Ethiopian Airlines Flight Lands Safely After Smoke Incident

Addis Ababa, October 16, 2024 – Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed that flight ET248, en route from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa, successfully landed at Dire Dawa Airport after smoke was noticed during the plane’s descent. Despite the unsettling situation, the airline assured that all passengers were disembarked safely and without incident. The source of the smoke is currently under investigation. In a statement, Ethiopian Airlines apologized to the passengers for the inconvenience and emphasized its commitment to ensuring safety in every aspect of its operations. This is not the first time the airline has experienced such an incident. In a similar case on April 29, 2016, Ethiopian Airlines flight ET154, traveling from Hawassa to Addis Ababa, also reported smoke during flight. The plane landed safely at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and passengers were disembarked without issue. Ethiopian Airlines, known for its safety record and prompt handling of such incidents, is expected to provide further updates once the investigation is completed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime())

Belated real estate law finally appears before Parliament

Draft sets 50-unit minimum for developers Long overdue federal legislation to regulate the booming real estate industry has finally made it to Parliament this week, nearly a full decade after it was first proposed. The ‘Real Estate and Development and Real Property Marketing and Valuation Proclamation’ proposes to put in place several new requirements that would significantly change how developers business. If it is ratified, developers would need to erect and transfer a minimum of 50 housing units to be eligible for a real estate license. Developers looking to secure land from the government will be obliged to deliver between 500 and 5,000 units depending on demand. The draft stipulates that 40 percent of these units will have to be affordable housing. Developers in Addis Ababa will need to commit to delivering no less than 5,000 units to receive land allocation from the government. In industrial parks and towns with substantial demand, the requirement is 1,000 units, while it is 500 elsewhere. Developers who are able to import construction materials through Franco Valuta and are able to bring in their own forex are also eligible for land allocation. The same goes for those with the capacity to set up a domestic construction materials manufacturing business. The draft also includes a provision that would see the government, through the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), provide guarantees for developers looking to access credit from foreign financial institutions. The bill proposes to put in place a range of measures to protect homebuyers in an industry often characterized as predatory, with several high-profile disputes between buyers and developers over things like ownership, unfinished units, and financial disagreements ending up in courts over the years. Among the disputes brought about due to a lack of legislation is the Access Real Estate controversy, which ended badly for more than 2,700 buyers who had paid a reported 1.4 billion birr to the developer. Another notable incident involved Tsehay Real Estate, which saw heated disputes over the developer’s use of title deeds as collateral for bank credit without the consent of homebuyers. If the draft is ratified, developers will be barred from transferring a unit that is less than 80 percent complete to a homebuyer. The developer will also be unable to hold the deed to a property. The proclamation states that developers will be unable to register clients or collect advance payments before receiving a certificate of land ownership and a building permit. Local developers will be required to deposit advance payments collected from buyers into a closed bank account, access to which will be determined by future regulations, according to the draft. Biruk Shimelis, deputy general manager of development at Flintstone Homes, a leading developer, has mixed views about the legislation. “Generally speaking, the proclamation is good but there are a few issues,” he said. Biruk observes the draft has been in the pipeline for over a decade and says he participated in several rounds of consultations with the experts who drew it up, but some of the recommendations from him and other developers have not made it into the final document. “I wonder why the proclamation has been delayed for the last 10-plus years and why it was introduced to Parliament this week. We’ve been pleading with the government to introduce the legislation for over a decade and establish a regulatory body,” said Biruk. Among his key criticisms is the clause dealing with transactions and advance payments. “The draft recommends joint account management. This means when a real estate company raises money from homebuyers, the money will be put in a closed account. I don’t believe this should be part of the proclamation. If the government is going to be involved in managing these accounts, it will create a hectic bureaucracy,” said Biruk. “We know what happens when the government gets involved in a private company’s operations.” He also sees the draft’s definition of real estate as problematic. The proclamation confers the  designation of ‘real estate firm’ to a company developing a housing project consisting of a minimum of 50 units. Biruk argues this is too high a bar for many in the industry. “This is very difficult. There are several real estate companies developing less than 50 units. There are even some with just one-unit projects,” he said. Biruk argues it would be unjust to revoke permits and licenses for not meeting the 50-unit minimum. “This is a crucial part of the proclamation. This is a big gap,” he said. The proclamation also aims at introducing a property valuation system, the absence of which has long haunted the market. Valuations will be conducted for property tax assessment, sale and purchase transactions, bank loan collateral arrangements, court disputes, inheritance and compensation claims, insurance purposes, rental services, and other related issues, according to the proclamation. The draft proposes valuations will be conducted by professionals holding certification and licensing. To date, valuation has been carried out through estimation or referencing market price trends. Biruk foresees professional valuation practices will be a net positive for the industry. “The way the government conducts valuation now is very tricky. They say it is market estimation but there is no such thing. There is only professional valuation when it comes to the property market,” he said. Biruk observes a common practice of government valuators referring to brokers and intermediaries when determining the value of a property. “They also take the average price of selected real estate companies. Such estimation is being used for compensation payments for development projects, for tax purposes, and others. The valuation system currently being used by the government is not scientific,” he said.

