Meet Sheger AI democratizing AI service in Ethiopia

Meet Sheger AI democratizing AI service in Ethiopia By Helina Bezabih Open AI is a research organization that focuses on developing advanced artificial intelligence technologies and making them accessible to the public. One of the latest developments of Open AI that has caught the public by a storm within the past 4 months are their language models like Chat GPT-3.5 and Chat GPT-4 which generate human-like texts in response to tasks required from it, it can range from giving you news updates to solving math problems or even to writing a code for a given programming task. In order to access most of these services, users are required to create an account, which requires a foreign number. Furthermore, access to more advanced models require payments and the payment methods available on Open AI are better suited for countries with diverse payment processing options.These factors make accessing the services provided by Open AI undoubtedly more difficult to users situated in Ethiopia. This is where Sheger AI comes in. What is Sheger AI? Sheger AI is an AI hub that makes the AI tools that are provided by Open AI available here in Ethiopia by shaving off the inconveniences and limitations that users may encounter in getting access to the services.Moreover, It’s done in a manner that caters to the specific needs of individuals and different businesses. Its contribution to the democratization of AI services in the developing world.. The developed world has an inevitable edge when it comes to their ability to access advanced technologies in AI, as they are the ones responsible for their existence in the first place owing to their ability to make hefty investments required for the research and development of AI tools. The involvement of developing countries, such as ours, however is lagging behind. By providing localized solutions to problems users from Ethiopia would have encountered had they accessed Open AI directly, we can say that Sheger AI definitely contributes to the democratization of AI in developing countries. On the brains and the brawn behind Sheger AI.. Dagmawi Beyene, a software engineer and IT professional, is the one responsible for coding this web application. His background in building systems and developing applications provided him with the necessary skill set required to integrate Open AI services into a web application which will in turn provide those services to users.His interest in integrating these AI tools stemmed from understanding the value of having AI could have in developing countries like Ethiopia. He is currently focused on the more technical work behind Sheger AI such as developing the web application by adding new features or fixing errors and bugs. Summer Media, under Summer PLC., is the brawn behind this operation as they are the ones who carry out the day to day activities of the business, such as drawing up marketing strategies and responding to problems on customer services. In addition, they are also the ones who handle matters related to making payment. What can you expect to find? The signing up process is user-friendly, and interested users can check out the services for free as well, though only temporarily since most Open AI services, which is what Sheger AI provides, aren’t free and require fees to use them. Another issue that has been observed with the GPT models of Open AI, and that may be present here as well, is hallucinations, which occurs when the model generates texts that aren’t true, or that do not make sense in the context of the conversation. The payment gateways available on Sheger AI do not provide support for inconsistencies that may occur if users have turned on their VPN, as such they are urged to turn it off while doing so. Furthermore, users who would like a more long term commitment will not be able to subscribe to the services because the payment providers haven’t built the infrastructure necessary to do so. However, it should be noted that these are temporary issues that will be solved in due time and that the team is currently working to fix these bugs and errors and also appreciates receiving feedback on their services as it aims to improve the satisfaction of users. Why ‘Sheger AI’ ? The payment method provided in Sheger AI is its most attractive feature as users can directly make payments on the platform provided for them by Chapa, which upon observation seems to be relatively straight forward. Furthermore, users do not need to utilize VPN to access the services offered by Sheger AI, providing a significant advantage in the current Ethiopian context where several social media platforms are blocked and necessitate the use of VPN which usually interferes with the operation of certain platforms and applications. Tags ethiopia chatgpt shegerai

Meet the 11 Impactful Startups of Venture Meda Accelerator’s First Cohort, Empowering E-Commerce in Ethiopia!

