. As a result, the mobile and other systems’ capacity have been upgraded to accommodate more than 68 M customers.

Overall network coverage has been boosted to cover 95% of population and more than 85% of geography. Currently, total mobile subscribers have reached 54.7 M, of which mobile subscribers are 52.8 Million and data & Internet users reached 25 million.

In addition, the telecom development has created many job and income opportunities to many citizens, with recent figures showing more than 368 thousand citizens have job and income opportunities related with telecom business operations.

Furthermore, Ethio telecom has contributed to the economic and social development of the country through increased tax and dividend payments.

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ABN. As a country of nearly 110 million people, do you think the telecom sector satisfies the need of citizens?

Frehiwot. Telecom by nature is dynamic and it requires continuous incremental improvement as there will be continual changes in technology, and increased & diversified customer tastes & demands.

As technology evolves rapidly, new investments matching the evolution should be done therefore continuous investment is needed to satisfy the growing demand of customers in line with socio economic changes in the given market.

Though we do not believe we have a huge gap, it cannot be said that Ethio telecom has fully satisfied all these demands.It requires continuous improvement and incremental investment in infrastructure, human development and contribute to the

ecosystem development.Telecom’s growth cannot stand alone, the rest of the ecosystem has to grow together with it to consume telecom service and also enhance telecom services as well. We are currently giving services beyond the basics enabling the society to make use of telecom services in different sectors like education, health, agriculture however the ecosystem still needs to grow and other stakeholders should also actively play their role.

In terms of penetration, we have reached 53.5%. Not everyone can be a telecom user because there are limiting factors such as age, income and literacy. From the 110M population, the addressable market is only 60 to 70M.Not every one of the 110 M can be a user of telecom service. You may take the youth segmentin between the age of 1 to15 for example, which is large in number but cannot be a telecom user. In developed countries and other markets, the number of Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

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mobile users reported may exceed their total number of population due to the availability of multiple operators and a customer may have multiple simcards with more than one operator due to price and other advantages.

It should be noted that Ethio telecom has the capacity to provide the required telecom services to our country. Even if the demand grows beyond our current capacity, we are ready and able to easily upgrade the capacity and serve the growing demand within a short period of time. This is because our Infrastructure is scalable and upgradable to pursuant to technology evolution like 3G to 4G, and the 4G to 5G. We have a better capacity and readiness to easily perform telecom expansion and handle additional customers than any newly incoming telecom service provider would have.

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ABN. It is well known that Ethiotelecom has been dealing with social corporate responsibility for years (at society level, not at a national level); tell us the major ones, please.

Frehiwot. The majority of the works done by Ethio telecom have the element of corporate social responsibility. For instance, not with standing the programs under the theme of “Universal Access”; when looking at our investment approach, one can see our strive to cover not only cities (economic zones) but also the entire Nation, even when it means investing in areas where there will be no return on investment. No for profit company would do this, but Ethio telecom is engaged in such kinds of investments in order to ensure the provision of telecom service for the entire society. This isalso a big corporate social responsibility and should not be over looked.

In addition, there are the “Universal Access” programs such as rural connectivity, school net, Woreda net for networking the woredas, Agrinet for Agriculture centers.We have also done lots of investments related to agriculture and school by giving discountsand services free of charge.

Furthermore, we engaged in community services by extending humanitarian services in cases when natural or man-made crises occur. To mention a few: • More than 451M free bulk short messages with value of Birr 5.29M were disseminated to deliver vital information to the community, 44

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• Short code numbers were offered to 16 humanitarian organizations and mega projects to enable them raise fund from the community,a contribution amounting Birr 62.89M in nine months • Huge resources have been committed in the prevention of Covid-19, from donating 100 Million Birr for the cause to providing free access to Ministry of Health and Ethiopian Public Health Institute web pages providing COVID-19 related information and facilitating fund raising from within and abroad.

• An additional 16 million birr financial donation was provided to fund the Ministry of Innovation and Technology sponsored research on COVID-19 vaccines.

• Birr 3.6M financial support were provided to charity organizations by our employees to show solidarity to our people in FEED ONE EACH ONE challenge.

The other is that we have supported different government initiatives and participated in the National projects that are being done to change the image of the country and improve the living of the society such as: • A 500 M birr contribution in cash to ‘Dine for Ethiopia’ project; • Planted more than 717 thousand seedlings at 167 sites • And whenever big governmental investments are taking place, we take the lead in going to the ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

investment areas and seeing through the infrastructure installation and coordination with others.

In the education sector, we have provided material supports to schools outside of Addis,donated 50 laptops and 200 smartphones to best performing female secondary school teachers, and empowered women by creating job opportunities, provided trainings and producing them as entrepreneurs.

Generally speaking, we can say we have done well-planned and impactful social works and have received an encouraging award of “Ye Bego Sew” in recognition to these CSR activities.

ABN.What about its employees’ contribution to the nation’s Mega Project-Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam/GERD/?

Frehiwot. Our employees have participated in the purchase of bonds. They have contributed their net monthly salary to purchase bonds in three rounds which amounted to 105.5M Birr.

There are also cases where the company bought bonds and gave them as a gift of recognition to its employees, which amounted to 5.85M Birr.

5.Tell us the overall result of the income-generating scheme for the GERD via 8100? (Rounds and money collected).

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Three rounds of fund raising through 8100 short code conducted starting from August 2014. The first round was from August, 2014 to March, 2015 where 851K contributors participated and 80.3 M birr was collected. The second round was from October 2015 to April 2016 where 525K contributors participated and 49.3M birr was raised. The third round was from March 2020 upto April 2021 where 1.3M contributors participated and 122.47M birr was raised. A total of 252M ETB was raised throughout the three rounds and the total amount was handed over to Ethiopian Electric Power on 24 April 2021.

ABN. What special contribution has your company made to the Dam so far (if any)?

Frehiwot. The first one is the organizing of the short code itself.

Under the normal scheme, short

codes come with revenue sharing but when it comes to 8100, we have forgone the revenue sharing, and communicated massive bulk SMS to create awareness and raise required funds from the public.

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via international mobile remittance services using our telebirr and other possible means.

We will also be actively participating in any upcoming National telethons or any other activity the government The second one is that we have will devise toward the completion of enabled stable telecom services and the dam in the future. provided alternative communication services and devices at the ABN.As a company CEO, and an Ethiopian citizen, what do you construction site. expect after the completion of ABN. What about other activities GERD? the company will undertake until Frehiwot. Different projects have the Dam is completed? different levels of impact; some will Frehiwot. We will continue by address the needs of the few whereas strengthening the above mentioned others extend to the majority. I believe efforts. In the fund mobilization, that GERD as a project on energy, is we will make use of our telebirr one of the most impactful projects platform to present other recurrent that would solve the problems of the contribution options in addition mass. to that of the one birr per day contribution. We are also working When we look at the majority of our to enable the Diasporas to remotely citizens, their basic needs are not buy bonds and donate for GERD met. Especially, those living in rural Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

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areas live in black out and use traditional methods to run their daily activities such as lighting, cooking etc. So many mothers give birth in a traditional means, young girls have to fetch woods for fire which in turn is endangering their health in an environment where access to health services are limited.23% of our society is living below the poverty line and all these are happening not because we lack resources rather because of unutilized resources like Nile.

Therefore, as a citizen, I expect that the completion of GERD will play a great role in lifting us out of poverty by improving the lives of our society.

In addition, energy or power is one of the basic factors in order to build up industries.

So,I expect that there will be many industrial establishments after GERD is completed which will help in creating job 46

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opportunities thereby reducing unemployment rate.

To address the same question as a telecom CEO, power is one of the critical inputs in providing telecom services. Currently, not all our Mobile Towers are served by commercial power.

As a result, we are forced to use other alternative sources of power such as generator.

Consequently, the quality of our telecom services are being affected and our potential for coverage is being limited. As a telecom CEO, I expect to see an improvement in the power supply thereby ensuring the quality of our telecom services and becoming an enabler for us to exploit our potential.

ABN. How do you describe the telecom service in and around the GERD construction site?

Frehiwot. Considering the significance & critical nature ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

of the project as well as the large number of people participating in the construction of the dam; we have deployed both wireless and fixed network infrastructure. Currently, five (5) mobile sites serve the dam as well as the surrounding areas. To address the mobile data needs of the community who are spending day and night to complete the dam, two (2) sites currently serving the dam are upgraded to provide 4G-LTE highspeed internet service.

One fixed network element has also been deployed in order to diversify the service options and provide fixed voice and data service. To secure telecom service in the dam and surrounding areas, redundant backbone network is also put in place.

In addition, Ethio-telecom has availed contingency VSAT service with 4 channels and 5Mbps speed to avoid the scenario of total service blackout in the region. With construction works speeding up more than before, we are also working to address any coverage or service quality gap.

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Ethiopian Insurance Corporation (EIC)

Reinsuring GERD project

By Daniel Tiruneh Well-known that Ethiopian insurance in its modern form began in 1905 when the then Bank of Abyssinia which was owned by the Bank of Egypt began to transact as an agent of foreign insurance company which would underwrite fire and marine insurance policies in Ethiopia.