Belated real estate law finally appears before Parliament

Draft sets 50-unit minimum for developers Long overdue federal legislation to regulate the booming real estate industry has finally made it to Parliament this week, nearly a full decade after it was first proposed. The ‘Real Estate and Development and Real Property Marketing and Valuation Proclamation’ proposes to put in place several new requirements that would significantly change how developers business. If it is ratified, developers would need to erect and transfer a minimum of 50 housing units to be eligible for a real estate license. Developers looking to secure land from the government will be obliged to deliver between 500 and 5,000 units depending on demand. The draft stipulates that 40 percent of these units will have to be affordable housing. Developers in Addis Ababa will need to commit to delivering no less than 5,000 units to receive land allocation from the government. In industrial parks and towns with substantial demand, the requirement is 1,000 units, while it is 500 elsewhere. Developers who are able to import construction materials through Franco Valuta and are able to bring in their own forex are also eligible for land allocation. The same goes for those with the capacity to set up a domestic construction materials manufacturing business. The draft also includes a provision that would see the government, through the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), provide guarantees for developers looking to access credit from foreign financial institutions. The bill proposes to put in place a range of measures to protect homebuyers in an industry often characterized as predatory, with several high-profile disputes between buyers and developers over things like ownership, unfinished units, and financial disagreements ending up in courts over the years. Among the disputes brought about due to a lack of legislation is the Access Real Estate controversy, which ended badly for more than 2,700 buyers who had paid a reported 1.4 billion birr to the developer. Another notable incident involved Tsehay Real Estate, which saw heated disputes over the developer’s use of title deeds as collateral for bank credit without the consent of homebuyers. If the draft is ratified, developers will be barred from transferring a unit that is less than 80 percent complete to a homebuyer. The developer will also be unable to hold the deed to a property. The proclamation states that developers will be unable to register clients or collect advance payments before receiving a certificate of land ownership and a building permit. Local developers will be required to deposit advance payments collected from buyers into a closed bank account, access to which will be determined by future regulations, according to the draft. Biruk Shimelis, deputy general manager of development at Flintstone Homes, a leading developer, has mixed views about the legislation. “Generally speaking, the proclamation is good but there are a few issues,” he said. Biruk observes the draft has been in the pipeline for over a decade and says he participated in several rounds of consultations with the experts who drew it up, but some of the recommendations from him and other developers have not made it into the final document. “I wonder why the proclamation has been delayed for the last 10-plus years and why it was introduced to Parliament this week. We’ve been pleading with the government to introduce the legislation for over a decade and establish a regulatory body,” said Biruk. Among his key criticisms is the clause dealing with transactions and advance payments. “The draft recommends joint account management. This means when a real estate company raises money from homebuyers, the money will be put in a closed account. I don’t believe this should be part of the proclamation. If the government is going to be involved in managing these accounts, it will create a hectic bureaucracy,” said Biruk. “We know what happens when the government gets involved in a private company’s operations.” He also sees the draft’s definition of real estate as problematic. The proclamation confers the  designation of ‘real estate firm’ to a company developing a housing project consisting of a minimum of 50 units. Biruk argues this is too high a bar for many in the industry. “This is very difficult. There are several real estate companies developing less than 50 units. There are even some with just one-unit projects,” he said. Biruk argues it would be unjust to revoke permits and licenses for not meeting the 50-unit minimum. “This is a crucial part of the proclamation. This is a big gap,” he said. The proclamation also aims at introducing a property valuation system, the absence of which has long haunted the market. Valuations will be conducted for property tax assessment, sale and purchase transactions, bank loan collateral arrangements, court disputes, inheritance and compensation claims, insurance purposes, rental services, and other related issues, according to the proclamation. The draft proposes valuations will be conducted by professionals holding certification and licensing. To date, valuation has been carried out through estimation or referencing market price trends. Biruk foresees professional valuation practices will be a net positive for the industry. “The way the government conducts valuation now is very tricky. They say it is market estimation but there is no such thing. There is only professional valuation when it comes to the property market,” he said. Biruk observes a common practice of government valuators referring to brokers and intermediaries when determining the value of a property. “They also take the average price of selected real estate companies. Such estimation is being used for compensation payments for development projects, for tax purposes, and others. The valuation system currently being used by the government is not scientific,” he said.