Meet the 11 Impactful Startups of Venture Meda Accelerator’s First Cohort, Empowering E-Commerce in Ethiopia! Venture Meda, a collaborative effort between the Mastercard Foundation, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, and iceaddis, has launched its first cohort of eleven promising startups with the potential to build the e-commerce of tomorrow. The program aims to create sustainable jobs in Ethiopia by revamping support to MSMEs and focusing on high-yield sectors. The startups include Taywan https://taywan.store Mogzit http://mogzit.com Kamrach (http://kamrach.com Medaf Design http://medaftech.com Room.et https://room.et PickDelivery http://keteme.com Tenawo http://tenawo.com Utentic (http://utentic.mystrikingly.com) Yetem Delivery (http://yetemdelivery.com) Legeberew WEZ http://wez.et The program, entitled ‘Job Creation through Incubation and Acceleration Support in Ethiopia,’ aims to support the creation and growth of new e-commerce ventures while enabling the growth of existing e-commerce platforms and building the capacity of local actors to participate in e-commerce. The program is expected to enable 56,160 young women and men experiencing poverty with access to direct jobs, including creating 100 e-commerce startups (70% of whom are women-led) and 3,240 small businesses as third-party marketplace sellers. The program combines comprehensive diagnostics, tailored, practical, intensive, and short training, tech audits, industry expert mentorship, and one-to-one coaching, and virtual incubation tools together with an online monitoring platform to support startups in their journey to success. The acceleration program aims to bring 50 startups through the five-year program to scale through a rapid process of exposure to national and international capital and industry connections. The partnership between the Mastercard Foundation, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, and iceaddis aims to catalyze growth and strategic partnerships, supporting early-stage and growth-stage businesses to scale through seed funding. The startups will be supported with branding promotion campaigns, including monthly networking and demo days. Iceaddis will also create a pipeline of investible businesses and attract more investment into the startup ecosystem from angel funders and venture capitalists both from local and international markets. Iceaddis, Ethiopia’s first innovation hub and tech startup incubator established in 2011, is a co-creation space that accelerates high-potential startups, facilitates technological innovations, and works with a multi-partnership approach to activate youth to gain economic empowerment. The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. The Venture Meda program is a significant step toward achieving full and productive employment, decent work, and economic growth in Ethiopia, as outlined in the SDGs and the government’s strategic plan. The program aims to create sustainable jobs, enable the growth of the local private sector, and support MSMEs in high-yield sectors, ultimately building the e-commerce platform of tomorrow.

From Staple to Scarce: The Troubling Tale of Teff’s Shortage

From Staple to Scarce: The Troubling Tale of Teff’s Shortage The shortage of Teff in Addis Ababa has become a major concern for many Ethiopians. The cause of this shortage is the refusal of farmers from Gojam (Amhara region)  to send Teff to Addis Ababa. The farmers’ reason for refusing to send Teff is due to the fact that Oromia Region is blocking Amhara’s who go to Addis Ababa. This consistent ethnic profiling and denial of entry to Addis has created frustration among people. As a result, the price of Teff has skyrocketed, reaching 10,000 birr from 5000 birr. Teff is a staple food in Ethiopia, and the shortage of this grain has caused great concern among Ethiopians. The refusal of farmers from Gojam to send Teff to Addis Ababa has created a ripple effect throughout the country. Addis Ababa is the largest market for Teff, and the shortage of this grain has made it difficult for people to find enough food to eat. Another consequence of the shortage of Teff in Addis Ababa is the increase in the price of injera. Injera is a traditional Ethiopian bread made from Teff flour, and it is a staple food in Ethiopia. Due to the shortage of Teff, the price of injera has also increased significantly. Injera is now selling at 20 birr per piece, which used to be 10 birr. This increase in price has caused many Ethiopians to struggle to afford this essential food item.Restaurants have been forced to update their prices to reflect the increase in the cost of Teff flour. This has made it difficult for many Ethiopians to eat out or even to buy injera from shops. The increase in the price of injera has also affected the restaurant industry, as many have experienced a decrease in customers due to the high cost of food. The shortage of Teff in Addis Ababa has had a significant impact on the price of injera. This traditional Ethiopian bread is now selling at double the price, making it difficult for many Ethiopians to afford. The restaurant industry has also been affected by the increase in the cost of Teff flour, leading to a decrease in customers. Tags teff

