The Eminence ll September 2015

No Place Like Home: A Conversation with Dr. Alebachew Beyene President of the Diaspora Association

EMINENCE

THE

Issue 12- September 2015

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

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The Eminence Sept Issue 12

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CONTENTS

Interview No Place Like Home A Conversation with Dr. Abachew Beyene President of the Diaspora Association 14

Art Ethiopia 3600

A Market for Books

Egos Aside Lime Tree’s Journey Home

Street Style 22

Lion Adama Lounge

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Buhe and Ashenda 12

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Electric Elevation: The Sounds of Ethiopiyawi Electronic Music 20

Buildings in Boxes: The Emergence of Lego Hotels 24 Thousand Words 26

Commentary A Year of Rebranding Ethiopian Tourism Ethiopian Tourism Organization 42 Dear Ethiopia: My Return to Ethiopia Sophia Kim 43

Society Tourism & Hospitality A Day Of Reckoning Aftermath of Hotel Standardization 38

A Walk Down Memory Lane U.S.-Ethiopia Relations 28 Lessons Learned A Tale of Two Restaurants 32 Memos from 2007 E.C.

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Foreigners Driving in Ethiopia

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Happy Ethiopian New Year !

The Eminence Magazine is published by Eminence PLC. It is registered by the Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority Registration No 207/2004.

Eminence PLC. is registered by the Ministry of Trade Business License No MT/AA/2/0001892/2004.

September 2015 ISSUE No 12

Managing Editor Tsewaye Muluneh tmuluneh@eminence-se.com

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hile The Eminence is celebrating the beginning of the Ethiopian New Year this September, we are also celebrating the completion of a full year in production, proudly bringing the 12th issue of our magazine.

It has been such a pleasure bringing our readers articles about the beauty, history, culture and growth happening in our great country.

This has been an impactful and historic year in Ethiopia. With the honor of receiving the 2015 World’s Best Tourism Destination by the European Council for Trade and Tourism, completion of the first phase of hotel grading implementation in Addis, the end of the first Growth and Transformation Plan, President Barack Obama’s visit to the country, along with a number of momentous conferences, forums and events, this is truly a year to be remembered in Ethiopian history.

As we enter our second year of the magazine, we are commemorating our birthday by bringing you a special New Year’s Day edition with issues reflecting on this past Ethiopian year.

We want to continue providing our readers with important news in Ethiopia’s tourism and hospitality sector, interviews, and reviews of the things to see and places to go to in the country. We thank you for sticking with us and supporting us in our journey.

Editor-in- Chief Haewon Asfaw hasfaw@eminence-se.com Deputy Editor-in-Chief Elleni Araya earaya@eminence-se.com Bole s.c Woreda 03 H. No 129 Reporter Henok Solomon hsolomon@eminence-se.com New Media Editor Hanna Haile hhaile@eminence-se.com Contributing Editors Frehiwot Gebrewold Mandarin Editor Jiaqi Xie Contributors Michael Crane Sophia Kim Creative Director Flore Leclerc Graphics & Layout Design Atnafu Yilma Website Administrator Samson Tegegn Photographer Sentayehu Bekele sbekele@eminence-se.com Gonzalo Guajardo gguajardo@eminence-se.com Cover Photo Robel Abay Sales and Marketing Manager Daniel Benjamin Finance and Administration Zinash Habte Distribution Tariku Tessema

We look forward to seeing you next year!

@EminencEthiopia

Eminence-se Entrepreneurs

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The Eminence Sept Issue 12

Editorial Address Tel. +251- 116-189-591

+251- 118-961-791

P.O.BOX 794 code 1110 contact@eminence-se.com social@eminence-se.com Web: www.eminence-se.com Bole s.c Woreda 03 H.No 085 Cape Verde Street, off Africa Avenue in front of Sidama Lodge.

This edition is printed at Central PP Kirkos Subcity, Woreda 03 H.No 414 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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Monthly News Highlights Consultations Underway Save Bird Species Near Extinction

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guardianlv.com

AUG 12, 2015

Warring Sides in South Sudan Sign Ceasefire Agreement AUG 26, 2015

runinafrica.com

avibirds.com

Salva Kirr, President of South Sudan signed a ceasefire agreement in Juba on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 to stop warring with rebel leader Riek Machar. Machar had signed the agreement a week prior. According to the terms of the agreement, Machar will be able to get a first vicepresident post. He was previously dismissed from this position in 2013. Ethiopian, Kenyan and Ugandan leaders traveled to the National Palace ahead of the signing.

Since seven previous ceasefires have been broken in a short time during the 20 month civil war, the UN Security Council is threatening both sides with an armed embargo if they don’t stick to the terms of the current agreement.

Ethiopia held a consultation meeting last week on ways to protect the endangered White-winged Flufftail Bird. The bird, endemic to a few African countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Ethiopia, is in danger of extinction.

The total number of White-winged Flufftail birds is not more than 250, it was indicated. The concerned countries, including Ethiopia, are working to protect the bird by establishing the African-Euroasian Migratory Waterbirds International Working Group, which is holding its second meeting here in Addis Ababa.

The group stated that improving and increasing the extent of suitable habitats for the species is crucial to protecting the bird.

Addis Awards Stars for 38 hotels AUGUST 8, 2015 The grades are finally in for the Addis Ababa hotel standardization project which the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been undertaking in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

Of the 123 hotels inspected only 38 were given star ratings, while the rest did not submit the appropriate documentation to get grades. Sheraton, Ellily and Capital Hotel were the only ones to get a five star rating.

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Ethio Trail Takes Place for Second Time AUGUST 9, 2015 The 2nd edition of Ethio Trail Race took place on 9 August 2015. The race saw a bigger number of finishers than last year, a total of 273 participants finished the race in three distances (12km, 21km and 42km). Part of the Ethiopian Great Run franchise, Ethio Trail is a treat for nature lovers because it takes place amidst the wilderness of AbijattaShalla Lakes National Park (Langano).

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EWEDIHALEHU Aster Awoke Every Friday night Jams Addis Entertainment

September 10, 2015 Ghion Hotel

Thank God it’s Friday, because top DJs Caress Airwan & Yonatan will entertain you with modern dance music infused with beats from US/Africa/Ethiopia .

The ‘Queen of Soul’ is here in Addis.

Yougovia Club and Lounge and EML Events present Ethiopia’s own Aster Awoke at Ghion Hotel. The enchanting songstress will celebrate her fourth decade as an artist, giving guests a one of a kind New Year’s Eve.

September 14-17, 2015 UNECA Conference Center, Addis Ababa Yet another international conference is coming to Addis.

Under the theme ‘Green Innovation for African Renaissance,’ academics and industry professionals from all over the world, will gather under one platform to present research and share ideas.

The event is expected to bring a comprehensive technical program and distinguished keynote speakers.

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AFRICA INVESTMENT FORUM

IEEE AFRICON INT’L WORKSHOP

ELECTRONIQUE MUSIC PARTY

Events for September

September 30-October 1, 2015 Sheraton Addis The Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) is taking place in Addis Ababa for the second time. More than 500 international hotel investors, local operators, ministers and senior government officials and industry experts hailing from over 40 countries will be in Addis for the event. A lot of investments in Ethiopia are expected as an outcome of the event.

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Ethiopia 360: Facilities & Accommodations

Egos Aside Lime Tree’s Journey Home On an unexpected day in late June, two people from different parts of Addis Ababa come face to face on a social media platform: Lime Tree owner Yasser Bagersh and regular customer Markos Lemma. After a disappointing experience Markos had at Lime Tree Kasanchis, Yasser and his staff went on a journey. This is a story of disappointment, shock, brutal honesty and the putting aside of ego to return to an intention that was lost. The chain of events that occurred at Lime Tree, portray what it means to be committed to one’s vision and the initiative it takes to get there.

Credit : Lime Tree

By Hanna Haile Staff Writer

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Yasser Bageresh and Staff discussing how to revamp Lime Tree

t all started with a post on a Facebook group called ‘What’s Happening in Addis Ababa?’. Markos Lemma and his two friends went out to eat at Lime Tree Kasanchis. After being told that their first choices weren’t available they decided to order their second choices: an arrangement of Hummus, Taboulleh, Pizza and some Baklava that left them highly disappointed. ­­

“It was gross,” recalls Markos. But beyond that, he and his friends became concerned that the food was spoiled. After a back and forth with the waitress and manager, Kidist Bekele, Markos turned to social media to talk about his bad experience.

Complaining on social media was something he had never done before.

Markos’s post on the group page generated sixty-one comments and

thirty-one likes. There was a mix of responses ranging from those thinking Lime Tree Kasanchis should be reported to health authorities to others denying that his experience actually even happened.

Lime Tree Bole had opened ten years ago and was followed by Lime Tree Kasanchis three years later.

Kasanchis is home to the Economic Commission of Africa and many other big establishments, which creates a demand for restaurants like Lime Tree in the area.

an experience that was uniquely ‘Lime Tree’. Contrary to his vision, he felt Lime Tree Kasanchis duplicated the experience of Lime Tree Bole.

Kokeb Hailegabriel, who is a regular customer, observed this and shared that she prefers Lime Tree Bole for its ambiance and coziness. She still likes the Kasanchis branch, and because she works at GiZ (a German development organization), it is the one she goes to often. ­

Despite Markos’s post, Yasser remains proud of some of the recipes and dishes he has served up in both Lime Trees. He is insistent on making everything fresh and dislikes having too many deep freezers in his restaurant to ensure this quality in both Lime Tree branches.

With 36 permanent employees, Lime Tree Kasanchis like any restaurant has had moments where things go astray.

Yasser Bagersh, owner of Lime Tree, admits that he succumbed to pressure from frequenters of Lime Tree Bole to open the Lime Tree in Kasanchis. His original vision was not to open a chain of the same restaurant, but to create a place that would give customers

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While Markos was sitting in Lime Tree Kasanchis live updating subscribers on Facebook about his unpleasant experience, Yasser was in the kitchen at Alliance-de Françoise cooking. When he looked at his phone, Yasser found an equivalent of 150 messages and missed calls combined.

He recalls his heart hammering fast; he immediately thought something terrible had happened. As he looked through his messages, he noticed a lot of them were friends and family forwarding their sympathy in regards to what was happening on Facebook.

After checking Facebook and the phone calls coming in from friends, Yasser came face-to-face with the reality of how much Facebook could hurt.

At first emotions of sadness, embarrassment and defensiveness flowed through Yasser, but then he found some truth and knew he had to react. Thirty-one comments in, he introduced himself and thanked everyone for their constructive comments. Amidst the snowballing arguments, he posted a promise to “take immediate action to fix the quality of the food.”

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But the message did little to calm the storm.

Even with Yasser following up and making a few more comments of apology, people continued commenting about their negative experiences. To Yasser, who has spent the past 20 years cooking and catering, food is at the center of his thoughts day and night. This made the Facebook comments feel very personal.

‘This isn’t just Yasser’s house,” says Kidist. Her tears dropped on the white tabletops of the restaurant, as she recalls the whole ordeal. Her brother had phoned to tell her about what had happened. After reading the post on Facebook herself, Kidist, wanted to find Markos and ask him what she could make better. She did not manage to find him that day.

The very first thing Yasser did was send a mass e-mail to his close friends and family. He told them that he did not want their support and that they should not try to protect him, but give the opportunity for the organic process to happen. Wanting to be hands on in fixing the problem, Yasser read through each of the comments with his team to try and pin point the concerns that were highlighted by previous customers of his restaurant.

Then, the unprecedented happened.

Within 24 hours of Markos’ original comment, the restaurant closed. Yasser immediately gathered his chefs from both Lime Tree branches together and they began their journey. After filtering through all of Lime Tree’s Facebook comments together, Yasser proceeded to identify each problem named by his customers. From there his core team of restaurant advisors began to discuss.

This included Takele Michael, who has been the manager of Serenade Venture PLC for more than 6 years and is responsible for overseeing the management of the Lime Tree branches. He returned back early from his trip in Dire Dawa to attend the emergency meeting.

Yasser then forwarded the uncensored comments to his staff in Kasanchis, so everyone could assess whether there was any truth to the remarks. Yasser recalls the Kasanchis staff having a variety of feelings, ranging from denial to sadness and remorse. In the midst of emotions, the staff started facing up to

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Sintayehu Bekele

But this moment was one that they did not foresee. Yasser and Markos have a similar outlook on the power of social media, with both of them using Facebook as a platform to display their lives. But, on June 25th the experience both of these individuals had on Facebook was different.

Ethiopia 3600 : Facilities and Accommodations

certain incidences that rang true from the experiences of the Facebook commentators.

Instead of thinking about all that had to be improved down the line, the team made the decision to concentrate on what they could improve immediately. They started the process with one simple question: What do the chefs love to cook?

From both Lime Trees they collected stories from the chefs and cooks talking about what they loved to make and why. From there, they began to refine the menu to one that was much simpler, focusing on Yasser’s original vision of what makes Lime Tree unique and what would create a personal experience for its customers.

The ball began to roll. Takele recalls decisions being made, the team taking up different chores, the setting of deadlines and getting to work. The staff, along with Yasser, started by disposing everything in the fridge and followed with sanitizing the entire restaurant.

Then the staff was retrained on what could be possible health hazards and how they should wash and store food. Finally, they decided to install cameras in the kitchen and counter area to make sure everything was tightly monitored.