Kurmuk Gold transfers 5.75 million shares to Egyptian company

Kurmuk Gold has transferred 5.75 million shares to ASCOM Precious Metals Investment Holding BVI, a subsidiary of the Egyptian Asec Company for Mining (ASCOM). A statement released by ASCOM this week confirms the firm has received the shares through its subsidiary. Kurmuk Gold Project is located in the gold-rich Benishangul Gumuz regional state. The shares were transferred to APM through Allied Gold Corp, a Canadian firm behind Kurmuk. ASCOM, an Egyptian conglomerate affiliated with the government in Cairo, had previously run the Kurmuk project for a decade beginning in 2007 before its license was revoked over security concerns. The license was transferred to Allied Gold Corp in 2017. ASCOM exited the venture in Benishangul by selling 64 percent of its stakes to Allied while retaining 35 percent through its subsidiary, ASCOM Precious Metals (APM). It later announced that it had sold the remainder of its shares. Allied Gold’s website indicates the Ethiopian government controls seven percent of the gold mining operations, further complicating the opaque shareholder structure behind Kurmuk. Nonetheless, Allied Gold owes nearly USD 66 million in deferred payments to ASCOM, which reported a month ago that it expected to collect beginning September 2024. The payments will be made in installments set to end in September 2027, according to the reports. ASCOM, a conglomerate with strong ties to the Egyptian government, and its parent company Qalaa Holdings will retain stakes in Kurmuk through base erosion and base shifting in the Allied Gold venture. Qalaa Holdings’ ongoing inclusion of Kurmuk Gold in its annual reports indicates the retained Egyptian interest in the firm despite the complicated and opaque ownership structure. Egypt’s National Service Projects Organization (NSPO) bought a 20 percent stake in Taqa Arabia last year, equivalent to 27.5 million shares for nearly USD 53 million. Formed in 1979, NSPO is engaged in manufacturing military and civilian products, including in petrochemicals and agriculture, for the Egyptian government. It now has an indirect link to Ethiopia’s Kurmuk Gold via its acquisition of a stake in the Qalaa Holdings subsidiary. “ASCOM is owed nearly 66 million dollars from Kurmuk. Allied Gold initially agreed to pay the amount. But now, Allied gold has agreed to transfer shares to ASCOM as Kurmuk is facing financial strains in addressing the deferred payments. Kurmuk Gold swapped the money for shares and transferred the shares to ASCOM’s subsidiary,” said an official close to the issue. The latest transfer of shares means ASCOM retains its stakes in Kurmuk. Brox Worku, an Allied Gold shareholder and manager of Kurmuk Gold Project, maintains the share transfer is part of an initially agreed-upon arrangement and is not a new deal. “Kurmuk Gold is 100 percent owned by Allied Gold Corp,” Brox told The Reporter in a brief response, contradicting the initial response. He declined to make further comments. Brox had previously denied any Egyptian affiliations in Kurmuk’s ownership structure. Allied Gold claims to hold mining concessions for over 100 square kilometers of land stretching from the Sudanese border to Assosa slated to last until 2041. The area includes places like Dish Mountain, Ashashire, and Tsenge, according to the company website. Allied Gold plans to begin mining in 2026 with ambitions to extract 290,000 ounces annually, according to the website.