Meet the 10 DESIGNERS PARTICIPATING IN THE CREATIVE DNA : ETHIOPIA

Meet the 10 DESIGNERS PARTICIPATING IN THE CREATIVE DNA : ETHIOPIA CREATIVE DNA : ETHIOPIA – SUPPORTING ETHIOPIAN FASHION ENTERPRISES ADDIS ABABA, 10 MARCH 2023 The British Council Arts Programme in collaboration with Creative Hub Ethiopia, Fashion Scout (UK), and Marigat Gold (Kenya) has announced its latest initiative, Creative DNA : Ethiopia, which aims to support early-stage fashion and accessory enterprises in Ethiopia. An open call was out inviting creatives to submit an application and we received 150 applications out of those ten Ethiopian-based early-stage fashion and accessory enterprises were selected to be part of the Creative DNA : Ethiopia Programme. The Programme provides business incubation support to the selected designers, offering them the opportunity to develop their business skills, strengthen their networks, and gain market opportunities in Ethiopia and the UK. Creative DNA : Ethiopia is part of the SSA Arts Creative Economy Programme, which supports the creation of new art and fosters partnerships between the creative sectors of the UK and East Africa. The Programme is committed to promoting innovation, creativity, equality, diversity, and inclusion. “We are excited to launch Creative DNA : Ethiopia. We believe that this Programme provides valuable support to early-stage fashion and accessory enterprises in Ethiopia, promoting innovation and creativity while fostering partnerships between the UK and East Africa.“ Temesgen Feseha, Manager of Creative Hub Ethiopia “The Creative DNA Programme is essential to the African fashion ecosystem. Besides providing support to young fashion enterprises through its business incubator, it helps to unlock the potential of a continent rich in creativity and talent, and gives voice to a new generation of designers who can shape the narrative of African fashion for years to come.” – Silvia Tonui, Director, Marigat Gold The fashion enterprises will participate in digital coaching sessions, co-create online campaigns, and receive market opportunities, all designed to promote alternative and innovative approaches to the global fashion system. The Programme is committed to demonstrating that the fashion sector in Ethiopia is a professional choice for young people and a valuable contributor to the creative economy. “Fashion Scout is delighted to be the UK partner for Creative DNA: Ethiopia. The quality of designers that have applied has been of the highest level. As one of the world’s leading fashion platforms, we have long admired the fashion talents in Ethiopia and look forward to working with them in building sustainable businesses. Our team of experts will offer them an international approach that has proven successful in other countries around the globe.” – Martyn Roberts, Creative Director, Fashion Scout DESIGNERS PARTICIPATING IN THE CREATIVE DNA : ETHIOPIA Yonael Marga: A slow-fashion brand based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, specializing in custom-made, and conceptual art production, where cultures are re-interpreted in the contemporary context, and the ‘visual intersectionality’ that exists between cultures is emphasized. Afthoro: A brand inspired by the Arsi Oromo Culture. The design concept came from cultural items such as butter and meal pots made of bamboo and leather containers used in the earlier ‘80s. Afropian: A play on words between Ethiopian and African, Afropian is a lifestyle brand based in Addis Ababa which focuses on telling a story of African excellence, by Africans for the world. Though it is strongly centered on Ethiopia, it is a journey across the whole continent and its History. Tibebu Collection: Tibebu, meaning: wisdom, art, creative in Amharic, is a creative design studio established in December 2019. Tibebu aspires to fuse the modern and traditional experiences of society. Inspired by the authentic Ethiopian culture, we also experiment with various cultures around the world which inspired our insight. Dann Ltd is a streetwear brand to satisfy every age group that loves streetwear and casual style while changing the way streetwear is viewed in Ethiopia. Dann works hard in giving its targets different, fresh, and uniquely made outfits. SARAH Clothing is all about creation, imagination, experiments, limited editions, colors, confidence, uniqueness, fashion, outstandings, humbleness, and a lot more. Our goal is to enhance, innovate, and provide the best quality products to our customers and make a