Established on January 1st 1976, the Ethiopian Insurance Corporation (EIC) renders now over 30 types of non-life insurance policies, which are used to cover property and liability risks because. It also revises its policies regularly and produces new policies based on the country’s current economic development and the demand of customers.

ABN meets the Ethiopian Insurance Corporation CEO, Netsanet Lemessa and discusses issues on corporation’s performance and its contribution to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Netsanet has been serving the corporation at different positions for about 22 years.

Netsanet served the Corporation as Nekempt Branch Manager for two years, and left for Germany to attend a six-month scholarship in General and Life insurance in German. Coming back home, he had worked at EIC Diredawa branch for four years before he became EIC CEO in 2016.

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“

As an Ethiopian citizen I am eager to see the completion of the Dam. I strongly feel that we will complete the project within the specified period despite external pressure. So we need to strengthen our unity more than ever to build the nation, leaving our political differences aside.

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Netsanet Lemessa CEO, Ethiopian Insurance Corporation Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

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The Ethiopian Insurance Corporation (EIC) is one of the country’s financial institutions, playing significant role in the socio-economic development being undertaken across the country. It is providing different insurance policies, including endowments, whole life and medical insurance and pre-funeral expense insurance, among others.

Envisaging being a world-class insurer by the year 2025, the Ethiopian Insurance Corporation provides more than 30 types of non-life insurance policies, which are used to cover property and liability risks.

The Corporation revises its policies on regular basis, and produces new policies in line with the nation’s existing economic situation.

According to Netsnet Lemessa, EIC CEO, the Corporation has been working on preparation of new insurance policies such as floriculture, condominium, tea and coffee, weather-index crop insurance, and warehouse operators’ liability insurance, adding that the major property and liability insurance services given by the Corporation are all risks.

The Ethiopian Insurance Corporation had been the only state-owned insurance company before 1993, but with the introduction of new national financial strategies and policies, private insurers began to appear in the market. This, according to Netsanet, paves ways to boost the performance of the company for competitive environment in the sector has been created.

“As an Ethiopian citizen I am eager to see the completion of the Dam. I strongly feel that we will complete the project within the specified period

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despite external pressure. So we need to strengthen our unity more than ever to build the nation, leaving our political differences aside.”

Currently the Corporation is making considerable amount of financial gain, stretching its wing to nearly 100 branches across the country. It is also becoming a multi-billion compensation payer and trillion insurance coverage provider company.

The CEO underlined the need to enter the international market through enhancing its technological application and expansion as well as development of human resource. He recalled that the Corporation used to receive foreign insurance, as co-insurer, but that didn’t work. As a result, the Company was compelled to cease the operation, which it will reconsider resuming in the future.

It is becoming increasingly challenging for insurance companies to survive in their current form. Netsnet pointed out that although the Corporation is doing its best, there are challenges to enjoy fair play in the sector.

Unethical competition, the increasing demand gap between the multigeneration customer bases, the fastchanging digital space, systems and technologies, and lack of governance remain the biggest obstacles to move fast-forward in the market.

Netsanet noted that the only financial sector that doesn’t show any inflation in Ethiopia is the insurance industry, adding that due to small coverage and limited financial resource, insurance premium is usually slowing down instead of rising.

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With regard to EIC’s participation in the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Netsanet noted that the Corporation provides all-risk insurance coverage such as earthquake, flooding, volcano and related disasters for workers at the construction site.

The CEO further stated that EIC has facilitated and rendered a 56-billion birr insurance coverage for the civil works of the Dam being undertaken by the Italian-based construction company, Sallini. Moreover, he said that after the revision of the electromechanical work of the project, the Corporation has managed to render insurance service for Chinese companies that are undertaking the specific task.

As an Ethiopian organization, EIC has so far bought a 150-million birr bond for the construction of the Renaissance Dam while employees of the Corporation bought bonds in three rounds and the management in four rounds.

“As an Ethiopian citizen

I am eager to see the completion of the Dam. I strongly feel that we will complete the project within the specified period despite external pressure. So we need to strengthen our unity more than ever to build the nation, leaving our political differences

aside.”

Netsnet explained.

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ESLSE: Modernizing Logistics

By Aklile Tsige Contemporary maritime transportation is bound by geographical constraints, political regulation, and commercial interests. Modern advances and innovations in shipping technology have grown the shipping industry since the twentieth century. Many of these advances include the size of vessels, the size of fleets, specialty purposes for ships within the fleet, naval architecture and design, and automated ship systems.

In terms of commercial interests, the maritime industry has a high level of contestability for shipping lines. This means that the ease of entering and leaving the industry is high. The cause of this is due to the purchase of secondhand ships, the return on which can often be covered fairly quickly for commercial ships. Newer, expensive ships require a larger return on the investment but pay off quickly.

History has it that Ethiopia regained a coastline on the Red Sea when Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia in 1952. However, it was not until 1965 that the Ethiopian Shipping Lines was established as a joint venture with the American company Towers Perrin.In 1966 the company commenced its operation with three ships called Queen of Sheba, Lion of Judah and Lalibela.

The Ethiopian Shipping Lines s.c/ESL/ which has gone through various restructures and reforms over the past few decades, is operating today as Ethiopian shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise (ESLSE) with nearly eleven cargo ships and oil tankers cruising in all corners of the World, Abyssinia Business Network Editor-in-Chief AklileTsige speaks to RobaMegersa, ESLSE CEO on overall performance of the Enterprise. Roba Megersa, born and grew up in the capital, Addis Ababa has got intensive educational and training experiences in the field of Maritime.Roba received his first degree in Lawfrom Addis Ababa University in 2000.

He has then earned Master’s Degree in International Maritime Law and International Trade Law, and various Post Graduate Diplomas. Furthermore, Roba has taken different logistic-related trainings on Maritime Law Enforcement, Maritime Legal Draft, Transport Planning, Strategic Planning, and Safety. Over the last 15 years he has been working in the maritime sector; he was also the founding member of the Ethiopian Maritime Authority. His significant contribution to ratification of various maritime conventions and charters is worth mentioning.

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Roba Megersa CEO, ESLSE Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

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Humble Beginning The then Ethiopian Shipping Lines was established in 1964. It was established by the Ethiopian government jointly with American company named Towers Investment from the District of Colombia, U.S. and with the Dutch management team in 1965. In the beginning three ships were built in Holland.

The Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise (ESLSE), known commercially as the Ethiopian Shipping Lines is the national cargo shipping company of Ethiopia. Established in 1964, it is noteworthy as it has continued to operate despite Ethiopia having become a landlocked country in 1993.

Operations commenced in 1966 with three ships called Queen of Sheba, Lion of Judah and Lalibela. The line quickly faced serious challenges when the Suez Canal was closed in 1967. When Suez Canal was closed, the vessels had to go all around the Cape. The size of the vessels was not appropriate for such long voyages, and the line ran into a loss. Since then, the ESL has focused mainly on the designated line of import and export, so as to promote foreign trade. It has generally been profitable.

Among the major companies that has helped coming in to being of the new merger is the former Ethiopian Shipping Lines Share Company (ESL), established March 1, 1956 E.C with a capital of 50,000 (fifty thousand) Ethiopian birr. This establishment laid the corner stone for the development of modern sea 54

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transport in Ethiopia. When the shipping line was established, the American Towrus Investment had 51% and the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia 51% and Ministry of Finance 49% capital share.

Later, ESL’s capital was made to upgrade to 375,000 (three hundred seventy thousand Birr).

It was at this time, the enterprise had three ships built namely, Queen of Sheba, Lion of Judea, and Lalibella. Accordingly, one can infer that the enterprise has commercialized its service operation in 1956 E.C with these three ships built.

The enterprise as initiated in such a historical upheaval and advancing as a pioneer African shipping company could not sustain its initial development.

Due to a war broken out between Israel and Egypt from 1959 – 1967 and the closing of Suez Canal has forced the enterprise vessels to voyage down through South Africa via West Africa to North. Because these routes were very much long and the vessels turn over voyages were very slow and the burden of cost of vessel fuel was very high it made the enterprise bankrupt.

The enterprise striving in such a way to sustain its existence faced a major challenge in the course of development due to a new upheaval observed in 1967 revolution and change of government and the new political economical ideology implemented in Ethiopia. ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

The enterprise faith at this time was to be confiscated as a state public enterprise as it was to other manufacturing and public enterprises.

The enterprise was given a name Ethiopian Shipping Line Corporation and it became a fully state owned company with a capital of 22 million Birr. After few years, the company’s capital reached 32 million Birr and it relatively made relieved itself from loss and it had begun to be profitable.

In order to strengthen its business capacity, it has brought second hand made ships namely Ras Dejen and Karamara, in 1967 E.C and 1970 E.C respectively and deployed them in operation.

In subsequent years it has owned a tanker ship named Nebelbal in 1971 E.C and expanded its service rendering horizon.

Side by side the enterprise has discarded these worn out ships that terminated their service years and substituted them with other more capable vessels in subsequent years. Additionally it has brought Key Kokeb and Wolwal ships in 1974 E.C and Meskerem and AbayWonz in 1976 E.C and Abyot, Andinet and Netsanet in 1977 E.C and could generate outstanding Profit within a short period of time and it has boosted its cargo handling capacity in folds.

