The Complex Role of Bill Gates in Ethiopian Agriculture and Healthcare: A Double-Edged Sword by Bekan Bekele

The Complex Role of Bill Gates in Ethiopian Agriculture and Healthcare: A Double-Edged Sword by Bekan Bekele By Bekan Bekele Bill Gates recently visited Ethiopia, to witness the progress of projects his foundation has been deeply involved with for years along with other agricultural initiatives outside of his foundation. While his initiatives aim to advance key sectors like agriculture and healthcare, the impact of his involvement is a subject of heated debate. Ethiopia, where critical part of its economy, accounts for 40 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), 80 percent of exports, and an estimated 75 percent of the country’s workforce, and where healthcare challenges remain significant, stands at a crossroads. The question is: Are Gates’ contributions a boon or a bane for Ethiopia? Agriculture: Modern Solutions with Uncertain Long-Term Effects The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been a major proponent of the Green Revolution in Africa, promoting the use of high-yield hybrid seeds, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These interventions, already common in Ethiopia, aim to increase agricultural productivity. However, they also bring a host of concerns that cannot be ignored. The push for GMOs and synthetic fertilizers, championed by Bill Gates, raises significant concerns about the long-term health impacts on future generations. While these methods may boost crop yields, they come with risks that shouldn’t be overlooked. Synthetic fertilizers can degrade soil health over time, potentially reducing the nutritional quality of the food grown in it. GMOs also present potential dangers, including allergenic reactions and unknown long-term effects, particularly on children, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable. Continued reliance on these technologies could pose serious health risks for future generations in Ethiopia, especially as the nation becomes more dependent on chemically altered crops and industrial farming practices. One of the other primary issues with the Gates Foundation’s agricultural initiatives is the increased dependency they create. Ethiopian farmers, many of whom are smallholders, are encouraged to use hybrid seeds that cannot be replanted, synthetic fertilizers that degrade soil health over time, and GMOs that tie them to specific agrochemical products. This model not only forces farmers to purchase new seeds and inputs each season but also makes them dependent on multinational corporations, eroding Ethiopia’s agricultural sovereignty. The other issue is the widespread use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, often promoted under Gates’ initiatives, have significant environmental downsides. While these products can indeed increase crop yields, they also contribute to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Over time, the excessive use of these inputs can lead to a decline in soil fertility, which ironically could decrease agricultural productivity in the long run—a dangerous prospect for a country so reliant on farming. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Management in 2019 highlighted that the continuous application of synthetic fertilizers reduces soil organic matter, leading to a decline in soil health and crop yields. This creates a vicious cycle where more inputs are required to maintain productivity, further entrenching dependency and harming the environment. The Push for GMOs rather than alternatives The Gates Foundation’s strong advocacy for GMOs is another point of contention. While GMOs can offer benefits –  they come with risks that are particularly concerning in a country like Ethiopia. The further use of GMOs can lead to the loss of indigenous crop varieties, reducing genetic diversity and making the agricultural system more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate change. Furthermore, GMOs are often associated with specific herbicides and pesticides, increasing environmental and health risks. There are other methods that could enhance agricultural productivity without the negative impacts of synthetic inputs and GMOs. For example, organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, improve soil health over time, leading to sustained or even increased productivity. Agroecology, which involves practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of cover crops, works with natural ecosystems and can lead to high productivity while preserving soil fertility and biodiversity. Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), which combines organic and inorganic inputs, has also been shown to boost yields without degrading the environment. These alternatives have been shown to be as productive, if not more so, than synthetic methods when properly implemented. A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2019 noted that agroecological practices could enhance productivity and resilience, making them viable and sustainable options for Ethiopian agriculture. Healthcare: The Double-Edged Sword of Philanthropy Beyond agriculture, Gates’ involvement in Ethiopia extends to the healthcare sector, where his foundation has funded numerous projects aimed at combating diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. While these efforts have undoubtedly saved lives, they also raise important ethical and practical concerns. Vertical Health Programs vs. Comprehensive Healthcare The Gates Foundation is known for its focus on “vertical” health programs—initiatives that target specific diseases through measures like vaccination campaigns and distribution of medicines. While these programs can be highly effective in controlling particular diseases, they often come at the expense of “horizontal” or comprehensive healthcare systems. In Ethiopia, where healthcare infrastructure is often weak, the emphasis on disease-specific interventions can divert resources away from strengthening overall healthcare systems. For instance, while significant funds might go towards distributing vaccines, less attention is paid to building clinics, training healthcare workers, or improving maternal and child health services. This can lead to situations where diseases are controlled, but broader health outcomes do not improve significantly. Lack of Accountability and Transparency One of the most persistent criticisms of the Gates Foundation is its lack of accountability and transparency. As a private foundation wielding immense power, it operates largely without public oversight. Decisions about which programs to fund and how to implement them are made behind closed doors, with little input from the communities affected by these decisions. This is particularly concerning in