difference through the stories told in and by the products and through our branding by creating awareness that fashion is for everyone. Natanem Couture is where elegance meets style. We design and manufacture fashionable wear to your specific requirements. Every cloth is made with carefully selected garments and with authentic storytelling embroidery. Every attire is only your own! RAHWA is an Ethical Fashion Brand, founded by Rahwa Zeru in 2018. Our designs are inspired by bringing timeless looks to the products through our great attention to detail and by taking a minimalistic, modern approach to traditionally known hand-loomed cotton fabrics. TEYMNATION: A brand created for a daring soul. I named it TEYMNATION to describe what is ‘me’ (Teym) and what is my creative ownership (my nation) developed to label the place where I have full creative authority to do what I am inspired by, through fashion and don’t have to follow the rules and principles set by any other as opposed to the other aspects of my life I had no say in. Zemenay: is a plus-size brand that’s the first of its kind in Ethiopia. It’s a brand that works in promoting body positivity, Sustainability, and creativity through its storytelling pieces made to flatter different bodies. About The British Council : The British Council is the United Kingdom (UK)’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Our work in arts and culture stimulates creative expression and exchange to nurture creative enterprise programmes that are underpinned by research, focused on young people (18–35-year-olds) via three programmatic areas which are Creative Economy, Cultural Exchange, and Cultural Heritage. We support Arts and cultural organisations to raise their profile, show case their arts and increase their economic value and their partnerships, our programmes partners have the vision and understanding of their creative communities. They are best placed to lead and tell the stories of their local art sectors. Based on the mapping research done on the Creative and cultural industries in Ethiopia last year we identified that Fashion, Visual Arts, Design and Textile the drastically growing creative sectors. This sectors are our creative economy and cultural connectes programmes priority areas for the year 2023/24. Further information can be viewed at https://ethiopia.britishcouncil.org About Creative Hub Ethiopia: Creative Hub Ethiopia supports creative innovators, designers, and SMEs in various fields by deepening their understanding of global design and industrial concepts, providing state-of-the-art working tools and resources, and enhancing the link between young innovators, and industrial and governmental entities. Further information can be viewed at https://creativehub.et/ About Fashion Scout: Fashion Scout is a leading international platform and consultancy for nurturing, empowering, and showcasing emerging fashion and accessories designers from around the world. With 20 years of experience in the industry, the consultancy creates and delivers bespoke mentoring and capacity-building programmes for designers and organisations around the world – enabling designers to adapt and build sustainable businesses in these challenging times – and providing them with the opportunity to showcase their work to the international market. Most recently Fashion Scout has helped to deliver programmes in Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal for the British Council, as well as projects in Rwanda, Estonia, Armenia, and many more countries across the globe, making an impact for sustainable business growth in the respective creative ecosystems. Further information can be viewed at https://fashionscout.com/ About MARIGAT GOLD: Marigat Gold, founded by Silvia Tonui is the lead delivery partner for Creative DNA Kenya. Silvia is a Project Manager and Marketing consultant who has been running the programme in Kenya since its inception in 2020. Marigat Consultancy provides 360-degree Marketing, Business Development & Project Management services. Silvia started her career in 2009 at Times Media Ltd, South Africa in Trade & Consumer Marketing before being appointed as CEO of FAFA (Festival of African Fashion & Arts), responsible for creating pan-African and international marketing services for East African fashion designers, fashion event management and market linkages through traditional retail and e-commerce opportunities. Tags afropian afthoro creative dna creativehub dann ltd natanem couture sarah clothing teymnation zemenay