Besides building its capacity, during the nineteen sixties, it has expanded its trade routes from the Red Sea to North and West Europe to Britannia and its vicinity, for

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example, North Eastern Europe, Mediterranean and Adriatic seas as well as Middle East and its neighboring countries.

The enterprise has progressed in its capacity building and bought the vessels OmoWenz in 1978 E.C, Ziway and Chamo in 1980 E.C, Awash in 1981 E.C and have aggrandized its profitability, providing wider services for international and national import and export cargos. It has bought Admas in 1987 E.C, Tekeze in 1991 E.C, Shebelle in 1998 E.C and Gibe in 1999 and has provided effective sea transport services.

Thus the capital of the enterprise has been increasing from time to time.

Birth of ESLSE To maintain the commendable economic growth that has been registered in the country over the last several years, one of the strategic measures taken by the Federal Government of Ethiopia is merging the former three public enterprises that have until recently been operating separately in a rather similar and interdependent maritime sub-sector; namely, Ethiopian Shipping Lines S.C, Maritime and Transit Services Enterprise and Dry Port Enterprise.

According to RobaMegersa, ESLSE CEO, Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Service Enterprise / ESLSE/ is a multimodal transport operator with a business model called Comprehensive Transit Transport in Ethiopia. He added that the multimodal system is an optimization process of the

location, movement and storage of resources from the point of origin, through various economic activities, to the final consumer.

“Despite being a landlocked country, we maintain Ethiopia’s role in international trading as a shipping country. Our fleets of vessels enable us to lift or load Ethiopia’s cargo from 340 different ports worldwide.”

The CEO stated that the practices and developments trying to maximize or optimize the benefits of multimodal transport system vary in different parts of the world. In Ethiopia Multimodal Transport is considered as solution’s for coastal access to Djibouti port, import and export, technology transfer, infrastructure development, employment opportunity, development of other sector, human capital, and others but much is not done physically on the ground.

“There are three important features in the multimodal system: The first is that it reduces time taken to deliver the cargo, it reduces duplication of procedures in customs, and with it comes significant reduction of time and cost.” The CEO indicated.

The company has been making an immense contribution to the development of the nation’s economy. “The company is currently singlehandedly performing multimodal transport system which is an essential instrument in the international trading. It’s a national flag carrier, expanding dry ports, and it has

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become knowledge hub.” noted Roba, adding that most of the policies and strategies that have to do with logistics legislation emanated from its professionals.

ESLSE is serving the national economy by its own fleets of vessels, and its presence in several countries is a witness to that role. It’s trading internationally; perhaps it’s the only national flag carrier in Africa. “Despite being a landlocked country, we maintain Ethiopia’s role in international trading as a shipping country.

Our fleets of vessels enable us to lift or load Ethiopia’s cargo from 340 different ports worldwide.”

Roba Megerssa said.

As far as getting access to neighboring sea ports, the CEO stated that there are some 33 countries without sea coasts worldwide, out of which 16 are in the African continent, but he pointed out that there are no single country in the world as big as Ethiopia with a population of 110 million people without sea coast. One can say this is a huge geographical disadvantage, challenging the country’s economic development.

This disadvantage can be compensated, according to Roba, by implementing robust strategy that help the country make use of neighboring countries ports. He said, “We are in good shape in using Djibouti as a neighboring port; it has been home port of our vessels. More than 95% of Ethiopian cargo is handled through Djibouti,

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and the service is improving.” One can say Port of Djibouti is the only modern port in the Horn of Africa in handling of cargo with advanced port facility and infrastructures, he added.

Ethiopia, in deed, has dealt with other bilateral initiatives that allow the nation to have access to neighboring coasts such as Port of Berbera of Somalia, two ports in Kenya, which are believed to be very significant in terms of geographical proximity to Eastern and Southern parts of the country. Port Sudan is the other sea port which is quite relevant to North-Western Ethiopia in handling aid cargo.

“I don’t have to miss the importance of the Eritrean ports: Massawa and Assab to come to picture in the future. Hopefully, we anticipate with much opportunity to come from the implementation of the Ethio-Eritrea corridor to handle Ethiopia’s import-export cargo.”

Roba noted.

“In the coming years we have strategy to renovate our vessels.

We’ll replace the old vessels with the new ones. At the end of our 1056

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Year Development Plan, we will be perhaps the biggest carrier in Africa with a total tonnage of 20 million every year.”

Ethiopia, for the first time in the nation’s history, has launched a National Logistics Policy and Strategy which is endorsed by the highest level of the GovernmentCouncil of Ministers. And the initiative was taken by the Ministry of Transport while the champion of the document was the Ethiopian Maritime Authority. This document vividly enunciates which ports are relevant for the development of the country in the years ahead, considering the political and economic situation of the country and the neighboring countries.

After the nations import and export cargoes were being served at Djibouti port, equipping itself with port machinery, effective service provision system and well-skilled human power it has handled all the tasks that are related with shipping and logistics services at major ports.

ESLSE is currently operating with 11 ships, out of which 2 are mediumsize tanker vessels each with the capacity of 41,000 metric tons, and ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

the other 9 are multi-purpose vessels each with the capacity of 25,000-28,000 metric tons.

Furthermore, the company makes Slot-Charter arrangement where it buys a plot of space within a ship to transport its cargos by issuing its own document.

In doing so, every year the company charters in some 50 foreign vessels with a capacity of 50,000 plus metric tons for the transport of its cargo, especially bulk cargo such as sugar, coal, wheat, fertilizer and other general cargos, and today its total capacity has significantly raised to 6 million metric tons of Ethiopia’s import cargo on a yearly basis.

With regards to increasing the number of vessels, the company plans to procure two big vessels with a capacity of 65,000 tons for dry-bulk cargo transport. This is so because the company wants to maintain Ethiopia’s position as national flag carrier. “In the coming years we have strategy to renovate our vessels. We’ll replace the old vessels with the new ones. At the end of our 10Year Development Plan, we will be perhaps the biggest carrier in

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Africa with a total tonnage of 20 million every year.” said Roba.

Enhancing the number and capacity of maritime professionals Ethiopia has got two training institutes: The Babogaya Maritime and Logistics Training Institute, located at Bishoftu in Oromia Regional State, and The Bahir Dar Maritime Academy which is being operated by a foreign company in collaboration with Bahir Dar University.

“As a proud citizen I myself and the management staff members have bought bond, and as a company we are in charge of taking care of all imported shipments transported to the GERD construction site; we are doing it in accordance with expected schedules.”

The evolving Babogaya Maritime and Logistics Training Institute provides COC trainings, fresher courses and basic safety trainings while the Bahir Dar Maritime Academy produces maritime officers mainly assigned to work in foreign vessels. “The two institutes have made Ethiopia to be a country of more than 6,000 sea men who are serving onboard Ethiopian vessels and foreign vessels.” Roba Megersa stated.

Roba said his company registered a remarkable performance despite

the adverse impacts of COVID-19 that hit the global marine transport industry. China where Ethiopia’s majority import originates was closed when the COVID-19 broke out last December.

When it comes to the contribution of the ESLSE to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam /GERD/, it’s very important to mention that almost all imported items required for the construction of the Dam have been meticulously handled by the company.

“As a proud citizen I myself and the management staff members have bought bond, and as a company we are in charge of taking care of all imported shipments transported to the GERD construction site; we are doing it in accordance with expected schedules.” stressed Roba, adding that the company is currently handling very complicated, delicate and sensitive cargos of the project by assigning special cargo trucks and escorting them by convoy to final destination.

ESLSE has been providing services to the project without deposit like services such as release of containers. And it was also collecting and transporting project’s cargos neglected and abandoned by the former METEC at Djibouti. According to Roba, the company will keep on enhancing the supports it has been doing so far until the completion of the Dam.

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Responding to what the Dam means to him, ESLSE CEO, RobaMegersa described that he wishes the Dam to be the logo or the land mark of the whole nation. He further added that there is no other national project which is very inculcated into the minds, souls and minds of Ethiopian citizens in all times, and it’s no less than the Victory of Adwa and other national sentimental icons.

ESLSE has a 20-storey skyscraper headquarters building located at Laghar area in the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with main branches at Djibouti, Modjo, and Kality (the former Comet) and other branches in Mekelle, DireDawa, Kombolcha, Semera,Gelanand Woretatowns besides the Maritime and Logistics Training Institute at a place called Babogaya in Bishoftu Town.

Holding a vision to become preferred and renowned African logistics company by 2025 by providing competitive shipping and logistics services, ESLSE works to achieve its mission through building and upgrading organizational capacity, rendering world class and competitive shipping and logistics services; thereby contributing towards the rapid economic growth of the country.

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No Significant Threat @ GERD

By Daniel Tiruneh Security forces are the most visible face of government power for most citizens; they are expected to deal effectively with crime and disorder and to be impartial. Law enforcement institutions are entrusted with a diverse set of tasks requiring a high degree of integrity within police agencies and their oversight.