Ethiopia, where the healthcare needs are vast and complex, and where the input of local stakeholders is crucial for the success of any intervention. A 2016 report by the Global Justice Now organization pointed out that the Gates Foundation’s approach often mirrors that of a corporation rather than a philanthropic entity. It invests heavily in programs that align with its own interests and priorities, sometimes to the detriment of more pressing or locally relevant needs. The foundation’s influence is so concentrated that it can overshadow the efforts of local governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders, leading to a situation where a single entity has disproportionate control over the direction of public health and agricultural policies. Questioning Gates’ overall Power and Ethics Beyond the specific issues in agriculture and healthcare, there are broader concerns about the role of Bill Gates and his foundation in global development. These criticisms focus on the concentration of power, lack of transparency, and the ethical implications of a private individual having such significant influence over public policy. The Gates Foundation, with its vast financial resources and global reach, has the ability to shape policies in countries around the world, including Ethiopia. While this can lead to positive outcomes, such as funding for disease eradication or agricultural development, it also raises questions about democratic governance and accountability. When a single foundation has the power to direct billions of dollars in aid, it can undermine the authority of elected governments and local institutions, leading to a form of neo-colonialism where decisions are made by foreign entities rather than the people directly affected. The ethical implications of Gates’ philanthropy are complex. On one hand, the foundation has undeniably contributed to significant advancements in health and development. On the other hand, the methods used and the outcomes achieved are not always in line with the needs or desires of the communities involved. Critics argue that the foundation’s top-down approach, which prioritizes technological solutions over local knowledge and practices, can lead to interventions that are unsustainable or even hharmful in the long run. Finally, the lack of transparency and accountability in the Gates Foundation’s operations is a major concern. Unlike governments or public organizations, the foundation is not subject to the same levels of scrutiny or public oversight. This means that decisions about how billions of dollars are spent, and on what, are made without the input or consent of the people most affected by them. This lack of accountability is particularly troubling in Ethiopia, where the foundation’s influence on key sectors like agriculture and healthcare is profound. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Vandana Shiva, and other critics have voiced serious concerns about Bill Gates’ influence on World agriculture and healthcare sectors, specifically in third world countries. Their criticisms highlight significant issues with Gates’ approach, which they believe could have harmful long-term consequences. Gates’ advocacy for synthetic fertilizers and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is criticized for creating dependency among farmers. By promoting seeds that cannot be replanted and agrochemicals that degrade soil health, Gates’ approach risks eroding local agricultural practices and undermining food sovereignty. Environmental concerns, including soil degradation and loss of biodiversity, may also pose long-term threats to agricultural productivity. In the healthcare sector, Gates’ focus on disease-specific interventions, particularly vaccines for diseases like malaria and COVID-19, has come under scrutiny. Critics like Kennedy argue that this narrow approach—while effective in controlling specific diseases—neglects the need for a more comprehensive healthcare system. Kennedy specifically raises ethical concerns about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines distributed inj low-income countries. He argues that these vaccines are sometimes rolled out without sufficient long-term safety data or adequate informed consent, exposing vulnerable populations to potential risks. This approach, he suggests, could lead to adverse health outcomes if vaccines are not thoroughly tested and monitored, especially in countries like Ethiopia with limited regulatory oversight. In Conclusion Bill Gates’ involvement in Ethiopia is a double-edged sword. While his foundation’s initiatives in agriculture and healthcare have the potential to bring about positive change, they also come with significant risks. The reliance on synthetic inputs and GMOs in agriculture, the focus on vertical health programs at the expense of comprehensive care, and the lack of accountability in decision-making all raise important concerns. The future of Ethiopian agriculture and healthcare should be shaped by the needs and desires of its people, not by the agendas of external actors. As Gates’ influence in Ethiopia as well as Africa continues to grow, it is more important than ever to ensure that his foundation’s interventions are subject to rigorous scrutiny and that the voices of Ethiopian farmers, healthcare workers, and communities are heard. Only by doing so can Ethiopia ensure that its path to development is truly sustainable, equitable, and in the best interest of all its citizens. References: Journal of Environmental Management (2019). The study discusses the environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers and their long-term effects on soil health. Vandana Shiva, “The Violence of the Green Revolution: Third World Agriculture, Ecology, and Politics,” 1991. Shiva has been a vocal critic of the Green Revolution’s impact on smallholder farmers and the environment. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology (2021). Discusses the impact of GMOs on local crop varieties and biodiversity. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Criticizes Gates’ approach to global health. His concerns are articulated in various interviews and public statements. Global Justice Now (2016). This report critiques the Gates Foundation’s approach to healthcare and the ethical implications of its vaccination programs. Kennedy’s concerns about vaccines are detailed in his book “The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health,” where he discusses the ethics and safety of vaccines promoted by Gates’ foundation. Global Justice Now (2016) report also highlights concerns about transparency and accountability in the Gates Foundation’s operations. A 2020 article from The Seatle Times titled “Inside Bill Gates’ high-stakes quest to vaccinate the world against COVID-19”