All the while the comments on Facebook were still spiraling. In response to the back and forth comments, Yasser began posting images of him and his staff working on the improvements to update 10

everyone on their process. After the incident with Markos happened, Yasser began to question his process of choosing which meals should be incorporated on his menus.

Early the next morning, the team announced to the staff that they were reducing the number of items on the menu from one with 64 options to one with the 12 best choices. He came to understand that he was reacting to what people suggested he should incorporate on his menu, as opposed to looking to himself and his staff to see what they were best at.

Through this decision, Yasser and his core team attempted to stray from simply choosing sellable items to picking meals that best captured the cooks and essence of Lime Tree.

They redesigned the menu with their brand color of green and wrote ‘Welcome Home’ in the front with a message inside explaining how Lime Tree had lost its way, but was now on the path to finding it.

The three-day process was intense.

Yasser admits it is not something he would like to repeat. It was an extreme makeover, ending with three people being let go and the establishment taking full responsibility for straying from their vision and deliverance. Working to change a few things that made the customers unhappy turned into a journey to recapture the essence of Lime Tree that was lost.

The team removed the artwork that was hanging on the walls of Lime Tree Kasanchis, to be replaced with

big chalk writing that said, “Finding our Path”.

With freshly painted walls, new uniforms, a new menu and staff training on health, Lime Tree rekindled its love of cooking and the type of ambiance that makes one feel at home. Yasser admits that while some of the comments felt harsh, there was one thing he wanted to say to Markos for starting all of this. “Markos Lemma helped us find our path,” he said.

Markos reiterated that he didn’t make that comment to hurt the owner, but because he felt that restaurants should take responsibility for their actions. Yasser said that even though the Lime Tree has questionnaires filled out every 2-3 months, he has never had this type of feedback.

With raw emotions running through his face, Yasser shares how seeing his friends and other regular customers dropping by to help Lime Tree during these difficult three days made him feel blessed. Markos was impressed with Yasser’s quick response to the situation.

He turned to the platform where it all began to thank Yasser and the improvements he made, generating 33 likes and 3 comments, with almost no people giving negative feedback this time around.

Markos cautiously told The Eminence that he did not want to be too optimistic. He was happy that Lime Tree was doing well; declaring that he would wait at least two months or so to feel like Lime Tree has made a real come back The Eminence Sept Issue 12

When one goes out to dine or to have a nice night out with their friends, family and colleagues, it is common to look for a place that one could find comfort and a home-like environment that makes their visit enjoyable. This was owner Mirtneh Kinfe’s plan when creating the recently opened Lion Adama Lounge located in the town of Adama near Saint Gabriel Church.

Credit: Lion Adama

Ethiopia 3600 : Facilities and Accommodations

LION ADAMA LOUNGE

By Henok Solomon Staff Writer

After seeing the high demand and popularity of Adama Lion, owner Mirtneh Kinfe responded by building Lion Adama Lounge for the customers who needed more comfort, class and privacy. After having the vision of Lion Adama, the lounge came to life on January 17, 2015 G.C. When inside the lounge, it feels as though one is sitting inside a cave because of the stone-shaped walls that appear to be built out of rocks. Its light brown color divided by thick black intersections truly gives the place a look of its own. Since Nazareth’s weather is very hot, it is a trend to drink and dine outside, so with this in mind, the lounge has an open design and grape vines over the open bar to create an environment of fresh air.

The lounge has a restaurant section, an outside bar and a wine bar inside.

These different areas of Lion Adama can accommodate more than three hundred The Eminence Sept Issue 12

people at once according to Mirtneh.

The lounge also has 19 rooms for guests to stay at the back of the lounge.

Lion Adama serves various local and foreign dishes. If you go to there to dine and are interested in having local dishes it may cost you anywhere from 28 to 125 ETB. If you plan to have foreign dishes it can cost around 37 to 125 ETB. Kaleab Sisay, a regular customer of Lion Adama says, “I’ve been obsessed with the food in the old place, but I started to come here recently and the food is even better.” He shares that their Tibs Firfir is his first choice.

with a lounge vibe. The one thing he says needs improvement is the music, which he believes is repetitive and has no variety.

Lion Adama is also a good place for people to enjoy lunch, access free wifi, and gather for celebrations like soccer games and birthday parties. This variety of food, drinks and occasions for gathering truly gives the place a class of its own

Beside the dishes provided, the lounge also serves various drinks ranging from a selection of beers and alcohol to mixed cocktails. Beers cost around 20 ETB, while cocktails range from 70 to 120 ETB. A bottle of vodka can cost between 1000 to 1500 ETB. The best day to come to the lounge is Saturday according to Mirtneh. Elias Ketema, another frequent customer, also agrees with this. He chooses to come to the lounge during the weekends where he enjoys gathering with his friends on Saturdays because it is the only venue in Adama that he has found

Credit: Lion Adama

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efore Lion Adama Lounge was built there was Adama Lion, a restaurant and hang out spot where people could have dinner, grab a beer and enjoy good music. It was well known in the community and packed almost every night.

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Buhe

“After a year, We’re here again, Remind us though, how have you been?”

(Metana Bametu, Ere endemen senebetu)

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hat’s the greeting one receives on the streets and at the gates of their doors during Buhe on August 19th, (Debretabor) a festival that initially began to commemorate the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. If you are in Addis during Buhe, make sure you have loose change in your pockets to give to the group of boys that come knocking and singing at your door.

Otherwise, just look for a little bit of flour, which they can take to make the Buhe bread “Mulmul”. The original song goes like this: Hoya Hoye ሆ Ho ሆይ የኔ ጌታ Hoye my lord ሆ Ho ጌታ ነው ጌታ My lord is the lord Ho ዝናቡ መጣ The rain is coming ወዴት ልጠለል Where will I get shade? እጠለላለሁ I will get the shade እማምዬ ቤት At my mother’s house አንድ አምስት ብሯን I take around five birr ይዤ እሔዳለሁ And I will go

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እዛ ማዶ Over there ጭስ ይጨሳል Smoke is billowing አጋፋሪ ይደግሳል There’s a big feast ያቺን ድግስ At the feast ውጬ ውጬ I swallow everything በድንክ አልጋ On a tiny bed ተገልበጬ I’ll lie on my back ያቺ ድንክ አልጋ አመለኛ That small bed is mannerless ያላንድ ሰው አታስተኛ She won’t fit more than one person ሆያ ሆዬ ና ና በሰፊው ጎዳና Hoya Hoye, come quick on

the wide Avenue The boys are going to flatter you for some time until you shell out money. A pretty girl might hear something like this…..

Flattery እዛ ማዶ አንድ ጎጆ Over there, a single hut እዚህ ማዶ አንድ ጎጆ Over here a single hut የአለም ቆንጆ My lady is a world renowned beauty.

(P.S It rhymes in Amharic) But if they hear nothing, then there’s trouble! The insults are too harsh for this publication. But the politest thing they may say is

እረ በቃ በቃ ጉሮሮአችን ነቃ Enough is enough, our throats are getting parched.

(They shout this loud enough to show your stinginess to the rest of the neighborhood. ) Another favorite in the countryside is ......... በል ስጠኝና ልሂድልህ Give me something and I’ll leave you alone እንደኣሮጌ ጅብ አልጩህብህ Let me not howl at you like an old hyena አሮጌ ጅብስ ጮሆ ይሄዳል An old hyena at least howls and leaves የኔ አይነቱማ መች የለቅሃል But my kind is persistent The Eminence Sept Issue 12

Sentayehu Bekele

Ethiopia 360: Travel and Culture

Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)

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et ready folks! Ethiopian New Year is in September and it is going to be 2008 EC. That’s right, the country has its own calendar, and no, this does not make you eight years younger. But, you can say goodbye to the rainy season and see the yellow Adey Ababa daisies cover the fields, if you venture into the countryside.

Beautiful girls with flower and lemons will come to you and sing... ሆ ብለን መጣን ሆ ብለን We come to you cheering እማማ አሉ ብለን Counting on the lady of the house to be there አባባ አሉ ብለን Counting on the man of the house to be there Then they break into traditional songs: አበባየሆሽ Flowers ለምለም Lush green

ባልንጀሮቼ My friends ቁሙ በተራ Stand in line እንጨት ሰብሬ Until I break wood ቤት እስክገባ and build a house እንኳን ቤት እና የለኝም አጥር I don’t have a fence much less a house እደጅ አድራለሁ ኮከብ ስቆጥር I sleep outside, counting the stars ኮከብ ቆጥሬ ስገባ ቤቴ When I go to the house after counting stars ትቆጣኛለች የእንጀራ እናቴ My stepmother will be cross አደይ የብር ሙዳይ ኮለል በይ Adey (yellow daisies) come along....

Oh, Ete Abebaye ጥላኝ ሔደች በሐምሌ ጨለማ She left me in the darkness and rain of Hamle (July) አዬ እቴ አበባዬ

እቴ አበባሽ እቴ አበባዬ My sister Abebash, sister Abebaye አዬ እቴ አበባዬ Oh Abebaye, my sister እቴ አበባሽ ስትለኝ ከርማ After flattering me by calling me Abebash/sister አዬ እቴ አበባዬ

Of course in the city there are minor adjustments. Instead of the 30 calves they wish to see you own a fancy car the coming year.......

If you do shell out money, the girls will heap praise ከብረው ይቆዩን ከብረው Until we see each other next year, hope you get honor ባመት ወንድ ልጅ ወልደው May a son be born to you every year 30 ጥጆች አስረው Hope you get 30 calves ከብረው ይቆዩን ከብረው And get riches beyond your dreams

Ashenda

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The Eminence Sept Issue 12

Gonzalo

Girls in colorful dresses wear grass (called Hashenda) around their waist that goes all the way to their knees in fringes. With hand drums and traditional dances, they hit the streets to sing. It takes them about a week to prepare, buy the Hashenda grass and get their hair braided in the traditional Albaso style.

Gujardo

ugust is a special month for followers of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. They do the fast of the ascension (Filseta) for 16 days. Once it is over, then Hashenda time begins in Tigray, or Shadey in Wollo.

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Interview

A Walk Down Memory Lane A Conversation with Dr. Alebachew Beyene

“

When we can gather as many Diaspora as possible and get them to be a member, then we get strength and the country benefits from having their participation.

Sentayehu Bekele

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his year Ethiopia celebrated its first ever National Diaspora Day, which brought out thousands of people of Ethiopian descent to Addis Ababa from August 12th to August 16th. The week consisted of events, panels, and networking opportunities for Ethiopian Diaspora members to connect, get engaged in what is happening in the country. Dr. Alebachew Beyene, President of the Ethiopian Diaspora Association, sat with The Eminence’s Editor-and-Chief Haewon Asfaw to discuss the work of the Association, reflect on the activities Diaspora week and future plans for the growing Ethiopian Diaspora.

Dr. Alebachew, what does your role Photo By : Daniel Benjamin, Eminence Staff

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look like as president of the Ethiopian Diaspora Association?

I direct what we are going to do and I am the chairman of the Diaspora Association Board. As board member it is a collective responsibility. There are seven of us and we direct the Association’s responsibilities. I chair the Executive Committee where we discuss important issues that help us direct the activities of the Diaspora for a long time.

So, what was the intention of creating Diaspora Day in Ethiopia?

See as an association, our strength depends on the number of Diaspora.

When we can gather as many Diaspora

as possible and get them to be a member, then we get strength and the country benefits from having their participation. Our intention is to discuss with them, to collect their ideas, and then give them ideas as to what we can do together and what the opportunities are here in Ethiopia.

When they are fully aware of the opportunities, then they can consider coming and investing, teaching and doing business in the country.

So in terms of this year’s Diaspora Day, more specifically, what was significant or important about this one in 2007 EC? This is the first time everybody is coming together and when they come The Eminence Sept Issue 12

here they can see what is going on in the country in one stop. So this is quite a big gathering; this is one of the biggest Diaspora occasions. Right now 7,500 of them were in the meeting.

That’s a big number Big number, yes.

From what I understand typically Ethiopian Diaspora day is celebrated among regions. What has been the reason for the separate celebrations, and in that same sense, what does it mean for the Ethiopian Diaspora to come together as a whole?

This is the federal government, so they have certain activities that are carried by the regions themselves.

People sometimes opt for the regional activities, you know?

These are specifically for people who are interested in the regions because there are regional associations abroad and within the country. The people who want to focus on the entire region have the National Diaspora; it doesn’t exclude being part of the Oromo association or Tigray association. It is just a matter of focus.

natural resources here, they are not depleting them; they are just an addition to the growing country. That it is something that you gain.

I know the government was involved in putting this together. What are some of the benefits the government gets from supporting the Diaspora?

First of all, we always say that there are close to three million Diasporas abroad. When the Diaspora come, they don’t just come, but they come with certain knowledge and resources, so they could invest here and then profit. The government is interested in bringing investment to the country because they need to process the resources the country has. They have

act accordingly. That way we have a document that says which rights and benefits are we are entitled to and then we’ll have a set of explanations; and the government will be in a position to enforce it. That way we have a definite course of action.

Are there specific things happening by the government to open up opportunities for the Diaspora in different sectors?

Yes, there is an investment commission at the federal level [and] at the Addis level. So this investment commission has all the documents that entitle the Diaspora things like a tax holiday.

When the Diaspora has enough knowledge of what is being offered by the investment commission they then have a clear idea of what to bring here, exactly what they need to hear and what they are expected to do.