While Ethiopia is undertaking various development activities internal and external interventions seem to hinder the nation’s dream to ensure socioeconomic development.

The security forces in the country are bestowed upon great responsibility to safeguard the flagship project-the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

ABN approached Deputy Commissioner Melaku Fanta, Crime Prevention Department Head with the Federal Police Commission, to learn what the Commission has been doing in ensuring the safety and security in and around GERD construction site.

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“

So far there has never been significant challenge in maintaining peace and order at the construction site over the past ten years,

”

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Melaku Fanta Federal Police Deputy Commissioner General Head of Criminal Prevention Department

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An important actor in the security sector is the police, whose functions, as a minimum include: Prevention and detection of crime, maintenance of public order, and provision of assistance to the public. In order to carry out these functions, the police have certain powers, namely the power to arrest and detain and the power to use force. It is precisely this monopoly on the use of force and the power to arrest and detain that place the police in a unique and sensitive position within the democratic State.

When it comes to the prevention, protection and ensuring the safety and security of the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Ethiopian Security forces: The Ethiopian National Defense Force(ENDF),The Ethiopian Federal Police, National Intelligence Network Security Agency (INSA) and Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), have been playing pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in and around the construction site.

Established in 1995, the Ethiopian Federal Police force aims to maintain law and order at the federal level (including riot control) and to investigate organized crime. Added to this, the institution has been dealing with a uniquely Ethiopian mission: maintaining peace and stability as well as preventing and investigating crimes related to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

“So far there has never been significant challenge in maintaining peace and order at the construction site over the past ten years,” 60

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Melaku Fanta, Federal Police Deputy Commissioner and Crime Prevention Department Head disclosed that the Police Commission in collaboration with the National Defense Force has begun its special operation on the Renaissance Dam since selection and clearing of the construction site, adding that the Federal Police has been escorting trucks transporting heavy duty machineries to the construction site, preventing them from any disruptions and hurdles.

“If I am not mistaken, the Federal Police Commission is the first and the only Government institution purchasing bonds for seven consecutive years.” Melaku revealed.

He further noted that the Commission awarded bonds to those policemen and women who have successfully accomplished different missions they have been assigned to.

According to Deputy Commissioner Melaku Fanta, the Federal Police Commission has been organized into four interrelated units: Crime Prevention, Crime Investigation, Administration Development and Police University, out of which the first two departments have been closely working on the overall security and crime issues.

Melaku said the “GERD Cup” fundraising initiative has been successfully undertaken, passing it to the Crime Investigation Department from the Crime Prevention Department, adding that during the Cup’s rally it was possible to collect a total of 12.2 million birr for the construction of the Dam.

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The contribution of the Federal Police Commission to the Renaissance Dam has gone to the extent of life sacrifice beside creating community engagement, property protection and safeguarding the wellbeing of the huge community working at the project site.

“So far there has never been significant challenge in maintaining peace and order at the construction siteover the past ten years,” said Deputy Commissioner Melaku. He further noted that the Federal Police

Commission in collaboration with the Ethiopian National Defense Force is always ready to reverse any threat against the flagship project.

the Dam, including the intervention of Egypt and Sudan through thirdparty anti-peace elements and traitors in the Benshangul Gumuz Regional State where GERD is being finalized.

Deputy Commissioner Melaku stated that the Commission along with the National Defense Force is committed to reversing any unhealthy condition posed against the construction of

“As a higher officer in the Federal Police, it is my honor and privilege to lead this great mission of safeguarding and protecting our flagship project-the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.” Melaku noted.

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All Eyes on

GERD

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“The Federal Police Commission has been working day and night, seven days a week, 24 hours a day despite the harsh and awful weather condition; all eyes are on the Dam.”

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Zelalem Mengiste Federal Police Deputy Commissioner General Head of Criminal Investigation Department

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ETHIOPIA

By Daniel Tiruneh Criminal investigation is an applied science which includes the study of evidences, used to recognize, detect and verify the guilty of an illicit. A whole criminal examination can consist of searching the interrogations, evidence gathering and protection and numerous approaches of examination.

As Ethiopia is undertaking various development projects in all corners of the country, the prevalence of peace and order across the nation is of paramount importance. The Federal Police Commission, in this regard, has been playing significant role in maintaining peace and security as well as mitigating any crime and theft in and around the construction site of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam(GERD).

ABN spoke to Deputy Commissioner General Zelalem Mengiste, Federal Police Crime Investigation Bureau Head, on how the Bureau is working towards detecting and investigating any misconducts and crimes in the site.

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Individuals are experienced in the area of crime scene investigation and evidence collection in the criminal justice system from the standpoints of law enforcement. Many argue that actions taken at the outset of an investigation at a crime scene can play a pivotal role in the resolution of a case. Careful, thorough investigation is key to ensure that potential physical evidence is not tainted or destroyed or potential witnesses overlooked.

Crime Investigation Bureau Head, Deputy Commissioner General with the Federal Police Commission, Zelalem Mengiste revealed that there has never been criminal case that the Bureau has dealt with since the commencement of the project. Nevertheless, he indicated that the Commission has undertaken investigation of some threats such as economic conspiracies, labor strike, mismanagement, corruption and attempts of destabilizing the site by insurgents.

Deputy Commissioner General Zelalem said, “We, in association with the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy, are dealing with supervision and follow-up activities that are believed to have detrimental impact on the construction of the Dam.”

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He also underscored that there are two things that could affect the construction process: The first being external forces backed by Sudan and Egypt, and the other one could be within the project implementation system such as embezzlement, sabotages and corruption.

“The Federal Police Commission has been working day and night, seven days a week, 24 hours a day despite the harsh and awful weather condition; all eyes are on the Dam.” With regard to fundraising initiative, the Deputy Commission General noted that his Bureau has received “GERD Cup” from the Crime Investigation Bureau in order to facilitate and help raise sufficient amount of money from members of the Police for the construction of the Dam. He said, “The Federal Police Commission has been working day and night, seven days a week, 24 hours a day despite the harsh and awful weather condition; all eyes are on the Dam.” Zelalem described the Dam as follows: “The Dam is mine. As

an Ethiopian I together with my family have bought bonds; I firmly believe that such mega projects are keys to pull our nation out of abject poverty.”

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“The Crime Investigation Bureau with the Federal Police Commission is expressing its readiness, more than ever, to strictly detect and investigate any mismanagement, fraud or theft in the implementation of the mega project, the whole nation is dreaming of its completion,” said the Deputy Commissioner General.

The main phase of the second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Damis expected in July and August 2021 after seasonal rains fall in Ethiopia, by holding back water to fill its reservoir. The 6,450 MW hydropower project is being built on the Blue Nile, the Nile River’s main tributary, just 30km from Sudan's border.

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IT'S OUR DAM

The Deputy Commissioner General expressed belief that GERD is life for the police; it is their quest for national development and sovereignty, noting that the Federal Police Commission is committed to putting eyes on the Dam round-the-clock.

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GIFT REAL ESTATE:

NATION’S PRIDE

“I am really in short of words to express the feeling I had when I first heard the first impoundment of the Dam’s reservoir was successfully completed last year. It was a re-birth for me. I hope the second filling would also be fruitful.”

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Gebreyesus Igata Founder and Managing Director

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By Aklile Tsige The Ethiopian Real Estate market currently is more important than ever, especially after the new reform has been introduced since 2018. The socio-political change across the nation has already driven the real estate business due to the growing demand for homes from the local population and then Diasporas.

Recent data indicates that among the real estate companies operating in Ethiopia Gift Real Estate Plc. appears to be one of the top ten real estate developers.

The Company was founded and owned

by Gebreyesus Igata, who has got over 40 years of business experience; he is an industrialist who earned MBA in International Leadership, and has taken various trainings on business development.

Gift Real Estate is now concentrating its efforts and resources towards the development of prestigious real estate complexes to address the growing demand for both residential and commercial properties. It is fully committed to fulfilling its customer’s dreams by providing them with luxurious yet affordable houses.

“I strongly feel that I need to help our people and country more than what I have done so far, andcreate more jobs to alleviate unemployment.”

The Company has begun its real estate development after securing 16 hectares of land at CMC and Hayat areas in Addis Ababa. Targeting middle income citizens, Gift Real Estate Plc. has built varieties of houses located behind Tsehay Real Estate at a cost of 500 million birr, and delivered the houses to buyers with colorful ceremony attended by high level government officials.

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Gift Real Estate, has from the onset dealt with different corporate social responsibilities in the country. In response to the COVID 19 pandemic, for instance, the company was engaged in awareness raising initiative and provision of necessary sanitary materials and equipment. Furthermore, it has donated millions of birr for the establishment of different tourist destinations across the country and the capital, Addis Ababa under the initiative dubbed as “Gebeta LeHager” and “Gebeta LSheger”.

The company’s support and contribution to the various socio-economic developments is, indeed, immense and considerable. Gebreyesus Igata said, “I strongly feel that I need to help our people and country more than what I have done so far, and create more jobs to alleviate unemployment.”

He said the ever increasing population added to the growing industries in Ethiopia obviously requires immense energy to accelerate development across the nation. Thus, he added, “The country should construct other mega projects like GERD for we are blessed with untapped and abundant water resource.”