New Online Service by Unite.et Enables Remote Bank Account Registration for Ethiopians Abroad

New Online Service by Unite.et Enables Remote Bank Account Registration for Ethiopians Abroad Unite.et, a new online service, has launched to enable Ethiopians living abroad to remotely register and open local bank accounts in both local and foreign currencies. The platform aims to facilitate access to banking services for the Ethiopian diaspora, providing a variety of financial services without requiring users to visit a physical branch in Ethiopia. In addition to account registration, the platform offers services such as loan applications, account management, and other banking functionalities through its online interface. The service is accessible via the unite.et website and mobile apps and is supported by the National Bank of Ethiopia. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote formal remittances into Ethiopia and provide more accessible financial services to the diaspora. This development highlights the increasing role of digital banking solutions in providing essential financial services to users worldwide.

Ethiopia and China Seal Historic Currency Swap Deal: Strengthening Trade Ties

Ethiopia and China Seal Historic Currency Swap Deal: Strengthening Trade Ties On August 30, 2016, Ethiopia and China agreed to trade in Birr and Yuan, strengthening the economic ties between the two nations. This agreement is believed to have been reached during talks between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, the two countries’ national banks have agreed to collaborate closely in order to facilitate trade and enhance financial cooperation. The minister also noted that China has provided Ethiopia with 400 million yuan in financial assistance, a contribution confirmed by President Xi during their discussions. President Xi praised Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms, acknowledging the nation’s efforts to stabilize its economy and promote growth. He emphasized that the partnership between Ethiopia and China is built on mutual benefit, with both countries seeking to expand their trade and investment opportunities. The agreement is expected to bolster Ethiopia’s economic stability by reducing its reliance on third-party currencies for trade with China, thus facilitating smoother financial transactions. This move is also seen as a significant step in Ethiopia’s broader strategy to enhance its economic sovereignty and strengthen its ties with global trading partners, particularly China, which is one of Ethiopia’s largest investors. The cooperation marks a milestone in the longstanding diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations, further solidifying their role in Africa-China trade relations.

Private Equity Firm 8 Miles, Backed by Bob Geldof, Exits Majority Stake in Ethiopia’s Awash Wines