“When the diaspora come, they don’t just come, but they come with certain knowledge and resources so they could invest here and then profit.”

Why would one join the National Association over the regional?

You know some of the regions want to promote the activities in that specific region. That’s the option, so they did that. But people individually can do it with the Ethiopian Diaspora Association or can belong to both.

They could join with us and we will direct them to the proper regional associations. We also get involved in regional investments, because it’s not just people from that region that want to invest there.

So what is the significance of the role that the Diaspora play?

If they come here, after all it is somebody’s money that they are bringing here. They’re not using the The Eminence Sept Issue 12

to produce customer goods or fixed asset goods, so we have the resources and are interested to get people to be involved in the manufacturing industry and services. And if the people come here, then they come with money and remittances. They can send money from abroad and somebody can improve their life here.

In that sense what are some of the incentives or government policies that they are trying to put in place to encourage Diaspora coming back and investing in the country? Or ones needed?

Already there is a proclamation put in place. There are also policies which show the direction, but we need to have a Diaspora Proclamation, which specifically says do this, don’t do this, so we know what is in the law and can

In terms of the actual Diaspora day, were there accommodations or things that the government or hotel sectors were doing to increase the amount of people that came?

Yeah. I think there was an allowance by the Ethiopian Airlines, certain percent of reduction of the ticket and an extra luggage, you’ll have to find out the exact situation, but these are some of the encouragements.

Do you have a sense of where most people came from?

It’s very difficult to say, but most of them are in Europe and the Middle East. We had all sorts of Diasporas. But we need to analyze from the registry to be exact.

What are some of the important events that happened during the week?

There was a very big discussion chaired

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Interview by the Foreign Minister himself so people were asking questions and giving answers, kind of like a panel discussion. Yesterday, at the closing day the Prime Minister showed up and tried to give some answer to the most important questions. There were all sorts of questions but some of them really needed the attention of the Prime Minister, so this was a highlight of the event. The questions that we raised this year hopefully will be answered by next year.

we do is a lot of different professionals come to our office and we tell them to put their concepts on paper and we direct it to the pertinent sector. If it’s a new idea then they can take the idea and promote the project. Not only in the tourism sector, but any sector because all sectors could benefit from the current technology. People who come with new ideas especially in science and technology can facilitate new ways of doing things in the different sectors, so we encourage them.

Was there a chance for people to socialize and get to know each other and meet?

Right you know Tourism is interesting because so many people have their eyes on Ethiopia’s culture and

Of course, of course. Myself, I got to know many people.

How many noted members are there in the Association?

Close to 2000 members.

Is that number expected to grow after this week?

So did the week turn out as expected?

What were some of the expectations and did you meet them?

Yeah, it was over our expectations. We expected five to ten thousand Diaspora and we had 7,500 show up, which is in the middle of the expectation. And it’s not only the number, but the enthusiasm they had during the meeting and the interest they showed in being part of the development of the country.

“And it’s not only the number, but the enthusiasm they had during the meeting and the interest they showed in being part of the development of the country.”

Yes. Before we just waited for them, but they are coming in big numbers. Of course it will get smaller and smaller and then steady, but what we want to do is have a steady registration.

The Eminence particularly talks about the sector of Tourism and Hospitality in regards to development. So do you know anything specifically around the plan to involve the Diaspora in these major sectors?

historical land sights and you know recently the ECTT awarded Ethiopia the World’s Best Tourism Destination 2015. A lot of people are figuring out how to really invest and capitalize on the tourism sector. So where do you think the Ethiopian Diaspora can play a role in-terms of this opportunity?

This is a very interesting question because it is close to me [chuckles]. See what happens is, rather than traditional places like Lalibela, Gondar, and Axum, tourism can be very much encouraged in natural tourism. There are places where you can visit spectacular sites like the Abay Gorge and Afar Depression; things you call in America viewpoints.

If the Ministry of Culture and Tourism works on it, there could be some new sights where natural tourism could be very attractive outside of these historical and cultural things. So, what

This is very interesting because Ethiopia has a different physiography.

From below sea level the Afar Depression and then you go up into the highest mountain, so you have different sights. The Diaspora can focus on any one of the altitudes. Especially if the Ministry of Culture and Tourism promotes and encourages people, this is an area where the Diaspora could bring things very seriously. This is the environment, but there are also many new environments being created by development. For instance, when the

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dams are built they kind of create a new environment so people would like to go to those places. They also have to plan in-terms of what benefits they could give as a tourist attraction. These opportunities are open for everybody and the sooner they come the better for them.

In that same lens, what was some of the feedback from the Diaspora community that you talked to after the week was over?

I was really busy collecting what they think, but they are showing it by being members of the Diaspora Association. They are coming and registering in big number. So that shows that they are really interested to work with us.

Outside of the incentives and some of the things people gain from being in the Diaspora community, from your experience, what are the more personal reasons for wanting to belong to the Association?

You see they are away from everything familiar to them. They go there from a place where they’ve been brought up, so this is a place that is very familiar to them. They don’t have to ask or guess. They know the environment and understand what they are expected to do among the society. In a country like the US they feel disconnected, even if they stay for a long time there. There are these emotional things.

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

When they come here everything is familiar, so they miss that, I guess.

When you live among your people, you know your families are also here most of the time and you have this history and background of your country. They want to see what it looks like. You know some of our kids are born there. They don’t come to Ethiopia as tourists. They need to be as familiar as possible so that they think they are home. Here is home.

What are some of the next steps after Diaspora Week?

We’ll see what happens here.

I’m thinking about the future.

Very exciting. So lastly this is a September Issue so it’s going to be the New Year for Ethiopia. What are some of your hopes in the New Year of 2008 EC as to where you hope to see the Diaspora community go from here.

Your own personal hopes?

September is the calendar year and June is the fiscal year. So as of September people who come on different occasions [will learn about] what has been going on, the festivities here, and the celebrations here.

People will get some more information and will know about the existence of the Diaspora [Association], so I hope that they will join us in big numbers than the previous years. So year by year we get strong. The more strong we get, the more service we can give

Sentayehu Bekele

Well, when the Ethiopian Diaspora gets strengthened by the members, we will collect some nominal fund for the activities we do here, so we will have

staff who work for the association and then we would have the capacity to serve many people in many different areas.

What we want to do is when we have a big number of association members and we can get some funds is to strengthen the office. In the future we would like to have a Diaspora center, and then we have a vision of having the Diaspora center be big enough to have museums and guest houses. That way we can even arrange for people to be picked from the airport, so that they feel comfortable.

We shall expand our services for them so that they feel there is a community here that welcomes them. Some of the Diaspora know Washington D.C. before they know Addis. They crossed the border and they don’t have relatives [in the city], so if we are here as a Diaspora Center and welcome them then they can feel connected. So we are thinking big.

Nearly 7,500 diaspora gathered at Millennium Hall, during the opening ceremony of the National Diaspora week on August 12, 2015 The Eminence Sept Issue 12

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Arts: Art & Literature

Rarely has a book fair been carried out on as such a large scale as the Reading For Life Exhibition, which took place inside the three halls of Addis Ababa Exhibition & Market Development Center from August 30 to September 2, 2015.

By Elleni Araya Staff Writer

Thursday, July 30, 2015

A

midst the group of kids singing about the merits of reading from Hall 1 of the Addis Ababa Exhibition & Market Development Center, a tall stout boy at the back was getting impatient.

‘Reading For Life’, the biggest book fair of the year organized in Addis Ababa by Masters Film and Communication, had just opened. Close to 118 exhibitors including publishers, wholesale book traders, retailers, libraries, media and advertising companies were on standby. According to the organizers, over 500,000 titles were up for sale at a discount and 90,000 free soft copy books were availed to visitors

by Goethe Institute and Ethiopian Knowledge & Technology Transfer Society.

Trying to underscore the importance of reading, especially for the young, the event organizers designated a group of singing kids from Kiki’s Children

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Entertainment as the guests of honor.

They were expected to liven up the ceremony and accompany the invited dignitaries as they toured the stalls to officially open the fair.

“Like a good breakfast like clean clothes, reading is pleasant, it refreshes the soul,” the children had been reciting in Amharic for almost half an hour during the opening ceremony.

This was too much for the impulsive boy, who was quickly getting disenchanted with being the ceremonial guest of honor. He decided it was time to enjoy the perks of the position instead.

“I’m bored! Isn’t the whole point of us being here to be able to read?” he complained to the guard who was prompting the group to sing.

The guard laughed at the sass, but there was a task at hand. So the boy clad in Ejetebab had to grudgingly sing along the chorus for about 15 minutes more until the tour was over.

He was not the only young reading

enthusiast witnessed at the exhibition center during the four-day Book Fair that ended on August 2nd. Since the rainy season spells the end of the school year for children, a lot of them tagged along with their parents and added much of the flavor to the event.

The organizers had booked all three halls of the Exhibition center, and there was ample shelter and activity for children.

Sisay Sergun was another adult that had to deal with his own over eager children when he visited the fair with the kids on Saturday, September 2nd.

“If I am looking at selections in a booth where there are no children’s books, they would create distractions like pretending they have to pee,” he laughingly shares over a cup of coffee outside Hall II. “But if there are stalls carrying children’s books then they linger for a long time.

When he was leaving, he had seven books in his hands with most of which The Eminence Sept Issue 12

were for the kids. Six year old Nathnael was looking forward to reading ‘Demet Ena Ayt’ (Cat and Mouse), a small children’s book, while studious Eden, who is attending middle school at School of Tomorrow made her dad purchase a large sized and bulky hardcover book 1000 Facts.

Adults too had their own treats to enjoy at the fair, and flocked en mass until the closing day. The side events in hall 3, especially the essay and poetry readings drew in vast crowds.

More than that however, what gave meaning to most visitors was the chance to attend book readings and signings by 15 authors. Crowds gathered inside the 128 sqm booth booked by Goethe Institute to see their favorite authors in the flesh.

for Life is just a project, we have been working to make it a Private Limited Company,” Biniam revealed to The Eminence. “We didn’t do a quarter of what we planned this year.”

By ‘we’, he is referring to a group of nine people who make up part of the ‘Reading for Life’ project, including Anteneh Kebede, host of the EBS literary show ‘Ye Berana Lijoch’ who is currently serving as the project head.

Among the many plans, one is to build bookshops and reading centers in heavily populated condominiums around Addis. For this, Reading for Life has signed a financing and logistics contract with Ab-Ham construction, for the latter to provide pre-fabricated

This came as good news for Biniam Kebede, CEO of the Reading for Life’ project which is currently managed under Master Films and Communication. For Biniam, the book fair is just a first step in creating a business that deals with books and fosters the country’s limited reading culture. “Though currently Reading The Eminence Sept Issue 12

A major challenge towards achieving these goals is lack of collaboration, according to Biniam. “Because they have to first investigate whoever is approaching them for collaboration, it took a long time to get the assistance of the education and culture ministries,” he stated, “But their help is essential for us to be effective.”

Book sellers that The Eminence talked to also prefer one big book fair instead of having several small scale ones.

Sunday August 02, 2015 The last whistle was being blown at Halls 1 and 2 of the Exhibition center. Four days of buying, selling and discussions centered on books were over. It was now time for the closing ceremony. Unlike the opening day, where the children were the stars of the show, it was now time to pay tribute to the veterans.

“It is a first for me to meet so many of my readers face to face, “ shared Zenebe Wolla, author of ‘Lijinet’ (Childhood) and protégé of the late writer and iconoclast Sebehat Nega. “It is a surreal and humbling experience, when you see people getting tongue-tied infront of you,” he said.

Such events had helped to promote the book fair and attract visitors, which made booksellers who rented stalls for 84 ETB per square meter a day very happy.

Though nobody was willing to say it on the record, The Eminence talked to a bookseller who anonymously revealed he got above 30,000 ETB in revenue from book sells.

clubs in schools and strengthening the capacity of stakeholders in the publishing industry will also be part of the ‘Reading for Life’ mission.

Children are the guest of honor at the Reading for Life Book Fair.

lodgings. “We are currently asking for book donations,” Biniam explained.

The lack of reading establishments in condominiums was first mentioned by researcher and historian Deacon Daniel Kibret, at the Ethio World Book Fair and Media Expo held in Addis the previous year, where he lamented the fact that in places like Jomo and Lebu, where more than 200,000 people live, there are many eating and drinking establishments but not a single library. Another plan ‘Reading for Life’ has is to make the book fair an annual event that brings exhibitors and authors from other African countries, instead of being limited to local book sellers. Setting up book

A golden pen award was given to distinguished historian and Haile Selassie expert professor Zewde Reta, whose many contributions include the renowned ‘Ye Eritrea Guday’ (The Eritrean Question) and ‘Ye Kedamawi Haile Selassie Betemengist’ (Emperor Haile Selassie’s court). Amidst the standing ovation, the historian shared his experiences of working for 22 years with Haile Selassie and how he was motivated to write because of the discrepancy of his experiences at court and the latter reputation of the emperor. Tireless at 82, professor Zewde is still writing about the last period of Haileselassie’s reign. His unfailing commitment to the written word was an encouraging takeaway message to organizers and audiences alike who closed off the book fair on a high note.