Why Ethiopia is taking its debt relief case directly to China, bypassing the G20

Why Ethiopia is taking its debt relief case directly to China, bypassing the G20 Ethiopia has an estimated US$13.7 billion in debt to China, much of it advanced by China Exim Bank between 2000 and 2021. Why Ethiopia is taking its debt relief case directly to China, bypassing the G20 The African country is emerging from Covid-19 and two years of civil war It applied for help under the Group of 20’s Common Framework but so far there’s been no progress. With no sign of progress in a G20-led debt-relief initiative, cash-strapped Ethiopia is turning directly to China for a way out of its loan problems. Debt was reportedly one of the issues under discussion when Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide led a high-level delegation to China late last month. As well as meeting Chinese Finance Minister Liu Kun and Jin Zhongxia, from the People’s Bank of China, the delegation held talks with key Chinese financial institutions and creditors, including the China Export-Import Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and China Development Bank (CDB). The trip came soon after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Europe to raise funds for the reconstruction. The trip included talks with Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, which co-chairs with China the Group of 20’s Common Framework creditor committee for Ethiopia. The framework is an initiative for restructuring government debt aimed at low-income countries and Ethiopia requested debt restructuring under the framework in early 2021. But so far there has been no tangible result. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund say China has been frustrating the talks while Beijing says since multilateral and commercial lenders hold most of the debt, they should take most of the burden in the restructuring. Loading video With those talks at an impasse, Ethiopia is appealing to China directly. Deborah Brautigam, a professor of international political economy at Johns Hopkins University and founding director of the China Africa Research Initiative, said top-level diplomacy had helped some countries attract attention to their debt problems, but it was no guarantee that the problems would be solved. Brautigam said China Exim Bank was unlikely to go outside the G20 framework but other lenders such as CDB might strike deals with the Ethiopian government outside formal arrangements. “I do not think that China Exim Bank is going to go outside of the Common Framework process for Ethiopia now that they have committed to it. It’s too early for that step,” Brautigam said. However, she said “there are other Chinese creditors in Ethiopia and these talks may concern their loans”. Ethiopia has an estimated US$13.7 billion in debt to China, much of it advanced by China Exim Bank between 2000 and 2021. The Chinese capital has funded the US$4.5 billion Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, along with other projects like the capital’s Riverside Green Development as well as the light-rail network. In addition, CDB advanced US$753 million in 2012 and 2013 for the development of small and medium enterprises and three sugar factories in Ethiopia, according to the Chinese Loans to Africa Database at Boston University’s Global Development Policy Centre. Further, contractors such as Huawei, ZTE and State Grid Corporation of China have advanced a total of US$4.1 billion for the country’s digital and power connections. ICBC provided two loans worth US$975 million for a hydropower project and the Omo-Kuraz sugar factory. But the country fell into a financial mess amid the coronavirus pandemic and a two-year civil war. Kevin P. Gallagher, director of the Global Development Policy Centre, said the Common Framework was too flawed for Ethiopia to stand idly any longer. “They are smart to move to ‘by any means necessary mode’ but if they cannot secure commensurate treatment from its other major creditors, money saved from China will have to go to other creditors rather than to mount a recovery and meet its development and climate needs,” Gallagher said. Besides looking to restructure the debts, the country is also wooing Chinese investors for the reconstruction of the economy. During the trip to Beijing, China and Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an investment and economic cooperation working group. China pledges support for reconstruction efforts in war-torn Ethiopia Hannah Ryder, chief executive officer of Development Reimagined, a Beijing-based consultancy, said the answer to debt relief was not the G20 Common Framework. “Borrowers were able to negotiate debt relief and restructuring with China themselves in years past, they don’t need the IMF/Paris Club to advocate for them,” she said. In addition, Ryder said “every creditor is different, there is no one-size-fits all approach. But borrowers can do better by coordinating with each other and learning about the various deals they have struck with creditors, and seeking the best outcomes, bilaterally or collectively with each creditor. “Creditors should shift their approach and urgently consider the best offers they can feasibly put forward to the borrowers, without damaging their [creditors’] own fiscal situations.” She said the key would be for Ethiopia’s ministers and officials to negotiate the best deals. “For this, the G20, or the IMF cannot help and have no role. Nor will legal institutions based in London or New York be particularly helpful – as they do not understand Chinese practices,” Ryder said. Instead, she said, Ethiopia could contact and learn from other countries that had worked with China on similar deals. “Ethiopia already has a strong track record on this – on the continent in fact Ethiopia is seen as one of the strongest countries in having leveraged the interest of Chinese financiers into productive sectors to drive more growth,” Ryder said. “But every negotiation can be strengthened, and my hope is that Ethiopia will seek the advice of other borrowers to do so.” Besides Ethiopia, Ghana, which defaulted on most of its external debts, plans to send a team to Beijing for debt restructuring negotiations. Ghana’s Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday that a Chinese delegation ended a three-day mission to engage the government of Ghana, following a request for the restructuring of Ghana’s US$1.9 billion debt owed to China. The team visited Accra ahead of Ghana’s coming mission to China, all in line with ongoing negotiations for a sovereign debt treatment. “Scheduled meetings are progressing well, and discussions have so far been highly cordial and fruitful,” Ghana’s Ministry of Finance said. Zambia, which also applied to the G20 initiative after defaulting on some of its foreign debt, is awaiting the decision of bilateral lenders to restructure its debts amid a standoff between China and the World Bank on whether the Bretton Woods institution should provide debt relief.