Private Equity Firm 8 Miles, Backed by Bob Geldof, Exits Majority Stake in Ethiopia’s Awash Wines Private equity firm 8 Miles, associated with Irish rockstar and philanthropist Bob Geldof, has divested the majority of its stake in Awash Wines, a leading Ethiopian wine producer, for an undisclosed amount. 8 Miles spearheaded a consortium that acquired 100% ownership of Awash Wines in July 2013. In September 2024, it sold an 89% stake to a new “strategic investor consortium,” although specific details of the transaction remain sparse. The advisory role was handled by Verdant IMAP. Founded in 1936, Awash Wines operates two wineries in Addis Ababa and is known for producing popular local brands such as Axumit, Kemila, and Gouder. Over the past decade, 8 Miles has played a pivotal role in modernizing the company and expanding its reach. In 2020, 8 Miles raised $150 million from several major institutions, including the African Development Bank, World Bank, and the British investment firm CDC Group. Besides Awash Wines, 8 Miles has previously invested in several African ventures, including Verde Beef Processing in Ethiopia, Blue Skies Holding in South Africa and Egypt, Orient Bank Ltd in Uganda, and Biyinzika Poultry International in Uganda. According to 8 Miles’ website, the firm has exited all of its African investments except for a 15% stake in Nigeria’s biscuit manufacturer Beloxxi Industries Ltd. In its first major exit, 8 Miles and other shareholders sold a 90% stake in Orient Bank in Uganda to I&M Holdings in 2021, finalizing the deal in 2022. I&M Holdings, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), has since rebranded the bank as I&M Bank Uganda. The firm has also faced scrutiny for setting up its operations in Mauritius, a known tax haven. Leaked documents in 2019 revealed that 8 Miles structured its African investments through Mauritius. In response, an 8 Miles spokesperson explained that the firm’s portfolio companies pay taxes in their respective countries, with only proceeds from exits or sales being funneled back through Mauritius.

Transformative Afforestation Project in Ethiopia Listed on Verra

Transformative Afforestation Project in Ethiopia Listed on Verra Date: September 2, 2024 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia We are thrilled to announce that African Bamboo’s afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation(ARR) carbon project has been officially listed on Verra, marking a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and support rural highland communities in Ethiopia. Khalid Duri, founder and CEO said: “This listing on Verra is the culmination of more than a year of work with contributions from a large team spanning four continents. African Bamboo is proud to pioneer Ethiopia’s first listing on Verra — an important standard bearer for certifying that projects such as our Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation activities in the Oromia and Sidama regions of Ethiopia meet a high social and environmental impact.” This groundbreaking project by African Bamboo focuses on planting Yushania alpina(highland bamboo) along with native indigenous species to create dynamic agroforests across the tropical Afromontane highland ecosystems. By implementing afforestation activities over an initial 20 hectares, the project will expand across 12,120 hectares to restore degraded and deforested lands while providing essential ecosystem services such as increased climate resilience, soil stability, and water flow regulation. Khalid Noted: “African countries are disproportionately vulnerable to the climate crisis. In response, we’ve seen ambitious plans emerge from the continent, such as the Africa Adaptation Initiative and Agenda 2063, aligned with the Paris Agreement. However, a significant adaptation finance gap remains. Our agroforestry project bridges this gap by enhancing community resilience and providing a decarbonization pathway for the private sector through investments in adaptation and mitigation projects. I’m proud that our project plays a vital role in supporting the Africa Carbon Market Initiative’s goal of producing 300 million carbon credits annually by 2030.“ The project aims to generate carbon credits under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), with an expected reduction of 7,259,698 tCO2eq over a 30-year crediting period, averaging 241,990 tCO2eq in annual emissions reductions. Impact Beyond Carbon Sequestration Rania Duri, Deputy General Manager: “Ethiopia has an abundantly available renewable resource of bamboo. Through sustainable agroforest practices and industrialization of tropical bamboo fiber products that meet global market standards, we are enabling ecosystems across the value chain, contributing to job impact in the hundreds of thousands, and significantly contributing to the local economy.” African Bamboo manages bamboo forests in a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable manner focusing on activities aimed at achieving the following objectives: Ecosystem Services: Cultivating native highland bamboo and other indigenous tree species will enhance soil fertility, improve productivity, and contribute to carbon sequestration, which is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Socio-Economic Development: The project enhances the socio-economic conditions of local communities, including women and youth, by developing value chain services for bamboo, sericulture, and apiculture, creating sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities through carbon finance. Sustainable Management Practices: The project will implement best practices to ensure tree species’ proper growth and maintenance, fostering long-term ecological health. African Bamboo has made significant strides in establishing community-led agroforestry operations in Afromontane highlands, incorporating 3,000 smallholder farmers into 31 cooperatives (COOPs) and 68 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within its forest-to-market value chain. This value chain is poised to unlock an array of employment pathways in Ethiopia, generating 69,000 biochar jobs, 33,000 transport jobs, 21,000 harvesting jobs, 4,000 fostering jobs, 139,000 planting and aftercare jobs, 22,000 improvement jobs, 6,000 bamboo processing jobs, 10,000 MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) jobs, and 350,000 sericulture jobs. Samuel Rosmarin, Chief Investment and Corporate Development Officer:  “Listing on Verra is an important milestone toward attracting climate finance for Ethiopia. Climate finance projects like our ARR project can crowd in essential financing to launch investments in agro-forestry and manufacturing that will generate critical foreign currency, jobs, and ecosystem restoration. East Africa needs $900 Billion to finance its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) towards the Paris Agreement. We hope this listing will inspire other developers and financiers to invest in carbon-reducing projects in the region.” The certification by Verra underscores the project’s potential impact, paving the way for further investments in sustainable land management and climate resilience initiatives. Samuel added, “Now that the project is listed on Verra, we will focus on scaling up operations and expanding the project. For this, the company will continue to engage with international partners to unlock investment to ensure the project’s success and impact.” African Bamboo invites stakeholders, environmental advocates, the international community, and the Government of Ethiopia to support our mission to create lasting positive change for both the environment and local communities. About African Bamboo African Bamboo is a forest-to-market business operating in Ethiopia and the Netherlands. By integrating agroforestry practices, vocational education, MSME development, robust digital platforms, and carbon credits certification, the partnership aims to foster a sustainable and inclusive transformation of the Ethiopian rural agroforest economy. About Verra Founded in 2007, Verra is a non-profit corporation that now manages the world’s leading voluntary carbon markets program, the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, that builds standards for diverse activities such as reducing deforestation, improving agricultural practices, addressing plastic waste, and to achieving gender equality to certify that these activities achieve measurable high-integrity outcomes. FAQ Learn more: For further details about the project, please contact:

Kasanchis Area Set for Demolition as PM Abiy Expands Corridor Projects

Kasanchis Area Set for Demolition as PM Abiy Expands Corridor Projects In a recent ceremony recognizing the completion of the first phase of the Addis Ababa Corridor Project, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the upcoming demolition of the Kasanchis area as part of the city’s ongoing urban transformation efforts. The demolition is part of a broader initiative aimed at modernizing key infrastructure and improving connectivity throughout the capital. During his speech, PM Abiy assigned six city officials to lead different phases of the project, with a focus on key areas of Addis Ababa. The Prime Minister also addressed the diplomatic community’s initial hesitation in supporting the project, expressing his expectation that their stance would shift as the project moves into its next phase. Impact on Businesses and Communities The Corridor Project has led to significant changes in many parts of Addis Ababa, affecting medium and small businesses along its route. The demolition of business areas, including popular sites such as Gurd Sholla, the Bole area (notably mobile stores), Kera, Piassa, and 4 Kilo, has forced many businesses to either close or relocate. These areas, known for their vibrant commercial activity, have seen a reduction in business operations as demolition work progresses. The Prime Minister emphasized that the changes brought about by the corridor project are essential for long-term urban development, despite the challenges faced by business owners. Local authorities have been tasked with managing the transitions and providing support where possible. Corridor Project Phases in Addis Ababa Six city officials have been appointed to lead specific phases of the corridor project, with each focusing on different urban areas: Adanech Abebe (Mayor of Addis Ababa): Meskel Square–Mexico–Adwa Dildey corridor. Deputy Mayor Janterebaw Abay: South Gate–Megenagna–Meskel Square corridor. Moges Balcha: Italy Embassy–Ginfele–Kebena–Aware River project. Ato Tiratu: Africa Convention Center–Goro (CMC area). Dr. Jemalu: 4 Kilo–Shiro Meda–Entoto and Botanical area. Ato Tilahun: Entoto–Piassa–Friendship–Peacock Riverside project. Additionally, the completion of the Chaka Project is expected to add 1/3 of the current size of Addis Ababa to the city, further contributing to the capital’s development. Expansion to Regional Cities In addition to the work in Addis Ababa, the corridor project is set to expand to other regional cities. To facilitate this, Addis Ababa city officials have been paired with regional mayors to share expertise and oversee similar projects. The partnerships include: Gondar and Bishoftu: Partnering with Adanech Abebe. Dessie and Semera Corridor: Led by Deputy Mayor Janterebaw Abay. Jigjiga: Managed by Ato Moges Balcha. Harar City: Supervised by Engineer Mohammed. Arbaminch: Led by Ato Tiratu. Hawassa: Managed by Alemetsehay Yohannes. Bahir Dar, Adama, and Sheger: Overseeing their own corridor projects. PM Abiy noted that any sub-city not currently included in the six major corridors can undertake its own demolition and redevelopment efforts as part of the project’s broader vision. While the corridor project has already resulted in widespread urban transformation, the next phases aim to enhance the capital’s infrastructure further, with an increasing focus on expanding the initiative to other cities across Ethiopia. The Prime Minister’s vision for the future includes continued collaboration with the diplomatic community and broader support for Ethiopia’s ambitious urban renewal projects.