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Arts: Art & Literature

Gonzalo Gujardo

Electric Elevation: The Sounds of Ethiopiyawi Electronic Music

In 1944 an experimental sound emerged from Africa. Artist Halim El-Dabhfrom Cairo at the age of 23 debuted an electronic piece named Ta’abir al-Zaar on tape. This tape was the first ever recorded techno sound in the world. Halim is remembered as a pioneer in the Experimental Electronic genre. Now, over 70 years later, in another part of Africa, Ethiopiyawi Electronic is emerging as a unique sound transcending culture with artist Endeguena Mulu and few Ethiopians playing. Endeguenda shares the roots and personal reflections of this new genre of music.

By Hanna Haile Staff Writer

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riday, 10:28 PM, Endeguena Mulu, also known as Ethiopian Records (ER), quietly makes his way through a narrow corridor decorated with what feels like contemporary anarchist art. The 28-year-old musician comfortably walks through a small crowd of Ethiopians and foreigners, towards a stage with a makeshift platform and starts setting up.

Twenty minutes later, through the thick sound of conversations, emerges a trance-like intro from the producer announcing Ethiopian Records has taken stage. With the clock approaching midnight the lounge is at full capacity.

Amidst a crowd of casually fashionable 20

Ethiopians and foreigners talking and mingling, traditional-Ethiopian flute sounds mixed with Amharic words fuse together with electronic sounds engulf the Middle Eastern decorated lounge.

The roots of Ethiopiyawi Electronic music began with Endeguena’s parents getting him his first computer in ninth grade. The first thing he did with his new device was to install Tuareg, software used to help create music.

This software helped Endeguena sample sounds and produce music for the first time, igniting his passion.

It was from there that Ethiopiyawi Electronic was born with Mikael Seifu and Endeguena working on that same

computer developing a sound deeply rooted in Ethiopian culture. Endeguena defines the sounds in his own words as “…a genre that uses Electronic Music tools and Music Technology to make music that is very deeply rooted in music from all over Ethiopia.”

Endeguena plays at 9:30 pm till 1 or 2 am every Friday night at Absinth lounge in Bole. But, on this particular Friday, he had started late because his grandmother did not want him leaving the house, on account that it was the first day of Filseta, the Assumption of St. Mary marking the Orthodox Tewahido Christian fasting period. Yet this is work for Endeguena; this is how The Eminence Sept Issue 12

he makes a living, but more importantly this is his passion.

Beginning as a sort of ‘purist’, Endeguena hated the idea of sampling sounds. But, when he first started producing music it was hard to find Ethiopian sounds in the format of mp3, so he reproduced instruments to recreate sounds of the Kirar (a five or six string instrument) and Masinko (a one-stringed instrument) with synthesizers. He did not think the electrical reproductions of these instruments sounded good because of the quality of his machine, leading him to sample the work of Azmaris and other musicians. Endeguena gives them credit in his music and finds constant inspiration from the many Azmaris that perform all around Addis.

He also gives high appreciation to his friends for lending him their voice or playing instruments, sharing the importance of support and loyalty in artistry.

Endeguena, adamant not to be misunderstood, constantly has to correct international media like The Guardian, Beat Port and the like who give their own definition of what they believe Ethiopiyawi Electronic to be.

Endeguena wrote a four-page artist statement to have his voice heard and alter the mainstream perception.

He attached this statement to his new EP released this July. Fearful of boxing in the new ‘genre’ of Ethiopiyawi Electronic, he wrote what he felt was his truth as a producer of this sound, created by just a few Ethiopians.

Endeguena, wrote on his statement that it is “…important to break this cycle that sees African musicians and musicians who dig into traditional music as inspiration; including traditional musician from all over the planet, as some exotic brand of musicians.” With genres like ‘World Music’, he believes it reiterates a mentality that is one culture centric and condescending to music producers.

Looking back on his journey, Endeguena recalls that making music was all he did for most of his life. He The Eminence Sept Issue 12

dropped out of his studies from Addis Ababa University School of Commerce because his heart and passion lay in the music he produced. In the end, it came down to him not only making music every waking hour, but it becoming a source that kept him alive. He smiles while sharing that he doesn’t know where he would be without music; he didn’t even want to know.

Along with performing regularly at Absinth, Endeguena and Mikael perform at parties organized by Selam Festival and Minamin Nights in collaboration as Gold and Wax. The co-founder and organizer of Minamin Nights, Talile Abelt, born and raised in Addis Ababa, shares how amazing and profound she thinks Ethiopiyawi Electronic is. As a techno and electronic fan, she heard how different their sound was from that of Berlin or Detroit. What she feels makes their sounds stand out is their ability to incorporate folk music with roots from all over Ethiopia and not just a particular one. Talile, who is 25, states with a profound sense of pride that she is

Endeguena’s Album Cover

happy that Africa is getting Electronic and Techno back to its original roots.

Undeniably, with an Ethiopian culture of night life that is highly influenced by indulging in heavy drinking, the culture of listening and appreciating music

and DJs hasn’t developed just yet. This is a struggle that Endeguena and many fans of Techno and Electronic music face in regards to finding venues to feature these sounds. At Absinth the followers of Ethiopiyawi Electronic stick out from the regular customers of the lounge through their laser like focus on the producer. They give in willingly to the mesmerizing sounds that sway them back and forth.

But every week the crowd and vibe changes and evolves. Amidst the crowd, first time comers can be heard saying,“I have never heard this type of sound in Ethiopia” with a pleased but dumb founded expression on their face. Throughout the night people from the crowd, walk up to the stage to say hello to Endeguena and show their support. What shines most bright is how hopeful producers and promoters of this sound are for what is to come.

Endeguena just turned 28 this month and is the eldest child of his family. With almost no money being made from selling records and responsibilities to fulfill at home he says, “I work, do what I have always done but now I expect to get paid for it”. But the presence of illegal downloading on the Internet prevents him and his fellow musicians from making money. He adds that the major way artists are making money is through live shows, even though he admits playing night gigs regularly has a negative impact on his creativity.

Endeguena envisions an era of what he calls a ‘middle class musicians era’- a time when musicians would be making enough to support their livelihoods and not struggle.

Endeguena is soon to have a new EP in October. The album will be through the independent record label 1432 R, based in Washington D.C. This label has signed both Endeguena and Mikael, and released all of their EPs so far. Trying to explain where Ethiopiyawi Electronic is today and where he sees it going, Endeguena explains adamantly that Ethiopiyawi Electronic is bigger than him or Mikael Seifu and they don’t claim any authority over the sound 21

Arts: Fashion & Lifestyle

2007 EC: A Fashion Look Back

By Sentayehu Bekele Eminence Staff

Name: Henok Assefa Age: 26 years old From: Bole Rwanda “When it came to shoes, boots were the big thing this year. For shirts, patterns were in style this year. My favorite style this year were boot shoes with skinny jeans.”

Boutique: Tamegas Boutique Name: Dejenu Gobena Occupation: Salesman at Tamegas boutique “Right now what is trending is skinny jeans and fabric, one button jackets, slim fit shirts, and wedding clothes for men. For women most the items are high waist dresses, coats, and dresses for special occasions. We have a dress here that costs 39,999 ETB.”

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The Eminence Sept Issue 12

Name: Yosef Gebre (Jossy) Age: 28 years old Neighborhood: CMC “This year I wore skinny jeans and the khaki fashion trend just came, so I am wearing that. I prefer the decent look. I wear simple shirts and bodies as well.”

Name: Naema Kemal Age: 20 years old Neighborhood: Gerji Yerer “This year I mostly wore big shoes like timberland boot-styled shoes and simple shirts and boyfriend skinny jeans to go along with it. I wore dresses during Ramadan as well.”

Boutique: The Lady Shop Name: Tsion Girma Age: 25 years old Occupation: Sales Woman “The most sold fashion trends this year were crop tops, bell dresses and pointy medium heel shoes.”

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

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Buildings in Boxes The Emergence of Lego Hotels

Credit: CIMC

Arts: Architecture & Interior Design

These days, it is common to see many construction elements, such as windows, doors and electrical products manufactured in factory-controlled environments. This concept led to the question: Why not expand this to the actual building fabric itself?

If this philosophy can be extended so that an entire room, or number of rooms, can be produced in a factory, then the control measures and consistency of quality that you expect from other manufactured products can be attained. Currently, several construction companies are doing just that by producing modular homes that are then shipped and put in place. This way of doing things has been especially applicable to hotels in recent years.

I

magine giant Lego bricks, 15m long and 4m wide with each one weighing 18,000 kg. They are delivered to a site on a standard lorry bed and lifted into position with a standard crane. These giant bricks are then connected together simply and quickly. The idea of factory-produced buildings is nothing new to architecture. Businesses in many countries across the globe understand the benefits of this approach, which has led to a growth of modular building companies aimed at providing factory built rooms and buildings that

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can be simply delivered to a site and lifted into position to form a part of or an entirely completed building. This has been attempted in many countries such as the US, France, Australia, Thailand, China and the UK. Methods of ‘off site construction’ or ‘pods’ that are lifted and placed into buildings tend to carry preconceived notions of being cheap, lightweight and poor quality products with little shelf life and benefit to the built environment. However, recent advances have moved from this stigma into a completely different era; an era that has come a long way from the first factory produced buildings that were manufactured by hand in a shed.

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

Michael Crane With over 20 years of experience working in the UK construction industry. Michael has been working with CIMC since 2005 and the inception of their modular system. As Design Director of the CIMC MBS UK office Michael is responsible for the design process for all projects in UK, Europe and Africa.

Since then, much has been learned in order to integrate mass-manufacturing techniques and technology with a real and practical need for good design, excellent quality and surety of supply.

As with most manufactured products, much of these advancements can be traced to Asia.

China International Marine Containers (CIMC) has long established itself as the world leader in manufacturing and supply of standard sea freight containers. These are the kind of containers one sees at every international port, railway line and highway. Since 1982, CIMC has grown its global share in this market to a point where now 6 out of every 10 containers in the world are manufactured by CIMC. In 2005, CIMC Modular Building Systems (CIMC MBS) was formed as a provider of quality factory finished accommodation modules, all of which have their own structural stability.

The company which has a global clientele has produced hotel accommodations for a variety of international hotel groups including Hilton Worldwide, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and Marriott. It has also provided a number of private accommodations for developers.

The guarantee CMIC offers is that the hotel rooms shipped to Addis will be finished to the same high standard as one shipped to London, Accra, Berlin or any other location that can be accessed by ship and truck. Other companies have also been established as providers of modular homes. CIMC MBS also offers Volumetric Construction where an entire room or series of rooms are provided in a structural module and finished internallycomplete with all furniture, decoration, electrics and plumbing pre-installed.

The sizes and weight of these modules varies to suit each project but the philosophy remains the same- giant Legos with finished rooms inside. Up to 15 modules can be installed per day.

Typically there are two hotel bedrooms in one module meaning that a 200-bedroom hotel can be erected within seven working days. What all this means is that more buildings can be erected and completed in shorter periods of time with less risk to the developers. Do not be fooled into The Eminence Sept Issue 12

thinking these building modules are simply a shipping container.

Each module is designed to be the size and shape required to integrate into the finished building. Its structure has to be considered in both the temporary transported condition and the permanent condition it will hold once erected on its intended site. Once installed they are immediately habitable spaces completed to match the architect’s design and the client’s expectations. This advance in technology does not come without its skeptics. Every project needs to be carefully considered on a site-by-site basis, assessing each location upon its own merit of where the modular building is to be erected. Every detail needs to be planned, agreed and signed off prior to manufacturing.

This approach of front-end design ensures that issues are identified and solved before they arrive on site, making the construction program more efficient with reduced risk. Architects who have the vision to use modules to their fullest advantage can create impressive, functional buildings that respond with sensitivity to the local environment and to the end user. The best architects achieve this and push the envelope of what a system build can produce, continuing the evolution of manufactured buildings.

Of course this method of construction is no panacea. There will always be projects where a volumetric approach is impractical or cost prohibitive.

Of course there are concerns that local labor will suffer or that the modules may not be suitable for European, African and Asian climates or building codes.

These concerns are allayed when considering the fact that the design team is nearly always local to the project. Engineers, architects and design consultants work together to ensure these modules will be perfectly designed and fabricated to match the intended use upon arrival. There are also drivers needed to deliver the modules, laborers to prepare these sites and civil engineering companies to prepare foundations or slabs for these blocks to sit on.

Electricians, plumbers and mechanical

contractors are also required in order to connect the modules together and check that the installation is compliant before the building is finished.

Relating this to hotels and hospitality is an easy progression; many of the international brand hotel chains have experienced programmes in African countries. Hotels in Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone have taken more than five years to construct after the development agreement is signed. In Europe this would be around 18 months.

The sooner hotels are opened and trading, the sooner local businesses can draw overseas travellers to their destination, and the sooner the local economy can benefit from this.

But, when looking at the hospitality sector, its design for hotels is nearly always modular in nature with high repetition of identical bedrooms to form the majority of the building. Because of this, there is a strong case to consider modular construction as a viable solution.

A growing population comes with an inevitable increase in tourism and the business traveler. If these demands are to be met, then new forms of supply must be adopted

A sample interior of a modular hotel room

by CIMC that is similar to the one used by Hilton Addis

Shipment of modular buildings ready to be installed as hotel rooms.