A Harrowing Tale of Responsibility: How Content Moderator are Recruited from Ethiopia

A Harrowing Tale of Responsibility: How Content Moderator are Recruited from Ethiopia By Emrakel Sileshi In the digital age, tech giants like Facebook and YouTube have become ubiquitous, dominating our screens and infiltrating our lives. They have taken over the world by a swarm, spreading their influence far and wide. To maintain their dominance, they have outsourced workers from developing countries, creating a new class of young people who are highly interested in working in the tech industry. These tech giants have enlisted a legion of human reviewers, working tirelessly around the clock to police their platforms for content that breaches community guidelines. Equipped with a set of parameters, these moderators determine whether a particular piece of content should be removed or not. During one of our interviews, we had the pleasure of hearing from a content moderator who had worked in two different countries, for these tech titans. What was the inspiration behind your job choice? Not too long ago, I had a steady job with ample opportunities for growth and learning. Little did I know that everything would take an unexpected turn when I applied for a call center agent role in one of the countries in my early 20s. The mere prospect of relocating to a different country for work filled me with excitement and anticipation. I vividly remember the day of the interview – things moved at lightning speed, and by the following days, I had signed the contract and was informed that I would be flying out that next day! My family believed I was leaving for a month-long business trip, and so I had to hastily wrap up my work-related tasks and squeeze in some time to bid adieu to my friends. I landed in one of the cities , brimming with enthusiasm for the thrilling adventure that lay ahead. However, the decision to move would soon turn out to be one of the most pivotal ones in my life. After a brief period of training and examinations, I began my role as a call center agent. While the specifics of my job duties were somewhat unclear up until this point, I had expected to handle calls and correspond with clients on behalf of the company. What was the reality of the job? As I embarked on my job, I was confronted with a harsh reality – I was tasked with the responsibility of moderating the most gruesome and distressing videos, images, and content on a social media platform. My role entailed content moderation. The hours were grueling, and the pay was dreadfully insufficient. It never occurred to me during the application, interview, or recruitment process that I would have to review such disturbing and mentally taxing social media content. The experience was harrowing and disheartening. To make matters worse, the company failed to communicate effectively and was not transparent about the job’s details until after we had relocated and begun training. Consequently, my colleagues and I were unaware of the client,the tech giants,  and I found myself trapped in a job that did not align with my career aspirations or interests.I felt undervalued, depressed, and manipulated throughout my time in this position. How did the job affect you? The toll that online content moderation took on me was nothing short of immense. I was constantly exposed to grotesque and explicit images, and over time, it began to take a significant toll on my mental health. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to such materials can lead to anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a content moderator, I found myself going without sleep for months on end. The constant shift changes and high levels of stress took a heavy toll on my body, mind, and overall well-being. Despite being paid for my work, it never felt like enough compensation for the trauma and emotional exhaustion that came with the job. Every day felt like an emotional battlefield. I was trapped in a toxic work environment where I felt replaceable and undervalued. It was as if the company saw me as nothing more than a cog in their content moderation machine, despite claiming that people were clamoring for this position. The psychological strain of working with traumatic materials for eight hours a day, often with limited breaks and no overtime pay, was overwhelming. And as a contractor, I had no job security or legal protections to fall back on. The financial strain of constantly struggling to make ends meet while grappling with deteriorating mental health was a constant source of stress and anxiety. In short, the toll of content moderation goes far beyond the workplace. It’s a deeply personal struggle that can have lasting effects on a person’s well-being and livelihood. And without proper support and protections in place, those effects can be devastating. How long did you work with this working condition? After a few years, regular exposure to graphic images and videos of violence, gore, or pornography always left me feeling overwhelmed, numbing my sense of humanity. Sleepless nights plagued me, and I resorted to various sleeping pills. Seeking help, I started looking for a psychiatrist. The impact of such content extended beyond my work experience, affecting my social, personal, and normal life to the fullest. Despite my resignation from my job as a content moderator for two prominent social media companies – the burnout persists. Every piece of content I review leaves me stressed, unable to concentrate, and consumed by anxiety. These symptoms have become a part of my daily activities, making it challenging to control my worry and desire to avoid anxiety-provoking situations. Stress follows me like a shadow, trailing behind me in every social, professional, and personal pursuit. My mind never stops, buzzing with a constant stream of distracting thoughts that leave me drained and burnt out. It’s not just any old stress either; there are specific worries and emotions that cling to me like a burden. Few can grasp the weight of isolation and detachment that comes with the responsibility of moderating online content. The job is isolating in itself, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the overwhelming task of deciding what is acceptable. Do you have any last word you wanted to say for aspiring content moderators? Personally, If any young person, or anyone, is considering taking a job in content moderation, I would strongly advise against it. At first the financial bargain seems attractive but in deciding many things should be considered like understanding the payment after tax cut, expenses living in different countries should be thought wisely because then you would end up making ends meet without really saving and after hard work you’ll still feel financially stressed. No one should have to pay such a traumatic price, especially at a young age. The career path doesn’t really help you grow professionally and financially,  and also  I believe the lack of transparency was unethical, as people should know fully what they’re getting themselves into and decide for themselves if it’s really something they want to do. This experience has scarred me for life, and I will never forget it.