Ethiopia Adjusts Power Tariffs to Meet IMF Goals, Effective This New Year

Ethiopia Adjusts Power Tariffs to Meet IMF Goals, Effective This New Year The adjustment made to the electricity service tariff, set to take effect starting from the upcoming New Year, aligns with requirements set forth by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is recalled that on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the Council of Ministers approved the adjustment to the electricity service tariff on June 20, 2023. Following this, the revised tariff for Ethiopian Electric Power will be effective from September 11, 2024. The Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Engineer Shiferawu Telila, explained that the tariff increase is based on customers’ energy usage. Therefore, household customers, commercial establishments, small industries, large industries, and street lighting users have been categorized accordingly. The IMF has mandated reforms that include rationalizing subsidies and adjusting tariffs to reflect actual service costs as part of Ethiopia’s broader economic reform program. These reforms aim to make state-owned enterprises like Ethiopian Electric Power financially sustainable, reduce public debt, and improve service delivery. Regarding household electricity users, Engineer Shiferawu stated, “They will be subsidized according to their usage, with the difference between what they currently pay and the increase.” The subsidy will cover 75% of the difference for customers using less than 50KW, 40% for those using between 50KW and 100KW, and a scaled subsidy system will be applied for those using more than 500KW, based on consumption. According to the CEO, the tariff adjustment (an increase of 6 Birr) will not be charged all at once but spread over 16 accounting periods over the course of four years starting from September 11, 2024. He added that customers using 50KW/hr, who currently pay 27 cents, will pay 35 cents starting in September. The tariff adjustment is part of a larger effort by the Ethiopian government to meet IMF conditions while ensuring electricity services remain affordable for vulnerable groups through subsidies.

Tadele Gemechu’s Acquisition of Eneredada Union Properties Raises Questions Over Land Transfers