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Arts: Thousand Words

New Flower, New Year Photo by Gonzalo Guajardo, Eminence Staff

Credit: The Ministry of Culture & Tourism

THOUSAND WORDS

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The Eminence Sept Issue 12

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

27 Credit: The Ministry of Culture & Tourism

A Walk Down Memory Lane US-Ethio Relations

Credit irieup.com

Society: History and Diplomacy

The relationship between Ethiopia and the United States of America is one of the oldest diplomatic relations in Africa. With recent visit from President Barak Obama, the rich history between these two nations shows no sign of slowing down.

By Haewon Asfaw Staff Writer

E

thiopia and the United States have over a century old relationship dating back to 1903 when Robert P. Skinner, the US Ambassador during the Roosevelt Administration, arrived in Addis Ababa to meet with Emperor Menelik II. But, one can date the beginning of this history back even earlier to when the first Ethiopian migrants made their mark in the United States in 1803.

With the expansion of the Ottoman Turks stretching all the way to the northern part of Ethiopia, a group of Ethiopian sea merchants were cut off at Alexandria. Unable to return home, they boarded ship on the Atlantic where they ended up in Harlem, New York.

While in New York, these Ethiopian migrants went to worship at the first Baptist Church located on Gold Street in lower Manhattan. After being told that they had to sit in the segregated section of the church, they walked out with other free Africans to start their own church where people could worship freely amongst each other. Established in 1808 as a symbol of resistance to racial segregation, they called it Abyssinian Baptist Church.

In 1865, on the Waldeck Plantation in Texas, other churches began to sprout up following the footsteps of resistance

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ignited by the founders of Abyssinian Baptist Church shared Ambassdor Taye, Director General of the Americas. They became an important representation of the historical fight against segregation in the US, making them an inspiration to African descendants who were stolen and brought to America as chattel.

After the Battle of Adwa in 1896, Ethiopia continued to be a symbol of powerful black resistance in the fight against white supremacy and colonial domination. The famous black freedom fighter, W.E.B. Dubois, and other civil rights movement leaders in America saw Ethiopia as an inspiring and independent country in Africa.

Despite this long history, the official anniversary of Ethiopia and US relations is marked by the signing of a treaty of commerce by Emperor Menelik and Robert P. Skinner.

The treaty was signed on December 27, 1903 and ratified by the US Senate in 1904 with the intention of regulating commercial relations between the two countries. Emperor Menelik also saw the relationship to the US as a gateway to modernizing Ethiopia through US assistance in areas like technology and medicine.

Ethiopian-US relations continued into the reign of Emperor The Eminence Sept Issue 12

Haile Selassie. Due to the Emperor’s very close and personal relationship to the country, he was able to strengthen and consolidate the ties between the two nations.

In 1935, Italy made its second attempt to invade Ethiopia. The defeat of the Italians in Ethiopia brought about unification of African identity and solidarity. Ethiopia as a sovereign nation in Africa kept the hope of black liberation and freedom alive for African Americans in the US, leading to their growing interest in the country.

Emperor Haile Selassie signified this.

The Emperor was a frequent visitor of the US during the presidency of Nixon, Johnson, and Kennedy.

“When he visited people would gather in Washington DC and New York by the thousands to get a look at this tiny, handsome, bearded, and yet black leader, decorated in military uniform,” shares Ambassador Taye.

military assistance and aid and the US Embassy did not have an Ambassador from 1980-1991. It wasn’t until the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) took power over the country that the two nations reinstated their relationship.

The Four Point Program went back into effect, but eventually transformed into what we now know as the US Agency for International Development (USAID). It has been responsible for many programs that have benefited Ethiopia such as crop and livestock protection, education training, health programs and regional development.

The US has and continues to play a

the Abyssinian Baptist Church, and in 2015, the United States has its first African American President, Barack Obama. His presidency is a result of African struggle and resistance; a reputation Ethiopia personifies to the world. As the first black president of the United States of America, Barack Obama is also now the first sitting President to visit Ethiopia, a nation considered to be the cradle of humanity.

Addis Ababa was buzzing as people awaited the arrival of Mr. President Barack Obama. Flocks of crowds took over the city in what appeared to be mini-parades of marchers dressed in their Obama t-shirts and waving their American flags.

President Obama’s face took over the city; being featured on every TV screen, freeway overpass and light pole. Federal police lined the streets of Addis Ababa, making the city fully aware that the President’s arrival was approaching.

President Obama was He made his visits welcomed at Bole with the intention of International Airport on rallying US support and July 26th, 2015. During the implementing the Point President’s visit he attended Four Program, an opening ceremony and Congregation gathering outside Abyssinian Baptist Church. which focused on news conference with Prime Credit Abyssinian.org developing the Minister Hailemariam Desalegn at the Peace Corp, Mutual Defense significant role in providing assistance.

National Palace, took a tour of Faffa Agreement, the establishment of Because Ethiopia is a country prone to Food Factory (aided by Obama’s Feed Ethiopian Airlines, telecommunication drought, the US provides emergency the Future initiative to end hunger and the Road Transport Authority. resources that range from food aid and ensure food security) and even It was also significant in modern and humanitarian assistance. “US paid a visit to Lucy, known as the agriculture training, research and development assistance to Ethiopia is focused on reducing famine ‘grandmother of humanity’. When he assistance. vulnerability, hunger and poverty and met Lucy he was completely elated Ethio-US co-operation also extended emphasizes economic, governance, and delighted Ambassador Taye into the military. In 1943 the US and social sector policy reforms,” shared. military refurbished an old Italian according to the US Department of “He got an explanation from the radio station in Eritrea (formally a part State.

Ethiopian scientists that were there, of Ethiopia), and renamed it Kagnew. but as soon as he finished his visit, Because of its nearness to the equator, Planned funding for 2016 Fiscal he was heading to the banquet in Kagnew was an ideal location for the year is $403,883,000 to go to health, the same hall, but he met about 20 radio equipment and assisted the US education and social services, peace and security, democracy human rights congressmen and women who came in its fight against the Cold War. and governance, environment, and with the President,” said Ambassador Taye, “He saw them and told them, During the Derg Period, the economic development.

‘Oh there is something you guys have relationship took a sharp turn with the US essentially having no relationship Now, it has been more than two missed! Lucy is here! Come on!’” He to Ethiopia. They halted economic and centuries later since the founding of became the tour guide.

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

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The Eminence Sept Issue 12

Gonzalo Guajardo

President Obama’s visit was based on the three pillars of Ethio-US relations. “Our relationship is based on defense and security, which includes intelligence, secondly on economical development and cooperation and thirdly democracy and human rights development,” explains Ambassador Taye.

The President ended his 3-day visit to Ethiopia at the African Union, becoming the first American President to address the most powerful leaders and officials of the continent.

During his address at the AU Obama focused on issues of democracy, human rights, gender equality, corruption and development.

In thinking about taking the next steps of building the future of Ethiopian-US relations, the goal is to build a partnership rooted in democracy, defense and investment. Ethiopia aims to have more US companies engage in quality investment such as the technology, science and manufacturing sectors.

Recently, with support from President Obama, Ethiopia received a 15 year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which enhances market access to the US from sub-Saharan African countries, making Ethiopia eligible to preferential trade benefits.

During his speech at the African Union he shared, “We’ve boosted American exports to this region, part of trade that supports jobs for Africans and Americans. To sustain our momentum ... I recently signed the 10-year renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act.” Still, the trade balance is in favor of the US standing at -1.4 billion USD. The goals of Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan signify the Government of Ethiopia’s efforts to provide

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

“As Africa changes, I’ve called on the world to change its approach to Africa. So many Africans have told me, we don’t want just aid, we want trade that fuels progress. We don’t want patrons, we want partners who help us build our own capacity to grow. We don’t want the indignity of dependence, we want to make our own choices and determine our own future.” President Barak Obama, African Union

economic opportunities, development and sustainable infrastructure, says the Congressional Budget Justification.

They state, “By working together with the Government of Ethiopia to meet its goals, the United States will be able to safeguard development investments made by all U.S.managed programs, as well as those of the Government of Ethiopia and other donors.”

Ambassador Taye says, “The visit will create more understanding between our two governments and also it will help us create a more vibrant platform to discuss issues of mutual concern.” He adds, “It is putting the relationship into a new trajectory and consolidates the relationship we have based on respect, dignity and understanding”

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Society: Business

Lessons Learned A Tale of Two Restaurants Starting a business in Ethiopia is not a simple task. But, as one of the fastest developing countries continues to expand as a hub for tourism and investment opportunities, one arena that shows no sign of slowing down is the restaurant industry, which has witnessed significant growth in the past decade. As 2007 EC (2014/2015 GC) comes to a close, The Eminence highlights two businesses that opened and closed this year: Yonas Beyene, owner of the recently closed iCoffee, and Misgana Kebede, owner of the recently opened Savor. As the country enters the New Year, the two entrepreneurs open up about their process, challenges and lessons learned along the way.

Sentayehu Bekele

By Haewon Asfaw Staff Writer

Y

onas opened iCoffee in June 2005 EC. Despite having a degree and career in software engineering, he opened his business in the hopes of creating a local cafĂŠ where customers could treat themselves to delicious hot beverages. After finding a spacious and expensive location behind Bole Medhanialem Church, his plans quickly changed to creating a tasteful and trendy restaurant. He had a staff of 12 employees; promoted his business through social media; and prepared recipes that he believed were close to perfection. Though all of the necessary components were in place, there were many challenges Yonas faced in running his business.

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As a developing country, Ethiopia has a lot of work to do in its plans to progress into a middle-income economy. Out of 189 economies, Ethiopia ranked the 168th easiest country to start a business in and 132nd in operating one according to The World Bank’s report Doing Business in 2015, a placement that is extremely low. The report assessed business regulations to evaluate the ease and difficulty of opening and running a small to medium-size business. Five indicators measured the level of ease: dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency. Ethiopia dropped three

places as compared to the previous year in both categories.

Misgana Kebede is another young entrepreneur venturing into the Addis Ababa restaurant scene. He has a deep passion for working in the hospitality and service sector and at age 35, he already has over 15 years of experience in the industry. Misgana was born and raised in Ethiopia before moving to the United States to attend business school and work. Misgana opened a well-known limousine business where he catered to celebrity clients and large-scale events. Despite his success, he had always wanted to return to Ethiopia to do business.

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

So, in 2014 GC Misgana decided to sell his thriving limousine business, and moved to Addis Ababa with his wife and three children to open Savor, a trendy restaurant located in Bole.

In just three months in operation, Misgana runs a staff of 75 employees and Savor has been packed everyday with diverse waves of people.

The year Savor opened was the same year that iCoffee decided to close its doors. Regardless of iCoffee’s hip ambiance, young crowd of customers and assortment of menu items ranging from local to foreign dishes, Yonas faced many challenges in keeping his business afloat. He shared that the two major factors that made running a restaurant difficult were the challenges coming from the outside and inside. “The inside challenges are from the managing and the outside ones come from the bureaucracy,” explained Yonas.

These challenges are not uncommon.

According to a study from the World Bank Group, Ethiopian businesses face a number of financial restrictions due to financial institutions not accommodating their needs. This impact can be seen in the most recent number of businesses opening and closing in Ethiopia. In 2007 EC, the number of new businesses that got their licenses decreased by 18,486 from the previous year dropping from 90,909 to 72,423, according to Addis Ababa Trade & Industry Bureau. In addition, the number of businesses that returned their business licenses and closed in 2007 EC grew by 7,776 increasing from 18,680 to 26,456.

Some of the outside challenges Yonas faced from the bureaucratic process included arbitrary regulations from Woreda authorities that would change from person to person or day to day.

There was also the lack of regulated The Eminence Sept Issue 12

standards and consistent information about the business process and the long and complicated procedure of attaining a business license. Also, the unpredictability of increasing rent presented a huge challenge in regards to the sustainability and planning that comes with operating a business.

Misgana also admits that doing business in Ethiopia can be a challenge. Some of the challenges Misgana mentions include the hassle of importing goods, the cost of exporting limited items at fluctuating prices, unqualified employees along with time-consuming processes and tedious paperwork requirements.

Similar to Yonas’ experience, Misgana also notes instances of inconsistent regulation sharing what one office says is okay another office may say it is not okay.

Sefalem Aboredagn who works as a Trade Inspection and Regulatory Officer at the Addis Ababa Trade & Industry Bureau says he hasn’t heard complaints in regards to changing business rules. He shares that as a regulatory organization the bureau’s main concern is ensuring everything is done legally and that there are four inspectors for each of the 116 woredas to support this process. He adds that there are also things the bureau knows needs to be done when doing inspection on the ground, leading the manual to be changed regularly.

“We have now a new manual that will be implemented in 2008 EC,” said Sefalem.

In February, Yonas decided to close down iCoffee. He hopes to move the restaurant to a better location in a building because he believes location is key and operating a business in a building comes with less bureaucratic problems. Yonas emphasizes that it is not only the location that is important, but also good management. When Yonas first opened iCoffee, he did not hire experienced managers that applied because he did not think it was a very difficult task. His inexperience made it difficult to address some of the problems he faced that led to iCoffee’s

Haewon Asfaw

“I feel like it is time for the Ethiopian Diaspora to return as challenging and hard as it is,” shared Misgana, “I don’t feel like we need to spend the rest of our lives building a nation that is already built and we can make a significant change by returning.”

Yonas Beyene of the recently closed iCoffee formerly located in Bole. closure. In his reflection he shares that, he will not be part of the management because qualified managers operate as experts that can locate the problems and come up with quick and effective solutions.