Kurmuk Gold transfers 5.75 million shares to Egyptian company

Kurmuk Gold has transferred 5.75 million shares to ASCOM Precious Metals Investment Holding BVI, a subsidiary of the Egyptian Asec Company for Mining (ASCOM). A statement released by ASCOM this week confirms the firm has received the shares through its subsidiary. Kurmuk Gold Project is located in the gold-rich Benishangul Gumuz regional state. The shares were transferred to APM through Allied Gold Corp, a Canadian firm behind Kurmuk. ASCOM, an Egyptian conglomerate affiliated with the government in Cairo, had previously run the Kurmuk project for a decade beginning in 2007 before its license was revoked over security concerns. The license was transferred to Allied Gold Corp in 2017. ASCOM exited the venture in Benishangul by selling 64 percent of its stakes to Allied while retaining 35 percent through its subsidiary, ASCOM Precious Metals (APM). It later announced that it had sold the remainder of its shares. Allied Gold’s website indicates the Ethiopian government controls seven percent of the gold mining operations, further complicating the opaque shareholder structure behind Kurmuk. Nonetheless, Allied Gold owes nearly USD 66 million in deferred payments to ASCOM, which reported a month ago that it expected to collect beginning September 2024. The payments will be made in installments set to end in September 2027, according to the reports. ASCOM, a conglomerate with strong ties to the Egyptian government, and its parent company Qalaa Holdings will retain stakes in Kurmuk through base erosion and base shifting in the Allied Gold venture. Qalaa Holdings’ ongoing inclusion of Kurmuk Gold in its annual reports indicates the retained Egyptian interest in the firm despite the complicated and opaque ownership structure. Egypt’s National Service Projects Organization (NSPO) bought a 20 percent stake in Taqa Arabia last year, equivalent to 27.5 million shares for nearly USD 53 million. Formed in 1979, NSPO is engaged in manufacturing military and civilian products, including in petrochemicals and agriculture, for the Egyptian government. It now has an indirect link to Ethiopia’s Kurmuk Gold via its acquisition of a stake in the Qalaa Holdings subsidiary. “ASCOM is owed nearly 66 million dollars from Kurmuk. Allied Gold initially agreed to pay the amount. But now, Allied gold has agreed to transfer shares to ASCOM as Kurmuk is facing financial strains in addressing the deferred payments. Kurmuk Gold swapped the money for shares and transferred the shares to ASCOM’s subsidiary,” said an official close to the issue. The latest transfer of shares means ASCOM retains its stakes in Kurmuk. Brox Worku, an Allied Gold shareholder and manager of Kurmuk Gold Project, maintains the share transfer is part of an initially agreed-upon arrangement and is not a new deal. “Kurmuk Gold is 100 percent owned by Allied Gold Corp,” Brox told The Reporter in a brief response, contradicting the initial response. He declined to make further comments. Brox had previously denied any Egyptian affiliations in Kurmuk’s ownership structure. Allied Gold claims to hold mining concessions for over 100 square kilometers of land stretching from the Sudanese border to Assosa slated to last until 2041. The area includes places like Dish Mountain, Ashashire, and Tsenge, according to the company website. Allied Gold plans to begin mining in 2026 with ambitions to extract 290,000 ounces annually, according to the website.