Tadele Gemechu’s Acquisition of Eneredada Union Properties Raises Questions Over Land Transfers Two plots of land taken from the Consumers’ Association for development have been put up for sale by the new owners through a broker. According to information reported by Meseret Media, two plots of land that were taken from the Consumers’ Association in the Bole Atlas area and given to an individual and another organization for “development” a few weeks ago have now been put up for sale by the new owners through a broker. The members of “Eneredada Multipurpose Consumers Union Limited Liability Company,” which has managed two properties behind Mado Hotel and Dessalegn Hotel in Bole sub-district in Addis Ababa for the past 47 years, complained that they were informed that the properties would be transferred to individuals. Mrs. Manyahlushal Kebede, chairman of the association’s board, told the reporter that the holdings were “to be given to an investor and an organization for development, so they should vacate immediately.” The chairman of the board, who stated that the association had more than 270 members when it was founded, explained that they received a response saying, “We made you leave as per the decision of the administration cabinet of Bole sub-district, district 03 without being informed.” He mentioned that it is inappropriate for the association to release the properties they have managed for many years to give to two investors. In a letter written to the city administration, the association stated that since the administration had decided to give two plots of land to private individuals, a verbal order was given to them to vacate the plots through the district 3 office. As the order given to the association was shocking and unexpected, they requested a written document to prove which government body issued the order. However, they were told, “There is nothing to be given in writing, as it is an instruction from a higher body, leave the place in two or three days.” The association pointed out in the letter that one of the holdings of the Eneredada Multipurpose Consumers Union, which is managed by more than 220 members, is 5,700 square meters, and the other, which is located behind Dessalegn Hotel, is 2,400 square meters. Ms. Manyahlushal emphasized that it is unclear why the association’s holdings are being given to only one individual and one organization, especially since the association has 500 million birr in deposit capital in addition to its assets and can develop as required by the city administration. Alemu Denekou, a member of the Legal Committee of Eneredada Multipurpose Consumers Private Limited Liability Company, added that the two properties of the association, located behind Bole Mado Hotel and Dessalegn Hotel, are legal and have maps. He said that since the association can develop the two holdings to the full extent that the government wants, there is no reason why they should be transferred to other entities. One and a half months ago, the Consumers’ Union of Andarada, which was called to release these two locations to investors, vacated the premises. The union had held these areas since 1969. Owned by more than 220 local residents, this Consumers’ Union had one area of 5,000 square meters and another of more than 2,000 square meters. It is reported that Ato Tadele Gemechu, who purchased these areas, sold one for 91 million birr, while the other was leased to Accordia Investment Group for 175 million birr. According to Meseret Media has learned that this individual and the company are now working through a broker to sell the land at a higher price. As a result, it is known that the land behind Dessalegn Hotel is being offered for 160 million birr, and the 5,000 square meter plot, where two restaurants were previously located, is being offered for 265 million birr. The restaurants named Sever and Nathan, which were renting the association’s building (now demolished), were reportedly paying an estimated tax of 50 million birr per year and managing more than 200 employees.