Yonas advises young entrepreneurs who are looking to start a business to fully understand all aspects of what they are getting into. He says, “People should think about the time they are in and understand their environment before they do business or put forward an idea.”

When asked why Misgana chose 2007 EC to start his business, he shared that Ethiopia is on the verge of major change. Misgana’s advice to young entrepreneurs is to learn the landscape and get all the information needed before stepping in the arena.

In regards to the restaurant industry, he suggests that businesses rely on multiple suppliers that can give you the same product that is both good and consistent. It is very expensive to start a business in Ethiopia, which is why Misgana encourages one to be “tenacious, driven, and willing to fight the good fight in the end until you see the success.”

Regardless of challenges faced, Yonas believes that creating iCoffee was not a loss, but a gain. Though it came with an assortment of challenges, he discovered his love for the food industry and plans to take the lessons he has learned in the first attempt of his restaurant business venture and reopen iCoffee in the next 5 to 6 months. Misgana shares the same sentiment saying it is worth it. He has big plans for the future to expand his brand, workforce and business ideas 33

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The Eminence Sept Issue 12

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

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The Eminence Sept Issue 12

Society: Legal Corner

Foreigners Driving in Ethiopia

By Haewon Asfaw Staff Writer

S

o, you are a foreigner in Addis Ababa that has mustered up the courage to move from the blue devil taxis into a car of your own. First things first, regardless of having an international driver’s license or one from your home country, you must still fill out the proper paperwork to attain an Ethiopian driver’s license.

So how does one go about the legal process?

Proclamation No. 600/2008 refers to the “Proclamation to Provide for Driver’s Qualification Certification License”.

The scope of the proclamation “Shall be applicable to driver’s qualification certification license issued to drivers operating motor vehicles on any Ethiopian roads.”

Article proclamation states that a person holding a foreign or international driver’s license shall issue the requested license upon “Ascertaining that the government which issued the driving license similarly recognizes Ethiopian driver’s qualification certification license; be satisfied that the license is authenticated by the concerned body and is currently valid; and have receipt

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

of the appropriate fees.” (Article 15).

With these rules in place, how does one actually go about the process?

To begin, you must first make sure your home license is valid and effective. This means you must either have a foreign license issued by a government that is recognized by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia or an international driving license issued in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic.

Once you ensure that your license is up to date and valid, locate the embassy of your home country in Addis Ababa.

Get their hours of operation and show up with the proper requirements.

These requirements include your foreign driver’s license and passport with photocopies of each, a passport size photo and a service fee. This price may vary upon each embassy. If your license is not in English or Amharic, you will need to get it translated into one of those languages. Embassies often provide this service.

From there, the embassy will validate the legitimacy of your citizenship and driver’s license. They will provide you

indicating their authenticity. Make sure they notarize these form.

Then, you will need to get your foreign driver’s license and paperwork from the Embassy authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Again, you will be required to bring your foreign driver’s license, the translated and notarized documents from the Embassy, and an additional service fee.

The final stage in the process is going to Kality Driving School where they will replace your paperwork and driving card after paying the required fees. It may take a month to process all the paperwork.

If you don’t have a license from home country, you are required to attend driving school in Ethiopia to qualify for a license, which requires a medical exam, one written exam given in Amharic, and two practical exams.

There are some additional things to think about. Physical requirements under the proclamation states that qualified drivers must be physically fit and free from any physical disability or adverse health condition that makes them unfit to drive. It also states you must be 18 years of age

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Tourism and Hospitality: Standardization

LEGAL CORNER

Gonzalo Guajardo

A Day of Reckoning Aftermath of Hotel Standardization in Addis Ababa

By Henok Solomon and Elleni Araya Staff Writer

The results of hotel grading for 123 hotels in Addis Ababa were released to individual hotels the second week of August by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The performance of most hotels was dismal indicating that a lot of work needs to be done in the sector for Ethiopia to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming a top tourist hub in Africa. The Eminence talks to government officials, stakeholders, and experts to see what the results mean for the tourism industry .

I

t was report card day for hotels in Addis Ababa on Saturday August 8, 2015. The results of hotel grading were finally about to be unveiled. The stakes were high.

Under the project EthioHotelStar, a team of experts from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), had been assessing hotels in Addis Ababa to assign an international star rating from March to June. Once the results come there was no going back to the olden days when hotels could arbitrarily promote themselves as four-or-five stars based on a self assigned rating. It was final. If hotels wanted to change grades they would 38

have to remedy their weaknesses in accordance with the requirements and undergo assessment again in three years time.

Therefore the 123 hotels assessed in Addis Ababa were anxious to see where they stood. But when results finally came out, most hotels did not receive good news. Individually and collectively, the results showed that the booming hospitality industry in Addis had a long way to go in-terms of quality and maintaining international standards.

Grades could not be released to 57 hotels (46pct of the total rated) because they failed to present essential documents like fire safety and/or

health & sanitation permits. Another 28 were categorized as ‘below star rating’ because they could not reach the minimum 674 points out of 2249 needed to get a one star rating. This left only 38 hotels that actually received the report card, i.e. a signed letter by Amin Abdulkader, Minister of Culture and Tourism, attached with an eight page summary of their evaluation and star rating.

Of the three international hotels, only Sheraton Addis got five stars. Two local hotels Capital and Elilly international also got to join the five star club.

Owned by Ethiopian investors Yemane Gebreselassie and Gemshu Beyene respectively, both hotels opened in The Eminence Sept Issue 12

2013 with an initial capital of around 700 million ETB).

standing by the rating project that had taken it a long time to implement. It was five years ago that the nationwide Growth & Transformation Plan(GTP) outlined intentions to give a standard international rating to hotels and foster the growth of the tourism sector.

However initial attempts in 2011 to execute this plan did not work out because other stakeholders were not

Another 11 hotels received four stars, 13 hotels 3 stars, 10 hotels two stars, and one hotel a single star. The identities of the hotels which received star rating was not released by the MoCT until the time The Eminence went to print because they were given a week’s time to file grievances.

Accordingly 11 (more than a quarter) had filed complaints as of Friday August 21, 2015. Complaining hotels can expect the final result 15 days after filing their grievances. Though the Ministry refused to disclose from whom they received complaints, The Eminence was able to independently confirm that Intercontinental Addis, Hilton and Radisson were three of the eleven that expressed their The amount of points needed to get displeasure. specific star rating and the number of “We are in talks with the Ministry hotels that made it into the specific about the grades we received,” Zenawi Mesfin, General Manager of involved. Tenders floated in 2013 to Intercontinental Addis Hotel stated. hire international consultants to draft “We will comment when the final standards were also unsuccessful. The results are out.” The hotel received stars finally aligned after the Ministry a four-star rating, despite assigning secured half a million dollar funding itself five stars on the entrance walls. A from the World Bank and received different team of assessors was again technical expertise from the UNWTO. sent to hotels that filed complaints.

Experts from Canada, Ireland and Even as it left individual hotels South Africa combined with experts disgruntled, MoCT’s collective report from the Ministry have been slated to on the assessment also did not provide assess 400 hotels in the country. The much hope for the sector. It revealed recently finalized Addis Ababa project serious oversight in safety, security was the first phase. and hygiene amongst hotels. Nearly half of the hotels assessed received low marks (less than 49 points) on professional competence; safety & security and maintenance & repairs, according. Approximately a third of the hotels graded also received low marks for health & sanitation, as well as the provision of parking and recreational space.

Though the results are below par and complaints are coming, the MoCT is The Eminence Sept Issue 12

There are many benefits attached to the standardization project, according to the press report released by MoCT. These include helping tourism stakeholders promote the country with confidence; providing options for international clients and guests; building the image of the country, and developing the capacities of hotels to provide international services and drive hotels to continually assess where they stand in-terms of quality.

“The main beneficiaries are the hotels themselves,” Gezahegn from MoCT stated.

The Addis Ababa Hotel Owners Association, which currently has 70 members, is also backing the results.

“This was done professionally,” Benyam Bisrat, president of the Association and CEO of Jupiter Hotels Group told The Eminence.

“We completely endorse it.” The Association was involved in setting up the standards. Nearly all of the member hotels have been assessed, according to Benyam.

Both MoCT and the Association believe that assessment should not be discouraging to hotels. They emphasize that since the results have not yet been released to 57 hotels yet, it is wrong to conclude that the outcome is negative. “Who knows, there may even be more five-star hotels, amongst the 57,” Benyam said.

Both also commented that this could be a wakeup call that can help improve the standard of hotels in Addis Ababa.

This improvement is highly needed as the success of the ambitious targets tourism officials have set in GTP II depends on it. Based on this plan Ethiopia intends to draw $6 billion in revenues, and 1.7 million international tourists to the country, as well as become a top five tourist destination by 2020.

Amidst discussions of improvement, the question remains whether hotels could make improvements fast enough to make GTPII’s ambitious plans successful. The Ministry’s report shows that in all 12 categories used to assess hotels, at least 67.5pct of the hotels graded need to make improvements.

The category where most hotels (82.1pct) need improvement is the provision of parking and recreational spaces.

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Tourism and Hospitality: Standardization

Experts and stakeholders that The Eminence talked to agree that while some improvements are non-negotiable or easy to implement, others regarding space and renovations may be harder to improve overnight.

hotels and the owner is interested in expanding, he/she gets preference to lease the space. However, even hotels that have space for parking and recreation, sometimes use it for other purposes, he shared. “This should not be the case.”

search on google also offers an option of 3520 hotels in Morroco, the 2014 top tourist destination in Africa.

Presented with these facts, Gezahegn from the ministry still asserted that the plans are achievable. According to him, a lot of hotels are slated to open the next five years. Unlike before new hotel investors will get advice and are subject to international standard requirements when they request a license. Moreover, the existing hotels can also improve the standards intime, despite the challenges.

“There is no excuse for hotels not Indeed hotels opt for increasing the to have fire and safety measures number of rooms or services when or failing to maintain safety and utilizing space instead of increasing hygiene,” said Elias Assefa, who has parking. Yet they have not been spent the past 24 years working in prohibited from operating in the various management positions in the beginning when changes would have US and Ethiopian hospitality industry. been easy to make.

“Why should hotels be unable 72 to present fire and safety or Exterior of the hotel Bedroom 288 hygiene documents?”

Bathrooms 164 Public Areas

200 The same goes for customer Bar & Dining Facilities 285 service and staff training.

Kitchen 100 “This is an area where hotels Housekeeping and Maintenance 165 can work on to vastly improve General Services 305 their grades,” Benyam from Add Facilities 340 Hotel Owners Association Sustainability 80 stated. “The Association is Safety & Security 110 willing to offer COC training to Staff Facilities & Training 140 staff of member hotels.”

Total possible points 2249 On the other hand parking and recreational space, as well as things that require reconstruction are hard to change overnight, according to Elias and Neway Berhanu of Calibra Hospitality & Consultancy Business PLC. One of the services Calibra provides is giving design advice to clients constructing hotels. Sprinklers for instance need thick high ceilings for installment, according to Neway.

If a hotel’s original construction does not support that, improvements will prove costly. Space constraints in Addis Ababa also make the provision of parking a problem.

“We are working with the land administration so that hotels can have ample space,” Gezahegn told The Eminence. According to him, if there is an empty plot nearby an existing 40

The 12 categories used to assess the hotels and the number of points

“The grading is something that should have come 30 to 40 years ago,” Elias stated. Suddenly asking operating hotels to structurally change is costly.

Therefore, the government should support this change by providing duty free privileges for hotels improving their facilities and enforcing strict requirements for future hotel construction, he shared.

But even if all this improvements happened, having 95 star rated hotels in Addis and potentially 305 others in the country, may still not be enough towards helping Ethiopia become a top five tourist destination in Africa.

According to Neway, there are 500 five star hotels in Egypt alone. A simple

The two local five star hotels share the Ministry’s optimistic spirit. Both are planning to improve their grading to a five star Grand Lux Status. ‘Our two floor spa which opened after the grading was completed will definitely elevate our status to that point” Michael Teka, Director of Sales & Marketing at Capital said. Capital got the highest grade of all at 85.68pct.

Elilly on the other hand is expecting to be bumped up to Grand Lux status after its expansion project is completed according to Teklu Abate, Director of Sales and Marketing. On a plot next to the hotel, Elilly is constructing a seven floor complex. Three of these floors will be dedicated for parking with a capacity to handle 350 cars.

The building will also have a big hall that can handle up to 2000 people and an additional 120 rooms.

Both Michael and Teklu state that the results were expected, since a lot of work has gone into the establishment of the hotels.

“We say we are five star,” Teklu said.

“But of course there’s a difference us saying it, and the government and international experts validating our hard work” The Eminence Sept Issue 12

• • • •

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195 well furnished rooms comprising 79 large suit Olympic size swimming pool, fed with thermal hot water Children play ground with a variety of electronic & TV games, ground tennis court, pool game A spacious verdant compound stretching over 12 hectares of land area for multiple events including Wedding ceremonies, music festivals

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This article was written by the Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO). The ETO has agreed to write regular commentary pieces that highlight current policy and strategic issues concerning the tourism sector. The organization can be reached at eto.org@gmail.com

Commentary: ETO

A Year of Rebranding Ethiopian Tourism

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n line with the growing recognition of tourism as a lever for economic growth and job creation, in 2013 the Government of Ethiopia proclaimed Federal Regulation 294/2013, which established the Tourism Transformation Council chaired by the Prime Minister, the Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO) and the Tourism Board, which oversees the ETO and whose members are high level representatives of the public and private sector.

and the private sector. The second is the production of a comprehensive kit of promotional materials including several brochures, a press kit to support the job of the media, an image bank with good quality photos, and most importantly an official tourism portal that will position Ethiopia in the online world. By the end of this year we expect to be equipped with those important tools that will facilitate our marketing activity as well as its impact.