Ethio Telecom to begin selling 10% stake next week

Ethiopian carrier Ethio Telecom will kick off its plans to sell a 10 percent stake next week. The planned sale comes ahead of the company’s listing on the country’s new stock exchange. Reuters reported this week that the state-owned telco will become the first company to list on Ethiopia’s stock market. From October 16, the public will be able to buy shares on Ethio Telecom’s mobile money platform, telebirr. In an invitation letter sent to the media, Ethio telecom announced the 10 percent stake sales will commence on Wednesday October 16, 2024. The inauguration will be held at Sheraton Addis on the day. Ethio, which is the incumbent telco in Ethiopia, has long sought private investment. The carrier was linked to reports that it could sell a 45 percent stake last year, with Orange and e& reportedly interested. Reuters noted that the sale of a 10 percent stake will lead the way towards the government divesting a further 45 percent to investors. “This initial public offering will help us to learn and strategize to facilitate the listing of other state-owned enterprises on the Ethiopian Securities Exchange,” said Brook Taye, chief executive officer of Ethiopian Investment Holdings. The operator currently has more than 78 million subscribers, and until October 2022 was the only operator in the country until Kenya-based Safaricom launched in the market. Ethiopia’s telecoms industry is seen as a huge asset in Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s push to drive the country’s economy, with the nation boasting a population of over 120 million. Plans to introduce a third telco into the market, have also been explored and thought to still be a consideration for the government, which is interested in launching a mobile tender for a second private telco license. (datacenterdynamics)

Ethiopian Airlines Group and ETTE Sign MoU to Develop Ethiopia’s First Duty-Free Mall

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2024 – Ethiopian Airlines Group and Ethiopian Tourist Trading Enterprise (ETTE) have entered into an agreement to establish Ethiopia’s first duty-free mall. The two entities signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of a facility that aims to offer an international shopping experience, featuring luxury brands and local products. The mall will be designed to provide a high-quality retail and leisure environment, targeting travelers and visitors. It is expected to contribute to the country’s aviation and tourism sectors by enhancing services and promoting Ethiopia’s cultural heritage through local offerings. This development marks a step toward strengthening Ethiopia’s presence as an aviation and tourism hub in Africa, with the project set to be located near Bole International Airport. Both Ethiopian Airlines and ETTE view this collaboration as a significant opportunity to boost economic activity and create a destination for international shoppers and local consumers alike. Makole mahommed ahomed onile ጨዊታ Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime())

Meet Tayech Berihun: The Ethiopian-German Entrepreneur Empowering Kids Through LayuToys