Speaking of the first day he heard about the launching of the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) reservoir, Gebreyesus recalled that the first day he had heard the good news was a historic day in his life, adding that he was one of Ethiopian investors who were invited to attend a meeting at Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Office, where the then PM, Meles Zenawi had urged participants to support and own the construction of the Dam.

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“I am really in short of words to express the feeling I had when I first heard the first impoundment of the Dam’s reservoir was successfully completed last year. It was a rebirth for me. I hope the second filling would also be fruitful.”

He was given the responsibility to coordinate Ethiopian real estate developers with a view to stimulating and initiating them to support the flagship project. He said he had spent nearly six months to bring together those real estate investors who made a successful pledge of 127 million birr, leaving his own business.

As an Ethiopian business firm Gift Real Estate has been making significant contribution to the construction of GERD. So far the company has donated an apartment for fundraising initiative for the same cause, bought bonds and paid visits to the construction site to encourage and motivate experts, employees and management staff at the site.

Gebreyesus’s family has also been very much enthusiastic to extend their support for the construction of the Dam. Almost all his children, both at home and overseas are usually ready to travel to the construction area and buy significant amount of bonds.

“I am really in short of words to express the feeling I had when I first heard the first impoundment of the Dam’s reservoir was successfully completed last year.It was a rebirth for me. I hope the second filling would also be fruitful.” Gebreyesus noted.

He eventually expressed hope that the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) would change the nation’s image at large, put the country higher in the global economic and political arena, and most importantly, pull the people of Ethiopia out of abject poverty.

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Pulling the Country

Together

By Daniel Tiruneh The word Harambe is a Kenyan tradition of community selfhelp events, e.g. fundraising or development activities. The word means "all pull together" in Swahili, and is the official motto of Kenya, appearing on its coat of arms. The word was assimilated into the Swahili language from Hindi at the time of the building of the Uganda Railway from Mombasa to Kampala.

Indian laborers used the phrase "harharAmbey," or, "hail Ambey"an exhortation to Amba, the Hindu Goddess when performing difficult tasks that often required more than one person to be involved, such as lifting heavy loads, according to Wikipedia.

Harambee events may range from informal affairs lasting a few hours, in which invitations are spread by word of mouth, to formal, multi-day events advertised in newspapers. These events have long been important in parts of East Africa, as ways to build and maintain communities 70

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“We could develop our natural resources without affecting other countries; we are left in darkness for hundred years, living under absolute poverty; this has to be changed.” ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

“We could develop our natural resources without affecting other countries; we are left in darkness for hundred years, living under absolute poverty; this has to be changed.”

Feyisa Ararisa, President and Owner of Harambe University in Bale, Adama and Sululta, Oromia Regional State noted that following Kenya's independence in 1963, the first Prime Minister, and later first President of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta adopted "Harambee" as a concept of pulling the country together to build a new nation. He encouraged communities to work together to raise funds for all sorts of local projects, pledging that the government would provide their startup costs.

During the formation of the then Organization of the Africa Union (OAU), two hotels were opened to accommodate participants of the first conference of the Union.

These are Ethiopia Hotel and Harambe Hotel in Addis Ababa.

This was time Ethiopia and Africans at large wanted to bring the concept of togetherness into the seat of OAU.

IT'S OUR DAM

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Feyisa Ararisa

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President and Owner of Harambe University

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ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

So the word harambe denotes the notion “let’s forgive and forget the past”, conveying message that Africans need to move forward and ensure our economic independence, leaving past happenings aside.

Feyisa recalled that when he was teaching Ethiopian Economics some 20 years back he used to be very irritated and annoyed by Ethiopians disability to fairly and effectively utilize the world’s largest river-Abay. “We could develop our natural resources without affecting other countries; we are left in darkness for hundred years, living under absolute poverty; this has to be changed.” He lamented.

With regards to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the University President and Owner said that Ethiopians see building the dam as a fundamental right, one that could bring electricity to the more than half of Ethiopians who don’t have access to electricity at home.

A colossal dam is near completion on Ethiopia’s stretch of the Nile, a project so large that it promises to set the country on a path to industrialization that could lift tens of millions out of poverty. Thus, Ararisa stated that once complete the Dam would undoubtedly change the fluctuating stand of the downstream countries on the construction.

Moreover, he added that the completion of the Dam not only provides Ethiopia with huge amount of hydroelectric power but also influences the commencement of other similar power plants on other rivers of the country.

“For me the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) or River Abay is the pillar of Ethiopia’s economic development as our economy is based on rain-fed agriculture which cannot be improved and sustained.”

The most of the dam projects have not only the purpose of economic benefits, but also, in this 72

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project the socio-economic development of the people is highly considered. In this respect, the dam would help prevent the migration to the cities, while giving them a high level of life standards in their native areas.

Additionally, in the countries such as Ethiopia, where environmental degradation andclimate change affect the availability of rainfall, it is admitted as a need that building the reservoirs in order to use the water resources in an efficient manner, for the purpose of the economic development of the country, would be highly beneficial.

The electricity generating potential of the GERD is unlikely to live up to the lofty claims originally presented by the Ethiopian Government.

It is also unlikely to threaten Egypt to the extent that its government initially feared and could even help to augment the flow of the Nile in dry years.

Ararisa recommended that Ethiopian Government needs

to pay more attention to include the Nile issue or the importance of GERD and our water resources into the national curriculum, books and films as well as other related media and communication channels so that citizens would be well-aware of the significance of developing ones natural resource, and ensure fair utilization of the resource.

The President further noted that professional associations across the nation should create platforms to help raise awareness among the public through conducting researches, conferences, workshops and symposiums, adding that such activities would shed lights and hopes for the generation.

“For me the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) or River Abay is the pillar of Ethiopia’s economic development as our economy is based on rain-fed agriculture which cannot be improved and sustained.”

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Said Ararisa. He also indicated thatthe base of all infrastructure is, indeed, power; the way forward to industrialization and technologicallydriven economy is the development of such huge power plant.

According to the University President, the national economic development can be strongly interrelated with the development of science and technology which obviously demands power. Internet, artificial intelligence, cloud-seeding and other technological advancement could be achieved through electrical power generation and utilization. Hence, he said, the completion and utilization of our greatest Dam is an obligation.

As far as public participation is concerned, Ararisa note that Ethiopians both at home and overseas have been playing pivotal role in backing up the construction of the Dam, and more than ever efforts are needed to consolidate that move as the Dam is nearing completion.

This remarkable support needs to be repeated in the diplomatic efforts the Government and citizens have been exerting to reverse false propaganda and misinformation Sudan and Egypt incurred against Ethiopia, concluded Ararisa.

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Aba y: Gift from Mother Nature

By Aklile Tsige Daniel Tiruneh

Ethiopians from all walks of life and from all corners of the globe have been playing crucial role in supporting the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam(GERD) in different ways. Many appear in international media channels to defend the right of their country, to tell the world the truth about Ethiopia’s intent about the construction of the flagship project while tens of millions financially support the project.

ABN spoke to a young, energetic and visionary Ethiopian scholar and investor, Yared Esayas about his views on Ethiopia’s right to use its natural resource, his contribution to the project and other related issues.

Born and grew up at Meki town, East Shewa Zone of the Oromia National Regional State, Yared Esayas has been engaged in construction, real estate, agro-processing, and mining sectors.

Yared is currently a PHD candidate in Business Management at Key Waste University, USA.

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ABN: What’s your reflection on Ethiopia’s right to utilize Abay River?

Yared:Well, the International Law Institute in Australia endorsed a protocol on utilization of water resource of Trans boundary Rivers in 1961. This protocol under Article 3 allows fair utilization of the resource while article 4 states: “A country can utilize water resource of a trans boundary river unless it causes any harm against any country sharing the river.” Furthermore, International Law Association, International Drainage Basins, Appendix a.p.779 indicates that all river basin countries do have the right to fairly and equally utilize the water of a river.

Based on the 1994 UN 6th Legal Committee member countries amendments, the International Law Commission new resolution-Article 7 depicts that states have to take all the necessary precaution measures to avoid any significant harm on the other basin countries while they are using the waters in their boundaries.

My country Ethiopia fully respects this International Law Article 11-19 and is undertaking the construction of GERD. The country has been providing all the required scientific information and data to the international community.

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IT'S OUR DAM

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Yared Esayas

PhD candidate in Business Management at Key Waste University, USA.

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What I wish to tell Egyptians is that they should be free from misleading propaganda issued by their political activists; they should fairly and critically look at independent scientific information prepared and released by hydraulic and water engineers. In doing so, I strongly believe that they will wholeheartedly support the construction of the Dam. “Ethiopia strongly dreams to get out of abject poverty through the development of its natural resources with public participation, without looking foreign aid. This will in turn help the country to create more jobs for the youth.”

According to a research conducted by hydrologist Haiham Awad at the renowned Alexandria University of Egypt, the Renaissance Dam won’t cause any harm against Egypt, it rather will raise the water volume Egypt receives from the Nile.