Our role at the ETO is to bring significant change and introduce a new paradigm in the implementation of our two main mandates: fostering the development of the tourism destinations and products in a sustainable and competitive manner and ensuring consistent and efficient promotion of Ethiopia as a tourism destination in the international as well as in the local market.

Regarding product development, we aim at improving the quality of tourism facilities and services in the main tourism destinations in natural and cultural tourism attractions like the World Heritage Sites and National Parks. We have mapped the main tourism routes and after conducting an assessment of the Northern Route, in coordination with the Regional Culture and Tourism Bureau and the ARCCH, the ETO is supporting a pilot project in one area of the World Heritage Site of Axum where we are building walkways and toilets for visitors, improving the drainage of the access road, signposting and landscaping.

In January 2014, our newly appointed CEO, Mr. Solomon Tadesse, started working to set up the organization.

It was necessary to define the vision and the direction for the organization.

The support from the UNDP was fundamental in the initial stage that helped us take off, covering our initial expenses until the government budget was made available. On July 1, 2014 the new offices at Bole were officially inaugurated and we now currently have a team of 39 motivated professionals.

In 2015, we have been working on two important projects with the support of the Ethiopian Sustainable Tourism Development Project (ESTDP) funded by the World Bank. The first is the preparation of a marketing strategy and an official tourism brand and logo. This was done in consultation with the regional tourism bureaus 42

We are also finalizing a study for the development of the Western Route produced with ESTDP funds, and we are working with EWCA to build the first of a network of rest areas that will provide service to road tourism along the main tourism routes. This pilot rest area will be located in land from the Abijata Shala National Park, by the main road, and will be financed through a sponsorship from a private company. The objectives of the rest areas are to provide basic services to travelers (safe parking, food and drink, toilet, etc) and to become centers of information about

tourism services and activities in the area. Other key areas of activity in product development are capacity building, identifying and fostering the development of activity-based tourism (such as trekking, birding or running), and investment promotion.

In this regard, the ETO is glad to see that the African Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) will take place in Addis again and we are planning to be actively involved.

Investment in tourism is showing great dynamism fueled by good market perspectives and by the incentives offered by the government. Thus, the offer of tourism facilities is growing in number and quality. Although they tend to concentrate in Addis and the main cities, we are planning to foster and facilitate investments to other areas with high tourism potential.

In this sense, we welcome the hotel grading being implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as we believe it is an important step to the improvement of hotel standards and to strengthen the Ethiopian tourism sector.

These are just some of our activities and we are excited to see that tourism in Ethiopia is gaining momentum.

Tourism arrivals have more than tripled since 2005 from 227,000 to 792,877 in 2014. Ethiopia is increasingly in the international travel spotlight getting media coverage and appearing in lists of top tourism destinations published by travel magazines and worldwide known travel guides.

At the ETO we will continue to work hard to position Ethiopia as a top tourism destination in Africa, a joint effort with our public and private stakeholders and partners, and we are confident to see yet another successful year in 2008 E.C The Eminence Sept Issue 12

ETO

Commentary: Dear Ethiopia

Sophia Kim immigrated to the United States from Korea at the age of 7. She is a former journalist, now school teacher and children’s playwright in Los Angeles.

My Return to Ethiopia

She is a mother of three daughters and married to an Ethiopian.

I

first went to Ethiopia in 2007 with my Ethiopian husband and our three daughters, ages 19, 17, and 14. It was also our children’s first trip to Ethiopia, the birth country of their father. My husband meticulously planned this family vacation. He hired an experienced driver to take us all over Ethiopia.

We visited all the famous tourist destinations, in addition to visiting countless relatives who opened their elegant or humble homes to us. It was an adventure filled with sensory excitement, physical discomfort on the rock roads, cultural and political enlightenment, gastronomical pleasure, and a holy experience. After an 8-year absence, I returned to Ethiopia this summer for five weeks. I went alone to reunite with my now-retired husband, who was dividing his time between his native homeland and the United States. He had bought land and was starting a farming business, raising crops like corn, cotton and sesame seeds.

My recent second trip to Ethiopia was so much more relaxing, enjoyable, and exciting. I could not believe how Ethiopia had changed so much. I felt less like an alien because there were more Asians confidently walking the streets of Addis Ababa, as if they were a natural part of the racial landscape. Though Ethiopians, especially young children, erroneously called out “China,” to me (I’m Korean, not Chinese) or “Obama” or just smiled and stared at me, I wasn’t such a novelty anymore, and I didn’t crave attention from the natives like last time. Perhaps, I had grown more mature and wanted to fit in.

Everywhere, the streets of Addis Ababa were dotted with the construction of new buildings at different stages of completion.

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

I wondered with bemusement: Were there even enough construction workers to build all the structures and were there enough tenants to fill up the future office spaces and hotel rooms? I was particularly intrigued by the massive building of hotels all over Ethiopia’s major cities.

Eight years ago, there were hardly any luxury hotels around. The hotels I stayed in with my family were simple, had no hot water, and did not offer much comfort, service, and amenities. But now as I traveled to Hawasa, Lalibela, Axum and Mekelle, I was able to stay at luxury hotels that catered to customers who wanted comfort and top service. Moreover, most of the places I visited had Western-style toilets. I remember when I ate at restaurants where the bathroom consisted of a dark smelly outhouse where you had to squat, or you had to bend over big rocks piled on top of each other to relieve yourself.

Eight years ago, there were few paved roads and traveling in a Land Rover with my family was physically stressful. The unpaved roads made our rides very rocky, bumpy, and uncomfortable. But now, many roads were paved; the concrete streets made our car rides very smooth. Some of the roads even had lanes, though some cars still weaved freely through them without any signal warnings. I guess some old habits die hard. When I last visited, the streets were filled mostly with public transportation vehicles like blue vans and green taxis, and beat-up old model cars that looked like they needed to retire to the junkyard. But now in the year 2015, economic progress was evident in the streets; the streets were filled with many people driving shiny new models of cars.

I loved the pace of life in Ethiopia. Unlike Americans, people seemed to live under

less stress and the pace of life moved slower. Whereas Americans live a fast-paced life, always under the stress of the ticking clock, Ethiopians on the other hand, seemed to enjoy life and go through the day at a slower pace. From morning till night, the coffee shops and restaurants always seemed packed with customers of all ages sipping coffee or tea and laughing between bites of food. It made me question: “Why are these places so packed with people during a working weekday? Don’t these people have jobs, or have to return to work?”

Nowhere did the pace of life seem slower than at a restaurant, where it took a long time for the ordered dishes to arrive. My relative, who was very familiar with the impatience of American customers, responded: “Hey this isn’t America. In Ethiopia, things take longer. The waitresses will bring the food when they want to bring it.”

One thing that was very different about my second trip to Ethiopia this summer was that I used Facebook to informally document my vacation. I wanted to educate my Facebook friends about Ethiopia’s ancient culture, traditions, its beautiful and generous people, and the lush green beauty of the country. And from the FB comments my friends posted, they marveled at the pictures of my fancy hotel rooms, the panoramic views of rivers and green forests, the smiles of school children, the monkeys at an animal park eating out of my hand, the rock-hewn Lalibela Churches, obelisks at Axum and more. I wanted to dispel the stereotypical images of Ethiopia they had — one of a stagnant and poor country with people dying from famine.

I want to go back again to Ethiopia — not in another 8 years, but next summer. That is how much I loved Ethiopia. I am homesick for my adopted homeland

43

新型建造拼装建筑：乐高酒店的出现 ;Mandarin Page

Buildings in Boxes

Credit: CIMC

The Emergence of Lego Hotels

By Michael Crane Translated By: Jiaqi Xie

在科技发展迅速的现代，越来越多的东西被简便化，一些建筑套 件也已经形成批量生产化，例如：窗户，门和一些电器产品已经 在工厂中加工生产成型，使得施工过程中的安装过程更加简化。

这个理念已经在很多国家实施，例如美国，法国，澳大利亚，泰国，

这个概念的引出让我们不禁思考，为何不将这种生产化扩大到

中国和英国等。

建筑结构的本身呢？如果这一理念得到实现，那么整个房间甚至 整个楼房都可以在一个工厂加工生产，从而更好地控制质量和

建筑行业中，

产品的一致性，提高施工速度让建筑行业更加简便、高产、高质

这种曾被称为组装式安装的房屋曾被认为是廉价的，质量和结构牢固

量化。目前，一些建筑公司已经开始了这项现代化的理念，开始

程度也一直被质疑，人们认为这种方式是不可靠的，这样的建筑禁不

生产可拼装型的房子，也就是在工厂加工生产，并运送到目的地

住风吹雨打，很容易坍塌。然而，近年来这种想法已经渐渐被时代的

进行安装，这样的理念已经运用到近些年来一些酒店的建造中。

变迁所擦拭，从第一个拼装型建筑公司成立，到现在人们越来越认可 这样的模式，而事实也慢慢证明，这种大规模生产的技术具有更好的

可以想象一下，巨大的乐高建筑模块，长15米、宽4米每一

制造工艺和设计，也拥有更好的品质保障和快捷的安装方案。从品质

个重达18000公斤的组件，在工厂生产完毕后被放置到卡车

到供应各个环节都慢慢的被人们所接受。

中运送出去，再用起重机吊到设定好的位置上，这些巨大的 组件迅速的被拼接在一起，让建筑更加迅速的拔地而起。

与大多数制造业一样，这些产品的发展大部 分都可以追溯到亚洲这个制造业的圣地。

建筑行业的工厂化生产已经不是什么新鲜的理念。在世界各的诸多国

中国国际海运集装箱集团股份有限公司（简称中集集团）早已在全世

家的建筑企业都已经深知这种方法的优势，一个成型的模块化LED建

界的海运集装箱制造和供应界拥有了自己的地位，并拥有世界领先的

筑公司能够提供完整的工厂制造的拼装式房屋和建筑，更快捷方便

生产标准。在世界各地的国际港口、铁路和公路上都可以看到该公司

的运送到现场并吊装到位，甚至将整套房屋完整的运送至目的地，使

的货运集装箱。自1982年以来，中集集团已在这一市场稳稳的站住了

快 速 建 房 和 立 即 入 住 变 得 不 再 是 梦 想 。

脚，世界上每

44

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

十个集装箱中就有近六个集装箱是出自中集集团生产的。

施。

2005年，中集集团成立了自己的模块化建筑体系生产厂（中集集团

当然，也有人会担心安装工人或生产出的建筑模块不能适应不同国

MBS），并投入大量资金在这一领域开发创新，拥有了一系列稳定

家的气候和建筑法则。这些问题也已被考虑到其中，所有的设计师

的生产线，创造出属于自己的生产标准。公司在成立不久变拥有了

和工人团队几乎都是组合了各个国家的人员，与当地的建筑设计师

来自世界各地的客户，例如希尔顿酒店、洲际酒店集团和万豪酒店

一起工作，并拥有不同地域的设计顾问共同完成设计和生产，从而

等大型酒店等。 中集集团MBS同样为一些私人公寓和别墅提供这些

确保这些建筑模块能够适应不同地域的需求和气候，达到最好的建

高品质产品。同时他们也将这些高质量的产品运送到运送至伦敦、

筑标准。当然，不仅仅是设计团队，运输，机电，水暖和机械承包

加纳、柏林等地区，同样这些同等质量的产品也被运送到亚迪斯亚

商等等不同部门的配合也是必不可少，只有完美的配合才能打造最

贝巴实用。

完整耐用的房屋。

中集集团MBS还应客户需求提供了整套房间拎包入住的系列模块生

旅游业酒店的发展占据了非洲发展行业的头筹，许多国际品牌的连

产的选择，也就是生产出的拼装式房间具有完整的设计和室内装

锁酒店已经在非洲经历了多年的扩展历程。在发展协议签署后的五

修，其中包括家具，装饰，电器和管线的安装，一步到位。而这些

年里，国际化的酒店已经在尼日利亚，加纳，埃塞俄比亚和塞拉利

室内的装饰和管道等也被制作成不同的板块，在完成外部结构的安

昂逐渐崛起。对于非洲这样的旅游国度来说，更早的建设酒店和贸

装后进行内部安装，最后形成完整的房间，其最多将被分为15块安

易平台，就能更快地吸引更多的海外游客，从而当地的经济便可越

装成型。通常来说每一个模块可以满足两个相邻的酒店卧室，也就

早的从中获益。

是说在7个工作日内可以完成将近200间卧室的组装，这也就意味着 在更短的时间内建造效率将大大提高，并同时减小开发商的风险。

当然，没有任何一种建设方式是万能的、可以适应任何行业和情况 的。相对于这种新型的建筑模式来说，总有一些项目是不切实际或

这些建筑并不像人们想象的那样仅仅是有一个个简单构件组成，每

成本过高的。但是，纵观酒店业来说，模块化的批量生产和组装式

一个拼装模块都是需要通过设计、测量、研究，并精确确定其尺寸

建筑是有效的，酒店卧室的相同性造就了这一产业的最佳实用性和

形状后才进行生产的。它的结构和强度必须在符合永久居住的前提

适用性。批量化生产节约了酒店建造的时间和费用，在一个旅游业

下才会被放出并运送到目的地，并且在完

成运输后会严格按照建

和商业不断增长的国家，这样的建筑模式是趋势必然的选择。任何

筑标准在项目地完成组装。一旦完成安装即可入住，并完全符合永

满足这些条件的地方势必都会采用这种最新型的供应和建筑模式并

久居住的可行性，保证建筑的牢固和使用年限，从而达到建筑设计

在不久的未来逐渐成熟。

的要求以及客户的期望。

新技术的进步总会伴随着疑虑和反对。每一个项目的承接都需要一 步一步的进行，并因地制宜，结合每一个项目的地理位置，自身优 点和缺点综合评定，做出完整的设计方案和计划。并且，每一步的 计划都需要科学的验证，向客户描述细节进行沟通，并在在生产前 商定并签署协议。这种设计和制造方案不仅确保了问题能够实时解 决，也确保了施工方案更加快捷有效的落地并降低风险。建筑风格 设计师会因地制宜，结合功能的需求设计出令人印象深刻的外观， 多方面来满足客户的需求，在这方面生产商将会运用顶尖的设计设 来确保每一个环节的可行性和外观的独特性，让整个计划逐步实 The Eminence Sept Issue 12

45

Entertainment

The Eminence Pick of the Year

Movie

Book

Nishan

Nishan tells the story of young woman who navigates deceptive and dangerous circumstances to preserve her independence, protect her family and realize her ambitions. The movie was directed by Shumete Yidnekachew. It was awarded as “Best Movie of the Year� by Gumma Film Award this year. The Eminence picks this movie as the most talked about movie of the year.