In a world increasingly interconnected yet grappling with cultural displacement, Tayech Berihun saw an opportunity to empower children through playful learning. Her journey as the founder of LayuToys is not just about creating toys—it’s about preserving language, celebrating diversity, and fostering cultural pride in children. In this spirited interview, Tayech shares the inspiration, challenges, and vision behind LayuToys and its flagship product, AHADU, while offering insight into her entrepreneurial journey. Tayech Berihun’s personal story of growing up bilingual and bicultural is at the heart of LayuToys. “Being born in Germany and growing up Ethiopian, I experienced both worlds,” she explains. “This blend of cultures gave me a sense of identity that I want to pass on to children in the diaspora.” LayuToys’ first product, AHADU, is a talking flashcard toy that teaches Amharic and English, reflecting Tayech’s commitment to helping children maintain connections with their heritage while benefiting from multilingualism. The name LayuToys carries deep personal significance. “It’s a blend of names that represent the combined influences in my life,” says Tayech. More than just a brand name, LayuToys is a tribute to the journey and people who have supported the brand’s mission. “Layu represents the richness of diversity—every child can find themselves in the toys we create.” Cultural identity and bilingualism are the bedrock of LayuToys’ mission. Tayech recalls how growing up bilingual helped her connect with her Ethiopian roots while thriving in a different culture. “Our products are designed to make language learning fun and meaningful,” she says, adding that AHADU helps children “embrace their cultural roots while gaining the cognitive benefits of being multilingual.” This cultural pride is what Tayech hopes to instill in children, helping them navigate their worlds with confidence and pride. As a first-time entrepreneur, Tayech faced numerous challenges bringing AHADU to life. “There’s so much behind the scenes—finding designers, managing logistics, dealing with legal matters,” she recalls. What helped her navigate these complexities? “Research and moral support were key. I also had a great advisor who guided me through the process.” Tayech’s patience, persistence, and reliance on mentorship paid off, culminating in a product that bridges the gap between play and learning. AHADU’s design goes beyond simple language learning; it’s an interactive experience. “Kids insert flashcards into the toy, and AHADU displays the word visually while saying it out loud in Amharic and English,” Tayech explains. This dual sensory approach enhances word recognition and pronunciation, making language acquisition more engaging and effective. “By seeing and hearing the words, children grasp languages faster,” she adds. It’s a learning tool disguised as a toy—exactly what Tayech envisioned for bilingual children everywhere. Since its launch, AHADU has garnered positive feedback from children, parents, and educators alike. “Many have told me that AHADU fills a significant gap in the market,” Tayech beams. Parents appreciate its educational value, while educators see it as an innovative tool for bilingual learning. For the Ethiopian and immigrant communities, AHADU is more than a toy—it’s a bridge between generations and cultures. The future of LayuToys is filled with exciting possibilities. “We’re expanding to include more Ethiopian languages, like Afaan Oromo and Tigrinya, and we’re planning to introduce European languages like German,” Tayech reveals. By incorporating more languages and cultures, LayuToys aims to create toys that celebrate diverse identities. “We’re also working on our next groundbreaking toy, designed for older age groups,” she adds, signaling that LayuToys is poised to grow its impact even further. Reflecting on her journey, Tayech acknowledges that certain aspects of her entrepreneurial path could have been smoother with better planning. “If I could go back, I’d do more research on logistics and manufacturing from the start,” she says. Seeking guidance earlier would have also helped streamline the process. However, she sees every challenge as a learning opportunity that has shaped LayuToys into what it is today. “The bumps along the way have helped me grow.” Tayech’s drive to innovate in the educational toy space comes from a deep sense of purpose. “I stay motivated by my desire to support the Ethiopian community,” she says. LayuToys is her way of giving back, acknowledging the sacrifices made by Ethiopian and immigrant parents. “Seeing the impact that LayuToys has on families keeps me going.” When asked about the future, Tayech envisions LayuToys expanding beyond Ethiopia to serve the broader African community. “We want to address language barriers, especially for those who only speak their colonial language,” she explains. By creating educational toys that introduce indigenous languages, LayuToys aims to help children connect with their true identity. “In 5-10 years, I hope LayuToys will have made a meaningful impact worldwide, helping children bridge cultural gaps and celebrate their heritage.” Tayech Berihun’s journey with LayuToys is a testament to the power of bilingual learning, cultural pride, and entrepreneurship. Through AHADU and future products, LayuToys aims to make a lasting impact on children worldwide, helping them embrace their roots while navigating a globalized world. For Tayech, it’s not just about toys—it’s about empowering the next generation to be proud of who they are.

Meet Tayech Berihun: The Ethiopian-German Entrepreneur Empowering Kids Through LayuToys