Awad underscored in his research that during the flood season between late August and September most water volume entering into Lake Nasir will remain in the desert for ten months until coming July. Hence, billions of cubic water will vanish as a result of evaporation.

In favor of this notion, former Egyptian Prime Minister has not only expressed support over Ethiopia’s effort in building the huge dam, but he also extended

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his support for upstream countries to build similar hydroelectric projects. The PM, on the other hand, noted that Egyptians would be very much concerned if countries intend to use the water for vast irrigation projects only.

ABN: What does the River help Ethiopia boost its economy?

Yared:Ethiopia has never utilized water resource of the Abay River. If the nation’s previous economic plans were successful, its economic development would have been incredibly high. There is no doubt if Ethiopia fairly use its Abay River, the country will reach what it intends to reach.

ABN: What were the country’s previous economic plans?

Yared: Among the plans the construction of a 7.5 billion meter cube water reservoir at Lake Tana, and development of 90,000 hectares of land, preparation of 430,000 hectares of land for irrigation, construction of 36 dams to develop 1.5 billion hectares of land in Wello and Tigray Regions, and the construction of 175 dams at the Blue Nile. These are some of the projects planned, but not executed.

ABN: Can these projects be implemented now?

Yared: Of course, the time has changed.The Ethiopian Government along with the people has begun to show commitment and ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

conviction to build the nation more than ever. Ethiopia strongly dreams to get out of abject poverty through the development of its natural resources with public participation, without looking foreign aid. This will in turn helps the country to create more jobs for the youth-section of the society that is believed to bring a difference in the nation’s overall socio-economic development.

Moreover, the Nile Basin Initiative aims to support the basin countries in their effort to pull their people out of poverty through creating enabling environment for the establishment of affordable hydroelectric power trade exchange in a sustainable manner among member states.

ABN: Do you think Ethiopia will help neighboring countries boost their economy apart from improving its own economy?

Yared: Absolutely!

ABN: Please, explain this briefly!

Yared:Ethiopia will secure additional 6000MW hydroelectric power upon the completion of the Gran Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This would actually satisfy the increasing energy demand across the nation apart from accelerating the agricultural development and industrialization.

Low cost of electricity will help smallholder farmers use water pumps for irrigation, boost productivity and improve their livelihood.

Moreover, it is an engine to speed up rural industries such as textiles factories, tanneries, paper factories, chemical production, food and agro-

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processing, construction and metal industries.

Access to abundant hydroelectric powerpaves ways to expand irrigation development.

The rise on production will also help enhance supply of raw materials for the agro-processing industry sector. When there is economic development, there would expansions of basic public services like education and health. More jobs will also be created for the youth, decreasing unemployment rate in the country. That’s why my country is undertaking the construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam with its children, saying that “We battle against poverty and backwardness”.

ABN: What is the role of GERD in alleviating problem with unemployed youth?

Yared:When we talk aboutunemployed youth, we need to look into the definition of the International Unemployment Organization which labels it into three categories:

“The Renaissance Dam is gift from Mother Nature; it’s my hope and dream, stemming from my own land so that I could get out of poverty and backwardness.

“

1. Those without jobs; 2. Those ready for job but without job, and 3. Those seeking jobs

According to study conducted by the Ethiopian Central Statistics Agency, 61% of unemployed youth is active for the nation’s economy while 25% or one fourth of the over 100 million people remains to be unemployed. This indicates that one out of four citizens, or 15 million peoplein Ethiopia are unemployed.

All these are said to be unemployed. In addition, there are people categorized into “Under employed”. These are people who are working below their educational capacity simply because there is little job opportunity that fits them.

The economy of a nation with 15 million unemployed people can only shoulder 1 million active employments annually while 250,000-300,000 active employments graduate from universities every year, and 700,000 uneducated youth remain Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

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unemployed, searching for jobs. This shows that active employment rate in the country remains to be higher than what the nation’s economy absorbs.

The unemployed citizens are suffering hardship and misery. As he or she doesn’t have jobs he/she won’t have income; if there is no income, there is nothing to buy from a productive sector; if there are no people to buy, producers will face market challenges. This is indicates that both the unemployed youth and producers lacking market get into poverty cycle.

Therefore, Ethiopia needs to use its natural resources in order to escape abject poverty.

As Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PHD) said, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) needs to be completed as per schedule and play role in the country’s economic development as soon as possible. It is also very overwhelming that the Premier has recently announced that additional 100 hydro electrical and irrigation dams will be constructed in the years ahead. I hope this plan will be realized.

ABN: Any message you want to convey?

Yared: The international community and the Egyptian Government should not underestimate the distressing situation of Ethiopian unemployed youth. Of course, it’s high time to do so because the Dam is mine.

The Renaissance Dam is gift from Mother Nature; it’smy hope and dream, stemming from my own land so that I could get out of poverty and backwardness.

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A GERD Water Sharing Policy: In the Eyes of Foreign Expert

By ABN staff writer Dr. Paul Block has been developing a water policy specifically for the GERD that gets conditioned on natural hydrologic variability. “When we think about water security, we think about water scarcity.

Even within the Nile basin, there are very different priorities and contexts we need to remember and take account of” he says.

In downstream countries particularly Egypt the challenge is a physical water scarcity. Whereas for the upstream countries, the focus is much more on economic water scarcity and that is perhaps the lack of development of infrastructure to take advantage of.

One of Kevin Wheeler papers shows there are periods where flows are naturally high and some years. And some periods where flows are average and some are low. This has been the context for hundreds and thousands of years and the countries have been subjected to these natural variability.

Where the renaissance dam is located most of the variability happens July to October.

Before the GERD exists, if there is a large amount of stream flow in some year all of that stream flow is passed down the stream. Likewise, if a small amount of stream flow passes leaving Ethiopia and going into Egypt and a small amount passes downstream.

“It is a policy that explicitly takes into account natural hydrologic variability and shares that variability and those risks among all the countries.

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“It is a policy that explicitly takes into account natural hydrologic variability and shares that variability and those risks among all the countries. This is not a policy that explicitly favors Ethiopia, Sudan or Egypt. But explicitly shares these risks among the countries”

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This is not a policy that explicitly favors Ethiopia, Sudan or Egypt. But explicitly shares these risks among the countries” Washington’ policy (based on inflow and reservoir volume; droughts) has implications for reservoir operations, Inflow 20bcmand water level 618m, releases 9.7 for a total of 29.07bcm is based on inflow reservoir volume, the height of the reservoir and releases and it has a drought focus.

What happens in through this policy is for years when flows are low; the reservoir depending on its level would supplement that flow downstream. This has real implications on how the reservoir then is operated and maybe operated in a certain way. This is based on what is going to be expected of coming in and on how much will be released from the reservoir storage.

Paul Block PhD

Unlike the Washington policy, an alternative water sharing policy Dr. Paul Block proposes is a long-term operating policy that firstly better shares hydrologic variability and secondly gives Ethiopia sovereignty over GERD operations.

'It is a policy that explicitly takes into account natural hydrologic variability and shares that variability and those risks among all the countries. This is not a policy that explicitly favors Ethiopia, Sudan or Egypt. But explicitly shares these risks among the countries' he explains.

The two main tradeoffs considered here are upstream hydropower that is in Ethiopia and downstream flows for Sudan and Egypt. For lower flows below the historical average the renaissance

University of Wisconsin Madison/USA/

dam is able to supplement downstream and this is not based on reservoir levels operating policy but the way this assimilation optimization works. It is possible to look at different risk thresholds depending on how many one wants to try to capture.

One that would really focus on maximizing hydropower may look where inflow essentially

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matches releases and follows the historical conditions up to the long term average. Moreover, the excess could be stored in the renaissance dam.

‘Hence, it moves away a little bit from focusing on reservoir levels and operations of the GERD and instead focuses just on inflow and releases. It would allow Ethiopia more sovereignty on how the country would choose to operate the reservoir as long as it is meeting these policies.’ Dr. Block concludes.

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GERD:

An African project Initiated by Ethiopia

By ABN staff writer

The Nile, the longest River in Africa, traverses 10 countries, asserting that it’s a shared natural resource, for which also an intergovernmental partnership dubbed Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) has been forged by the countries in the basin, with a view of providing forum for consultation and coordination as well as to ensure cooperation among the riparian countries on and to jointly deal with issues of managing and sustainably developing the water resources for win-win benefits of the citizens of NBI. The ten countries that comprise NBI include Burundi, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, The Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Eritrea participates as an observer.

The Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF) is a high level 80

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regional event convened every three years by NBI and organized in collaboration with Member States and in partnership with development partners. It is an important event that brings together all stakeholders to discuss issues related to the Nile, and ways of fostering cooperation, boosting investment, and ensuring sustainable development within the Basin. The Forum is an essential platform to also share experiences and learn from one another.

Hosted by Ethiopia in hybrid, i.e. virtually and physically, under the theme, “Rethinking Regional Investments in the Nile Basin – Water | Food | Energy | Environment | Climate,” the 6th edition of NBDF has brought multi-stakeholders from within and out of the Nile Basin including Ministers in charge of Water ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021

Affairs and other government officials in Nile Basin countries, Members of Parliament, water resource managers, environmentalists, economists, development planners, academia and researchers, to deliberate on opportunities and challenges of Nile cooperation. Other stakeholders are river basins organizations, regional, continental and international organizations, civil society, private sector as well as media practitioners.