46

Made in Africa By: Arkebe Oqubay Made in Africa presents the findings of original field research into the design, practice, and varied outcomes of industrial policy in the cement, leather and leather products, and floriculture sectors in Ethiopia.

It explores how and why the outcomes of industrial policy are shaped by particular factors in these industries.

The Eminence picks this book as the most talked about book of the year.

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

Magic Eye

http://www.magiceye.com/3dfun/stwkdisp.shtml

Discover the 3D image within Unlike the way you normally see images by directly looking at the surface, aim your lines of sight in the middle, right before the image or aim your lines of sight in parallel direction beyond the picture. See answer on page 45

Music

Madingo Afework: Siwedilat Album Madingo released his most talked about album named ‘Siwedilat’, which means “How much I love the things about her”. Since its release, the album has been a huge success, playing on every radio station, car, and hangout spots. This album has been everywhere. It contains tracks of various local genres. The Eminence picks this album as the most influential album of 2007.

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

SUDOKU

Place the digits 1-9 exactly once in each horizontal row, each vertical column and each sub grid region. See answer on page 45

47

Classified Best Halls in Addis Ababa

Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Available Rooms: 12 Accommodates: From 30 - 500 People African Union (AU) Available Rooms: 40 Accommodates: From 35 -2, 500 People Sheraton Addis Hotel Available Rooms: 9 Accommodates: From 40 -450 People Hilton Addis Ababa Available Rooms: 8 Accommodates: From 20 -650 People Radission Blu Addis Ababa Available Rooms: 2 Accommodates: From 12 -120 People

Hangout Spots!

Edna Mall/ Bob and Bongos Things to do: Watch box office movies, Skating, basket ball, cafés, 7D movies Lafto Mall Things to do: Read your favorite books & enjoy hot drinks

“Please let it be noted neither the editorial team nor the company is liable for any errors or mistakes on the sources of information. The list is in no specific order”.

Yaya Village Location: Sululeta Things to do: Restaurant & bar, Horse Riding, Rooms & High Attitude training Liesake Resort and Spa Location: Bishoftu (Debrezeit) Things to do: Restuarants, Rooms, Spa

Avanti Blue Nile Hotel Location: Bahir Dar Things to do: Bar and Restaurant, Rooms with overall city view, massage

Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Association Location: Afincho Ber The largest open market in Africa Location: Merkato The gold jewelry market Location: Piassa Holy Trinity Cathedral Location: Arat Kilo National Museum Location: Amist Kilo Ethnological Museum Location: Sidist Kilo Park (Anebesa Gebi) Location: Sidist Kilo

Bilos Café Things to do: Some of the best pastries in town

Ethiopian traditional clothes and jewelry market Location: Shiro Meda

Yogurt Inn Things to do: Free Wi-fi while enjoying tasty flavored yogurts

Panoramic view of Addis from Entoto Location: Entoto

Ghion Hotel Things to do: Go - carts, swimming, Merry -goround

Places for Retreat

Kurifitu Resort & Spa Location: Bishoftu (Debrezeit) Things to do: Restaurant & Bar, Swimming, Kayaking, Spa, Rooms Kurifitu Resort & Spa Location: Bahir Dar Things to do: Restaurants, Rooms with Lake Tana View, Fireplace, Swimming, Spa Adulala Resort Location: Bishoftu (Debrezeit) Things to do: Restaurants & bar, Spa & Gym, Bungalows, Horse riding, fishing at Babo Gaya Lake & much more African Vacation Club Location: Langanoo Things to do: Restaurant & bar, Swimming, Kayaking, Spa, Rooms, Horse ridding, Game Zone and Different Beach Games

48

Suba Lounge Location: Wollo Sefer on Ethio-China road Gravity Lounge Location: Next to Bole Medihanialem Church Fendika Club Location: Kasanchis

What to see in Addis Ababa?

Balageru Coffee Things to do: Read your favorite books & enjoy hot drinks

Bora Amusement Park Things to do: Merry-go-round, 8D movies, Swings, Slides

Club H2O Location: On Yolly Building, “Chichiniya”

Immerse yourself in Ethiopian Music and Dance Yod Abyssinia Location: Bole & Sar Bet Time: from 7:00 PM- Mid night 2000 Habesha Location: Bole Time: from 7:00 PM- Mid night

Night Life in Addis Gaslight Night Club Location: Sheraton Addis Club Illusion Location: Next to Ambassador Theater Black Rose Location: On Boston Building Champion Bar Location: On Boston Building Liquid Lounge Location: Next to Intercontinental Addis Hotel

Your Home Away from Home for Your Extended Stay

Beer Garden Inn (Guest House) Total Rooms: 21 Location: Bole Medhanialem Road near Edna mall

GT Guest House (Guest House) Total Rooms: 13 Location: Kirkos kifle ketema, 200m in from Dashen Bank on Sierra Leone Street

Yeka Guest House (Guest House) Total Rooms: 14 Location: British Embassy across the street from the Bio-Diversity Institute

Addis Guest House (Guest House) Total Rooms: 12 Location: Bole road 5 minutes from Bole International Airport

Beautiful Scenic and Wildlife in Ethiopia

Simien Mountains National Park Location: Semien Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region Some of the animals that can be found: Gelada baboon, Simien fox & Walia Ibex Nechisar National Park Location: SNNPR Some of the animals that can be found: Burchell’s Zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Anubis Baboon & Grey Duiker.

Awash National Park Location: Southern part of Afar Region and northeastern of Oromia Region Some of the animals that can be found: Beisa oryx, Hamadryas Swaync’s Hartebeet Omo National Park Location: SNNPR Some of the animals that can be found: Burchell’s Zebra, Gerenuk & Kudu Mago National Park Location: SNNPR Some of the animals that can be found: buffalo, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hartebeest, leopard, lion and zebra

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

Bale Mountains National Park Location: Oromia Region Some of the animals that can be found: Topi, Lelwel Hartebeest, Bustards, Hornbills, Weavers & Starlings Gambella National Park Location: Gambella Region Some of the animals that can be found: Nile Lechwe,White-Eared Kob, Roan Antelope, and Whale-headed Stork Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park Location: Oromia Region Some of the animals that can be found: Great White Pelicans and Flamingo Yangudi Rassa National Park Location: Afar Region Some of the animals that can be found: Beisa Oryx, Dorcas gazelle, gerenuk and Gravy’s zebra

International Cuisines in Addis Al Mendi Location: Meskel Flower Specialty: Arabian Restaurants Bombay Brasserie Location: Near Meridian Hotel Specialty: Indian Restaurants Caribo Resturants Location: Sar Bet Specialty: Caribbean and African cuisine Castelli Location: Piassa Specialty: Italian Restaurant Chez Fasil Restaurant and Bar Location: Meskel Flower Specialty: Specialized in Nouvelle & Fusion Cuisine Gati-Thai Restaurant Location: Rwanda Embassy Specialty: Genuine Thai Cuisine German Restaurant Location: Near Japan Embassy Specialty: German food and beer

Police Stations Police Information Federal Police Commission AA Police Commission

991 916 011 157 21 21

Fire Brigade 1st Station Menilik II square 2nd station Addisu Kera 3rd station Mekanisa 4th station Nifas Silk 5th station Akaki 6th station Megenagna 7th station Bole

011 156 70 40 011 466 34 20 011 276 91 46 011 442 55 63 011 434 00 96 011 663 03 73 011 664 85 80

Phone Service Toll Free Information Service Federal Police Commission National Operator Fault Report Dial Up Internet Pre Paid Mobile Service/Bill Inquiry/Lost Mobile Registration/ Number Change Information Broad Band Customer Service PSTN Service Voice Mail Courier Service DHL EMS(Ethiopia) Federal Express TNT Skypok UPS Trans Express Ethiopia UN United Nations Development Program United Nations Children Education Fund United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Banks Abay Bank Addis International Bank Awash International Bank Bank of Abyssina Berhan International Bank Buna International Bank Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Construction and Business Bank Cooperative Bank of Oromia Dashen Bank Debub Global Bank Development Bank of Ethiopia Enat Bank Lion International Bank Nib International Bank Oromia International Bank United Bank Wegagen Bank Zemen Bank

997 916 998 994 900 994 980 980 908 011 662 16 00 011 515 20 72 011 618 63 83 011 551 41 54 011 662 13 09 011 551 41 54 011 663 35 82 011 518 40 00 011 551 72 00

011 552 88 51 011 557 0502 011 557 00 00 011 551 41 30 011 618 57 32 011 158 08 67 011 122 87 55 011 551 23 00 011 552 27 59 011 467 18 03 011 467 40 87 011 551 11 88 011 550 49 48 011 662 60 00 011 550 32 88 011 557 21 13 011 465 52 22 011 552 38 00 011 550 11 11

Answer for The Magic Eye

Airlines British Midland (BMI) Egypt Air Ethiopian Airlines Emirates Kenya Airways K.L.M Royal Dutch Lufthansa Saudi Airline Yemen Airways

011 665 04 94 011 156 44 93 011 665 66 66 011 518 18 18 011 551 42 58 011 552 55 41 011 551 56 66 011 663 81 37 011 551 50 76

Hospitals Private Addis Cardiac Hospital Addis Hiwot Hospital Bete Zata Hospital Landmark Hospital Hayat Hospital Kadisco Hospital Public Black Lion (Tikur Anbessa) Hospital

011 663 47 20 011 618 04 49 011 551 41 41 011 552 62 29 011 662 44 88 011 629 89 04

Library Academy of Ethiopian Languages Addis Ababa Municipality Library Alliance Ethio-Française British Council Economic Commission for Africa library German Cultural Institute Italian Cultural Institute J.F Kennedy (A.A.U) National Libraries & Archives

011 551 59 26 011 155 01 11 011 155 02 13 011 155 00 22 011 551 72 00 011 155 28 88 011 111 34 27 011 111 04 33 011 551 62 47

Art Gallery Asni Gallery Ersas Art Studio Goshu Art Gallery Gigi’s Afro Asian Design& Fine Interiors Makush Gallery

011 123 32 44 0913 66 02 30 011 661 03 97 0912 20 43 37 011 552 68 48

Tour and Travel Eminence Social Entrepreneurs Koreb Tour Operators Kibran Tours Plc Rainbow Car Rental and Tour Services

011 823 71 82 011 662 3179 011 662 62 14 011 371 79 40

Online Classifieds 2 Merkato Latest Ethiopian Tenders and Bids BUY AND SELL (Ethiopia) Gulit online market Mekina online car market Kaymu What’s Out Addis Pharmacy Abader Pharmacy Bata Pharmacy Ethio German Pharmacy

S u d o ku

011 551 12 11

www.2merkato. com/tenders buysellethio.com www.gulit.com www.mekina.net et.kaymu.com whatsoutaddis.com

011 662 43 97 011 655 21 34 0911 20 94 88

S o l u t i o n

Kuriftu Diplomat Restaurant Location: On Boston Building Specialty: “The ultimate global cuisine”

Some of the Best Coffee Houses Tomoca Coffee Abissiynia Coffee Alem Bunna

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

magiceye.com

Rainbow Korean Restaurant Location: Near Japan Embassy Specialty: Korean Restaurant

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The Eminence Sept Issue 12

To place an advertisement on The Eminence Magazine, please contact us with the following address:

+251- 116-189-591 +251- 118-961-791

contact@eminence-se.com social@eminence-se.com

The Eminence Sept Issue 12

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Phone : +251 115 158278 / 507074 Fax : +251 115 151338 / 504948 P.O.Box: 18401, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Address: Kirkos sub-city, woreda 8, in front of Yordanos Hotel.

Email: info@enatbanksc.com SWIFT Code: ENATETAA 52

The Eminence Sept Issue 12