In a world increasingly interconnected yet grappling with cultural displacement, Tayech Berihun saw an opportunity to empower children through playful learning. Her journey as the founder of LayuToys is not just about creating toys—it’s about preserving language, celebrating diversity, and fostering cultural pride in children. In this spirited interview, Tayech shares the inspiration, challenges, and vision behind LayuToys and its flagship product, AHADU, while offering insight into her entrepreneurial journey. Tayech Berihun’s personal story of growing up bilingual and bicultural is at the heart of LayuToys. “Being born in Germany and growing up Ethiopian, I experienced both worlds,” she explains. “This blend of cultures gave me a sense of identity that I want to pass on to children in the diaspora.” LayuToys’ first product, AHADU, is a talking flashcard toy that teaches Amharic and English, reflecting Tayech’s commitment to helping children maintain connections with their heritage while benefiting from multilingualism. The name LayuToys carries deep personal significance. “It’s a blend of names that represent the combined influences in my life,” says Tayech. More than just a brand name, LayuToys is a tribute to the journey and people who have supported the brand’s mission. “Layu represents the richness of diversity—every child can find themselves in the toys we create.” Cultural identity and bilingualism are the bedrock of LayuToys’ mission. Tayech recalls how growing up bilingual helped her connect with her Ethiopian roots while thriving in a different culture. “Our products are designed to make language learning fun and meaningful,” she says, adding that AHADU helps children “embrace their cultural roots while gaining the cognitive benefits of being multilingual.” This cultural pride is what Tayech hopes to instill in children, helping them navigate their worlds with confidence and pride. As a first-time entrepreneur, Tayech faced numerous challenges bringing AHADU to life. “There’s so much behind the scenes—finding designers, managing logistics, dealing with legal matters,” she recalls. What helped her navigate these complexities? “Research and moral support were key. I also had a great advisor who guided me through the process.” Tayech’s patience, persistence, and reliance on mentorship paid off, culminating in a product that bridges the gap between play and learning. AHADU’s design goes beyond simple language learning; it’s an interactive experience. “Kids insert flashcards into the toy, and AHADU displays the word visually while saying it out loud in Amharic and English,” Tayech explains. This dual sensory approach enhances word recognition and pronunciation, making language acquisition more engaging and effective. “By seeing and hearing the words, children grasp languages faster,” she adds. It’s a learning tool disguised as a toy—exactly what Tayech envisioned for bilingual children everywhere. Since its launch, AHADU has garnered positive feedback from children, parents, and educators alike. “Many have told me that AHADU fills a significant gap in the market,” Tayech beams. Parents appreciate its educational value, while educators see it as an innovative tool for bilingual learning. For the Ethiopian and immigrant communities, AHADU is more than a toy—it’s a bridge between generations and cultures. The future of LayuToys is filled with exciting possibilities. “We’re expanding to include more Ethiopian languages, like Afaan Oromo and Tigrinya, and we’re planning to introduce European languages like German,” Tayech reveals. By incorporating more languages and cultures, LayuToys aims to create toys that celebrate diverse identities. “We’re also working on our next groundbreaking toy, designed for older age groups,” she adds, signaling that LayuToys is poised to grow its impact even further. Reflecting on her journey, Tayech acknowledges that certain aspects of her entrepreneurial path could have been smoother with better planning. “If I could go back, I’d do more research on logistics and manufacturing from the start,” she says. Seeking guidance earlier would have also helped streamline the process. However, she sees every challenge as a learning opportunity that has shaped LayuToys into what it is today. “The bumps along the way have helped me grow.” Tayech’s drive to innovate in the educational toy space comes from a deep sense of purpose. “I stay motivated by my desire to support the Ethiopian community,” she says. LayuToys is her way of giving back, acknowledging the sacrifices made by Ethiopian and immigrant parents. “Seeing the impact that LayuToys has on families keeps me going.” When asked about the future, Tayech envisions LayuToys expanding beyond Ethiopia to serve the broader African community. “We want to address language barriers, especially for those who only speak their colonial language,” she explains. By creating educational toys that introduce indigenous languages, LayuToys aims to help children connect with their true identity. “In 5-10 years, I hope LayuToys will have made a meaningful impact worldwide, helping children bridge cultural gaps and celebrate their heritage.” Tayech Berihun’s journey with LayuToys is a testament to the power of bilingual learning, cultural pride, and entrepreneurship. Through AHADU and future products, LayuToys aims to make a lasting impact on children worldwide, helping them embrace their roots while navigating a globalized world. For Tayech, it’s not just about toys—it’s about empowering the next generation to be proud of who they are.