“We need to transform Africa; and GERD is a demonstration that Africa can actually make it.”

While meeting physically for the closing ceremony of the Forum, ABN has approached some of the participants to hear from the horse’s mouth about the main deliberations of the Forum held from the 22nd February to the 7th of May 2021, as well as their views on GERD and related issues.

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We need to transform Africa; and GERD is a demonstration that Africa can actually make it.

”

Dr. Callist Tindimugaya Ugandan NBI Representative

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One of the participants, with robust experience in such topics as transboundary waters management and the Nile issues, Dr. Callist Tindimugaya from Uganda, said that the discussions around GERD should be seen within the framework which is promoting equitable sharing of the Nile resources so that everybody has a fair share.

The Forum is reaffirming the commitment of the countries’ cooperation on the Nile, said Tindimugaya, “This Forum has basically been discussing a number of things; number one, we have been discussing issues related to ensuring that water is available for everybody so that we can meet the demands; we have also been discussing issues of how to invest more in the basin to take the advantage of the water; and how we need to improve cooperation and governance.”

Dr. Callist Tindimugaya has been working with Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment for about 30 years now. He has also been representing Uganda on the Nile Basin Initiative Technical Advisory Committee; and he has also been involved in transboundary water management for some time, therefore, he is very familiar with the Nile issues, and what is happening regarding trans-boundary cooperation.

Tindimugaya, who had the opportunity to visit the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) while the project was at its 82

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earlier stage, says that as it supplies power also to other countries on the continent, GERD is an African project initiated by Ethiopia, and it needs to be supported for its realization.

“The GERD, first of all, it is one of the biggest projects we have; but it is going to supply power beyond Ethiopia; already now, we are looking at connections between Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

So, for us, we are looking at the GERD as not just a project for Ethiopia; but a project for the whole basin; Sudan, Egypt will benefit; all the other countries will benefit.”

“To me, I think, we should support

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it to ensure that it is realized; any issues that may be associated, I think, we can discuss them as we move. I think, the GERD is important; it is necessary in the Basin.”

Reiterating that citizens are still cutting trees for power, which in turn leads to deforestation on the continent, Tindimugaya said, “I think, projects like GERD are very, very important. So, if there are issues, let’s not forget the importance of the project; let’s us look at those issues and we resolve them to facilitate the implementation of the project.”

Also stating that power is one of the catalysts of development, he has indicated that projects like GERD are contributing to the realization of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, and also AU’s Agenda 2063, which aspires to have prosperous Africa.

“I don’t think we should always be going back to the colonial agreement of what was said. I think we are in a new era; we are the countries need to develop; operations are growing; we need power; we need food; we need water for various uses.”

“What is happening now of course with also the GERD is contributing to sustain the agenda 2030, and Africa vision 2063. So, projects like this, in my view, are already demonstrating that the visions we have for the continent can be realized. So, we need to support it.”

Reiterating that the project benefit other African countries, including those in the downstream, he said, “This is not an Ethiopian project; it becomes an African project.

And if we can have many of projects like that, then Africa will be transformed.”

“To me, we need to transform Africa; and GERD is a demonstration that Africa can actually make it. The fact that the GERD is not going to supply power only to Ethiopia, but it is going to supply other countries; it becomes an African project initiated by Ethiopia.”

While the Nile is a shared resource, Egypt through the 1959 agreement, with Sudan have apportioned 100% of the Nile waters for themselves and have left behind the others.

Reiterating that things have changed now, Dr. Callist Tindimugaya underlined on the need to equitably utilize the shared resource to address poverty, to let citizens cease cutting trees for fuel, and also meet the ever growing demand for power to drive development.

“First of all, we need to remember that these are shared resources; but it needs to be used by everybody. There shouldn’t be any country that takes it all, and others don’t take it,” said Dr. Callist Tindimugaya.

“Within the Nile Basin, we are Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

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promoting equitable sharing so that everybody has a fair share; so, the discussion around GERD should be seen within that framework.”

“I don’t think we should always be going back to the colonial agreement of what was said. I think we are in a new era; we are the countries need to develop; operations are growing; we need power; we need food; we need water for various uses; so, to move, my view is, the countries should realize that things have changed; we need to (have) dialogue and negotiating in an open manner,” he said.

Stating that NBI countries are connected by waters and that they need each other, Tindimugaya, emphasizes on the need for the countries to work together, and for such case as that of the GERD, the parties need to address issues through dialogue and negotiations.

“We need to realize that water brings us together; and we need to cool down; I think the countries need to cool down; and we need to cool down and realize that we need each other because water connects us.”

He has also noted that Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan need to sit and negotiate to address their issues regarding the project.

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Civil Societies: Part of Win-Win Situation

By ABN staff writer Sudanese scholar Mauwia Hamid Shaddad was one of the participants at the 6th NBDF which was hosted, from February 22 to May 7, 2021, by Ethiopia under the theme, “Rethinking Regional Investments in the Nile Basin – Water | Food | Energy | Environment | Climate.” Civil societies within the Nile are among the active participants in the Forum.

ABN meets Shaddad who has been following an integral part of issues of the Nile since the start of the NBI, to learn his view on the role of civil societies in fair utilization of water resource;he is also one of the founders of the Nile Basin discourse, that a counterpart of the civil society in the eleven or ten riparian countries.

He is currently working at University of Khartoum.

He is also part of many civil society organizations, regional or international, or national of Sudan.

As the Nile water is a shared natural resource of the countries which the River traverses, different partnerships and/or platforms have been forged to facilitate forums for consultation and coordination as well as to ensure cooperation among them and to jointly deal with issues of managing and sustainably developing the water resources for win-win benefits of the citizens of the basin. In this regard, the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) with its set ups, the Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF), and the Nile Basin Discourse (NBD) are primarily mentioned.

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“

We as civil society of the Nile, NBD, we have made clear we cannot be part of a conflict; we are part of solution; solution that is win-win solution to all. That is our stand on that issue.

”

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Mauwia Hamid Shaddad University of Khartoum.

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Convened every three years by NBI, the Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF) brings multi-stakeholders from within and out of the Nile Basin, including among others the civil societies and partners, to dwell upon issues related to the Nile.

Participating in the Forum as a member of the civil society, Prof. Mauwia Hamid Shaddad from University of Khartoum says the NBDF is held to deliberate on issues related to eradicating poverty, sustainable development, food and water security, peace, climate change adverse effects; and other issues to the community of the Nile.

“We as civil society of the Nile, NBD, we have made clear we cannot be part of a conflict; we are part of solution; solution that is win-win solution to all. That is our stand on that issue.”

Approached by ABN during the Forum, Shaddad said he has been following an integral part of issues of the Nile, even the start of the NBI, he says that he is also one of the founders of the Nile Basin discourse (NBD), the counterpart of the civil society in the riparian countries.

Shaddad, who also works at University of Khartoum, and who takes in civil society organizations at national, regional, and international levels, said the Forum in Ethiopia was a continuing process of efforts, brain storming of trying to find, and achieving the objectives within NBI and in NBD (Nile Basin Discourse).

“In the NBD, we promote One Nile, One Family. This is where we can start from.

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ABay

The 10 riparian countries namely, Burundi, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, The Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda participate in the events organized in the framework of these platforms.

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of the Nile water originates in Ethiopia with the reminder emanating from other countries in the Nile Basin.

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The 6th Forum, it is a new way of trying to think of how to attract massive (Investment). Yes, we are getting small amount here and there; but we are not attracting massive, abig investment that can cause sustainable development and address the main difficult issues we have in this region; in terms of health, in terms of sharing the benefits of many issues that need to be addressed,” he noted.

While the Nile is with huge resources, the scholar contends that nothing is done compared to the potential and things that could have been carried out through enhanced ties and cooperation among the countries in the basin. He emphasizes on the need to have the political will at the higher level, and also commitment at grass roots level to develop the shared resource in a manner that ensures the benefit of all.

“We need to continue build the trust and cooperation by Nile Basin countries. Many years ago,we used to say this is the longest river in the world, but nothing is flowing, no culture, trade, no …. Nothing is flowing. Every time, you see, some countries are getting into conflicts,” he said, “We as civil society of the Nile, NBD, we have made clear we cannot be part of a conflict; we are part of solution; solution that is win-win solution to all.

That is our stand on that issue.”

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“We are civil society, we cannot be part of a conflict; we are part of solution – win-win solution; solution that all people are happy; solutions that make utilization of the Nile water benefiting all, benefiting the development of all,” he added.

With its natural and legal right to develop the resource on the basis of equitable utilization, Ethiopia is building the GERD without affecting the other parties, and it has also, time and again, been expressing its commitment to addressing issues related to the project through dialogue and negotiation.

Developing the shared resource, without causing harms on the other parties, to address poverty and backwardness is the golden principle that Ethiopia has ever carried forward.

Like many other experts and professionals, the Sudanese scholar insists on dialogues and negotiations, and also on the need to address poverty, still affirming the position and principle pursued by Ethiopia.