Ethiopian Aviation Academy upgraded to university level

Ethiopian Aviation Academy upgraded to university level Ethiopian Aviation Academy, the largest and oldest Aviation Academy in the region, is pleased to announce that it has been upgraded to an aviation university.  The university has launched undergraduate and postgraduate programs in aerospace and hospitality fields. The Aviation Academy has been offering aviation training programs such as pilot, aircraft technician, cabin crew, airline sales and services, and other trainings. After it was upgraded to a university level, it has launched degree programs such as BSc degree in Aeronautical Engineering, BSc degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, BSc degree in Aviation Management, BA degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management, and MBA in Aviation Management. As a member of the Ethiopian Airlines Group which includes Ethiopian Airports, Ethiopian MRO Services, Ethiopian Inflight Services and Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, the university offers programs with advanced curriculums which are taught by faculty and industry practitioners. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew stated, “After continuous breakthrough expansion and investment, the upgrading of the 65 years old Ethiopian Aviation Academy to a University level offering several degree programs is yet another milestone in the long and successful journey of our airline, and will maintain its leadership in the industry. The University is committed to develop skilled workforce by offering undergraduate and postgraduate aviation programs. The University is expected to produce highly skilled aviation professionals and leaders that meet the growing human resource needs of Ethiopian Airlines Group and other airlines in the region” Ato Kassie Yimam, Managing Director of Ethiopian Aviation University on his part said “We are happy to announce that our 65 years old Academy, which is the secret behind the success of Ethiopian Airlines Group, has transitioned to a university offering degree programs accepting both Ethiopian and international students. The University will continue to contribute to the rapidly growing aviation sector of Ethiopia in particular and the continent at large.” It is to be recalled that the Ethiopian Aviation Academy inaugurated a new training center in Hawassa city last month. About Ethiopian Aviation University Ethiopian Aviation University is the largest and most modern Aviation University in Africa recognized as ICAO regional Training Center of Excellence. Before it was upgraded to the level of university, the training center has been producing professionals in different aviation related fields over six decades. Currently, the University provides world class trainings in different areas including Pilot Training, Simulator Training, Cabin Crew and Catering Training, Commercial and Ground Service Training, Aircraft Maintenance Training and Leadership Trainings at its headquarters in Addis Ababa and its campus in Hawassa. For additional information, please visit etau.edu.et About Ethiopian Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seventy-six plus years of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. In addition to its main hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is also pursuing its multi-hub strategy through a hub in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the Pan African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 145 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these aircraft. Upon early, successful achievement of its strategic plan (Vision 2025), Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation group in the world by providing safe, secured, market driven and customer focused Passenger and Cargo Transport and Logistics Services, Aviation Training, Airport Management and Ground Services, MRO and Aerospace Manufacturing and Travel and Tourism Services. Ethiopian is a multi-award-winning airline including a Skytrax ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for five consecutive years. Ethiopian has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and an Airline which has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years. For additional information, please visit www.ethiopianairlines.com