Why I’m Betting Safaricom Will Fail in Ethiopia

Why I’m Betting Safaricom Will Fail in Ethiopia Lelaw Wondimu And How I am getting the Ultimate #SufferingCom Experience It was promising when it started—the speed, the consistency—I could have said it was like love at first byte. I used Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC data packages here and there whenever my ethio telecom connection was down. I loved the consistency so much that I completely switched to using 500GB enterprise packages as my primary connection. Then, one day (March 1st, 2024, to be exact), the internet completely stopped working. That was the first red flag in this toxic relationship. No internet connection, no way to check my balance, no option to top up. For a FULL month (until April 1st, 2024), I was on the phone with Safaricom Support almost every other day. It was draining. I had to explain the issue every time—no issue number for case history, no follow-up. Every conversation felt like a battle, with the support team more focused on explaining why Safaricom wasn’t at fault than on actually helping me solve the problem. I was repeatedly told that I had run out of credit, but even the USSD codes to check my balance and top up weren’t working on my number. All the transfers from mobile banking I made to test this “excuse” never arrived—to this day. Then, in April, the internet just started working again—no acknowledgment, no follow-up, no effort made to investigate the glitch that disabled my network for a whole month. But my internet was back, and I was happy, so I forgot all about it. Then, on August 1st, after using it for a while, I thought I could commit long-term. After reviewing the Fair Usage Policy on their website, I made the silly move of purchasing the Yearly Enterprise Unlimited 4G (Which costs more than twice of EthioTelecom’s Yearly package). The policy said the limit was 390GB per month, and my average usage was around 200GB per month, so crossing the limit wasn’t even a concern – I was committing for the quality. But then, in the evenings, the connection started acting weird. I toggled mobile data, restarted my device, and tried changing locations. When it got too much, I decided to send an email with a screenshot of my speed test (August 15th). This is when I started noticing Safaricom’s support strategy: don’t acknowledge the problem, blame it on the client, never follow up. I was asked for a speed test and my location, which I provided. Then I was asked for an alternative number to be reached, which I also provided. Two weeks passed with no follow-up, no solutions. I kept sending additional emails and screenshots. After multiple emails with no response, I had to call the support line since the service was getting worse beyond the evenings. The agent told me, “You were asked to provide a phone number, and you didn’t” (Customer always wrong, Safaricom always right). I explained that I had provided it earlier and told them to check my email, which they finally did and admitted they had just seen it. Wow! Then they sent me another email saying—guess what—“Kindly share a time stamp and an alternative number if you have any so that we can forward the issue to the technical team for further investigation.” Word for word from the email. I sent it once again, and I finally got a call. The agent then told me the issue was because I exceeded my fair usage policy limit (Customer always wrong, Safaricom always right). I had been tracking my usage so that not to pass my limit, only to be told that the limit had been updated—but they couldn’t disclose it. What? Safaricom’s own official terms and conditions states they will provide prior notice before updating this policy. So, Safaricom basically told me, “I won’t tell you the service I’ll provide you, but you have no choice because you’ve already paid me. Haha.” This was a classic case of “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” I did a quick search on LinkedIn posts and found that it wasn’t just me. Discovered fellow sufferers of #sufferingcom complaining recently ( Muhammed Murad, Bisrat Kebere, Amanuel Aweke – Ayzon, I feel your pain) And the replies from Safaricom are always along the lines of: “Send us your screenshot, time stamp, and name.” Safaricom – You know you already have all our information. It’s because you have done nothing with that information that we are ranting publicly. And there are probably more people complaining on other platforms and maybe even more that are not complaining publicly (Like I had been). Thanks to Safaricom, I have found an unlikely newfound respect for EthioTelecom, considering how they handle support for the number of subscribers they have. Compared to EthioTelecom, Safaricom has just around 6% of the subscribers (late 2023 estimates 5M vs 78M). We should be getting more personalized and high-quality support based on the numbers alone. But it seems Safaricom is more focused on shiny giveaways and campaigns (we are asking for decent internet and support, not bajajs and song competitions). Now, I’m stuck in a one-year #SufferingCom marriage with my tormentor. For companies considering Safaricom as their internet service provider, I urge caution. Evaluate whether the risk of service interruptions and poor support is worth the potential savings or benefits. And for Safaricom, do better! If you don’t want to provide the service, don’t sell it in the first place. It’s not looking good for you or us at the current pace. You’re not going to win or survive your competition by charging more while giving poor experiences to your customers. Step up and provide the level of service that businesses and individuals need to succeed in today’s connected world. References 1. As of September 3 on the official terms and conditions are found here (https://safaricom.et/terms_and_conditions/unlimited_data_packs.html) 2. Safaricom Users Estimate (https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/business/safaricom-ethiopia-crosses-five-million-in-client-numbers-4345410) 3. EthioTelecom Users Estimate (https://www.ethiotelecom.et/) 1 COMMENT Martin Hoeck September 4, 2024 At 9:17 am Yip all very frustrating. As a safaricom customer I have used them in Ethiopia based on my experience in Kenya which was good. I never try to deal or argue with inept service providers limited to blaming the customer or just having no solutions to all you write about. I will probably return to Ethio Telecom as service has declined since a good start about a year ago. I called service centre once but never again. I could see the game they were playing of blame and asking silly obvious questions. What’s the point of talking with rehearsed puting doubt into the customers own intelligence. I have a few questions 1. Who really runs Safaricom in Ethiopia? 2. Using the English definition of ‘Unlimited’ it means unending implying ‘as much as you need or want’. Why is UNLIMITED ….LIMITED? 3. Why do Safaricom not (as an ethical company) give clear and concise descriptions of their ‘Unlimited’ packages…I have no desire to scroll through their small print. Any large national company are only as good as their Management who tend to hide behind the poor operators who are in the front line. I agree … Safaricom under it’s present structure will not hold on to customers in Ethiopia Yip all very frustrating. As a safaricom customer I have used them in Ethiopia based on my experience in Kenya which was good. I never try to deal or argue with inept service providers limited to blaming the customer or just having no solutions to all you write about. I will probably return to Ethio Telecom as service has declined since a good start about a year ago. I called service centre once but never again. I could see the game they were playing of blame and asking silly obvious questions. What’s the point of talking with rehearsed puting doubt into the customers own intelligence. I have a few questions 1. Who really runs Safaricom in Ethiopia? 2. Using the English definition of ‘Unlimited’ it means unending implying ‘as much as you need or want’. Why is UNLIMITED ….LIMITED? 3. Why do Safaricom not (as an ethical company) give clear and concise descriptions of their ‘Unlimited’ packages…I have no desire to scroll through their small print. Any large national company are only as good as their Management who tend to hide behind the poor operators who are in the front line. I agree … Safaricom under it’s present structure will not hold on to customers in Ethiopia Comments are closed.