“I say there should be a lot of sit downs; a lot of negotiations, a lot of trust, and a lot of … of sustainable development; and people need to move out of poverty to have energy, whether it is from this hydropower, whether it is from solar energy, we need to move in that direction. But at the same time as I say a winwin situation; everybody is happy; everybody is ready; everybody is accepting; and you have to give and take,” he underlined.

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GERD To light up Africa

By ABN staff writer The 6th edition of NBDF hosted by Ethiopia from the 22nd of February to the 7th of May, 2021 brought multi-stakeholders from within and out of the Nile Basin including among others ministers in charge of water affairs as well as water resource managers, development planners, academia and researchers, river basins organizations, regional, continental and international organizations, civil society,and theprivate sector.

One of the participants of the Forum held hybrid, virtually and physically, Maro Andy Tola, is acting regional coordinator for the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) Coordination Unit. He is also the programme officer for water resources management and development.

Approached by ABN during the physical meeting for the closing ceremony of the Forum, Tola noted that the main objective of the 6th NBDF is to bring together the scientific community within the Basin to share experience and to learn from one another.

Stating that about 134 scientific papers had been presented, Tola said the next step should 88

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It is not only about GERD interconnecting with other African countries to provide electricity, we are talking about the Inga III, if you know, I am now happy that the Inga III Dam is in the African Union portfolio; and it has been now spearheaded. This is something that we need to do.

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Maro Andy Tola

Regional Coordinator,NELSAP

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“So, looking at the challenges within the Basin; how can we solve these challenges and we also got feedback from people, how can we move forward in terms of developing the basin. We have learnt a lot as a community, as the managers, as policy makers and the users of the basin resources. I am sure we have that knowledge that we have gained within this NBDF.” “ It is not only about GERD interconnecting with other African countries to provide electricity, we are talking about the Inga III, if you know, I am now happy that the Inga III Dam is in the African Union portfolio; and it has been now spearheaded. This is something that we need to do.”

Speaking of GERD, he noted that the dam benefits the countries downstream by regulating water flows ever fluctuating. Ethiopia has been building the Dam,without negatively affecting or causing any harm to the countries in the downstream, to generate electricity for the projects that have impact on the country’s economic development.

Tola affirms the fact that such project as GERD plays an important role in lighting up Africa, a content with high deficiency of power which is badly needed to address poverty and pursue sustainable development.

The River has been fluctuating a lot, especially in this side of the Eastern Nile, and of course building dams will help in conserving and regulating the flow. So, this one is a good idea. We are saying that we need to have dams upstream of the river as long as these dams do not have any impact of social, economic and environmental downstream.

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IT'S OUR DAM

be concretizing by coming up with policies or programs to solve some of challenges that have been highlighted in those scientific papers.

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Tola also emphasized the need to develop mutual understanding of dams impact saying,“Dams upstream have advantages because at upstream of the river the pressure is very low. So, this study shows that, even as we develop these dams, we need to be cognizant of the social, economic and environmental impacts in downstream. That’s what I am saying.”

He further noted that he did not see any problem as long as we are mitigating any impacts that are negative downstream, adding that Africa, in terms of electric coverage, has not done very well in that area. “We need to light up Africa. As the African Development Bank Agenda, the Hi five; and also the African Union Agenda 2063; so, this is something that - as leaders in Africa, we need to see how we can light our continent; providing electricity, people can have access to enough electricity.” He pointed out.

“So, it is not only about GERD interconnecting with other African countries to provide electricity, we are talking about the Inga III, if you know, I am now happy that the Inga III Dam is in the African Union portfolio; and it has been now spearheaded. This is something that we need to do.”

“If we have enough electricity, it will open up our continent. So, whether we get it from Inga III, or from GERD, the most important thing is that we need to interconnect the entire continent, to access electricity, any part of Africa, from any source within Africa.”

Said Tola.

“Concerning that dam, you will have people who are supporting it; and you will have people who are opposing it. This is how the world is. But, you need to see – the most important thing is to optimize and say - what are the benefits against negative impacts. And those negative impacts, you can mitigate them. So, this is what I will say.” He concluded.

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GERD Project carried out with Right of Ethiopia

By ABN staff writer Ethiopia has launched construction of its mega dam, GERD, withgovernment’s firm commitment to fight against poverty, and improve the livelihoods of citizens, who are still cutting trees for fuel and who are also with power deficiency.

While embarked upon the project, Ethiopia, which has natural and legal right to develop resources within its boundary, is very considerate and carries out the implementation of the project without causing any harm against the countries in the downstream. Rather, as many experts and scholars witness, the GERD helps in regulating the flow of water, and ensures appropriate utilization of the shared resources by preventing wastage of waters due to various reasons.

As the 6th edition of the Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF) was hosted here in Ethiopia both virtually and physically, ABN had the opportunity to talk to some of experts and professionals in water resource management and development, with points focusing on the major deliberations of the Forum and also views about the GERD. 92

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“I think, it is right for Ethiopia to develop its water resources to address the need of its people, while considering also the need of Sudan and Egypt at the same time. It is the way we look like that,”

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One of the participants from South Sudan, Engineer Tomas Jankan, who is working for the South Sudanese Ministry of Water Resources, Irrigation as a Director for Water Resources Management, told ABN that the Forum is a venue whereby Nile Basin citizens come together and make a dialogue to see the opportunity of developing their common resources, identifying the challenges and the way forward how to solve them.

“I think, it is right for Ethiopia to develop its water resources to address the need of its people, while considering also the need of Sudan and Egypt at the same time. It is the way we look like that,” While dwelling upon development questions from citizens of the Nile Basins, including questions for development and fruits of cooperation, the Forum also addresses issues related to enhanced efforts of cooperation and narrowing political gaps among others.

He noted that concern of citizens such as the need for development, the need for food, and the need for hydropower are raised during discussions in the Forum, still affirming the very reasons that necessitated for Ethiopia to build GERD. Speaking of GERD, the Director said, “What can I say here as my view, not as the government of South Sudan, it is the right of every citizen on his country, on his area, call it woreda, or whatever country in your part, to develop the water resources that pass by his land while considering the needs of others down to him or downstream".

Ethiopia has always been saying that it develops its natural resources to address

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Tomas Jankan Eng

Director for Water Resources Management, South Sudan

poverty and improve the livelihoods of its citizens on the principles of sustainable development, which any other country could do if it has the resource and the capacity to do so.

“And if I get the opportunity or my country gets the opportunity like that to get – to have a resource to develop such a project, I think, it is something that should be adopted by all the Nile Basin countries to develop their own water resources; or to address the needs of their people.”

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Regarding issues related to the position of the downstream countries on GERD, he emphasized on the need to discuss and reach consensus on ways of developing the shared resource, reiterating the need for the two countries to consider Ethiopia’s interest for development.

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GERD

Model project for African countries

By ABN staff writer While endowed with natural resources and owning such huge water resource as the Blue Nile, Ethiopia is still lagging behind in terms of development as many of its citizens, especially those in rural settings have been sufferingdue to lack of electric power and they are still cutting trees for energy at household level. It is with regret and also commitment to address poverty and backwardness that the country started building the GERD by its own financial resource and expertise.

Jean Manteke Kabay, whom ABN approached during the 6th Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF), works at the DR Congo Ministry of Sustainable Development, in the Directorate of Water Resources.

He says GERD is an important project that can drive development.

“I just want to say to Ethiopians, I encourage you; I am happy for your initiative to build a dam and to develop your country. As an African also, it is a good idea and a good example for Africans, in the future, if there is no means, they can just undertake themselves.”

“I think, the Renaissance Dam is a good thing for Ethiopia and for Africa, because development starts by electricity and water,” said Kabay.

Stating that GERD is an important project that can significantly contribute to the development of Ethiopia, and even beyond, the Congolese expert 94

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I just want to say to Ethiopians, I encourage you; I am happy for your initiative to build a dam and to develop your country. As an African also, it is a good idea and a good example for Africans, in the future, if there is no means, they can just undertake themselves.

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Jean Manteke Kabay Ministry of Sustainable Development,DRC

raises the concern which Ethiopia had long taken into account, of the Dam’s effect on the countries in the downstream.

He further notes that Ethiopia needs to work together with the countries in the downstream, still affirming the position ever upheld by Ethiopia.

Asked about his opinions on the positions of Egypt and Sudan on GERD, Kabay said with emphasis on the importance of dialogues to mutually understand and reach mutually beneficial consensus.

“I think, the GERD can develop all Africa, because we can share electricity, for the countries where we Abyssinia Business Network // ABN

have the problem for the electricity. It is agood thing. No problem for that,” he said, adding, “It is a good lesson for Africans. If you think good, you do it. For Africans it is good thing.”

Ethiopia’s initiative on its own, and the way it has been funding the project also with its expertise has been widely acclaimed.

Kabay hail the initiative, and says, “I just want to say to Ethiopians, I encourage you; I am happy for your initiative to build a dam and to develop your country. As an African also, it is a good idea and a good example for Africans, in the future, if there is no means, they can just undertake themselves.”

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