Meet the 11 startups joining BIC Ethiopia Catalyser programme

Meet the 11 startups joining BIC Ethiopia Catalyser programme FUELING ETHIOPIA’S FUTURE Ready for some exciting news from Ethiopia’s entrepreneurial landscape? The country is buzzing with the energy and innovation of its young entrepreneurs, fueling its economy and shaping its future. And GrowthAfrica is proud to be a part of this transformation! As a key player in the BIC ETHIOPIA Incubation, funded by the European Union, we have the privilege of supporting #AgriTech and agri-business #startups and #MSMEs in their journey to success. BIC ETHIOPIA addresses several bottlenecks in the #Ethiopian incubation eco-system, by targeting the lack of sustainable and technically sound business models of exciting #incubators through regional benchmarking, best practice examples, new revenue models, standardised curricula, and professionalised operations. With the help of our experienced partners Sequa, Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, Adelphi, icehawassa Foundation, and Menschen Fur Menschen, we are helping the entrepreneurs improve their market reach, increase their income, and create much needed jobs and job opportunities especially for youth and women. We’re honored to work with the first cohort of 11 game-changing entrepreneurs shaking up Ethiopia’s business world. And with over 20 years of expertise in the African #innovation ecosystem, GrowthAfrica is equipped with the tools and knowledge to guide these entrepreneurs in developing and executing their growth plans. We are excited about this chapter as we embark on this transformative journey, working with 11 outstanding entrepreneurs for cohort 1 of the BIC Ethiopia Catalyser programme. Meet the cohort: 1. Zafree: manufacturing of pulp from agricultural waste materials such as straw 2. Brana Audio Book: audio book production with expansion model to agricultural research and writeups on herbal medicine, botany and animal husbandry 3. Qeye: beautification and tree planting with urban agriculture expansion 7. YES Animal Feed Processor: animal feed processing and consultation 10. Tikus Delivery: delivery service of food and beverages. 4. Afrofarm Fund: crowd farming concept enabled by irrigation and investment from diaspora. 5. KSI Solar Incubator: manufacturing of solar incubator machine for poultry 6. The Day Agro Industry: agro processing with a focus on jam production 8. Bright Starch Manufacturing: manufacturing of starch from false banana tree 9. Mulu Solar Charging Station: solar powered mobile phones, laptops and other accessories battery charging station that focuses on expanding to semi urban and rural areas Expanding to grocery delivery focusing on agricultural products 11. Falcon ET: digital market linkage for agricultural produce and organic compost processing Keep an eye on this channel as we will be sharing about the journey and insights from the entrepreneurs and their businesses. BIC Ethiopia (https://bic-ethiopia.eu/) is a part of the larger BIC Africa (https://bic-africa.eu/) led by EBN.

Ethiopian Airlines To Resume Flights From Côte d’Ivoire To JFK

Ethiopian Airlines To Resume Flights From Côte d’Ivoire To JFK Ethiopian Airlines is set to resume flights between New York and Abidjan after nearly three years. Continuing with its impressive international route expansion, Ethiopian Airlines is set to operate yet another route between New York and Côte d’Ivoire starting on May 23. The airline will resume the flight between New York JFK international and Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport in Côte d’Ivoire, commonly known as the Ivory Coast. This route was launched in June 2019 but was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers flying from Ethiopia to New York can also board this flight as it will originate from the airline’s hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. This year, Ethiopian Airlines has been showing its prowess in the aviation industry by flying to new territories as well as destinations it served in the past. The airline has already announced plans to fly to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Singapore, Jeddah, and Malta. According to the CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele, the flag carrier plans to double its fleet over the next 12 years and expand its global network, making it one of the most incredible aviation superpowers to grace the skies. Ethiopian Airlines flights between New York and Africa Although flights between JFK and Abidjan were suspended nearly three years ago, the airline has sold tickets for this route for other operators. Ethiopian Airlines has strategic partnerships and codeshare agreements with major airlines like Lufthansa, Rwanda Air Express, Air Côte d’Ivoire, Air China, Air India, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines. The Star Alliance member has scheduled service between Addis Ababa and Abidjan and from Abidjan to Conakry, the capital city of Guinea. The resumption of the service via Abidjan, which will start with four weekly flights, corresponds with Ethiopian’s plans to fly to Atlanta. The airline already has a flight to New York, but it is via Lomé, Togo. According to Ethiopian Airlines’ booking schedule, numerous flights are available between New York and Ivory Coast, operated by Lufthansa and ASKY Airlines. Ethiopian second hub ASKY is a multinational private airline based in Lomé. Ethiopian is a major shareholder in ASKY and has a management contract to manage and operate its services. The partnership between the two airlines has introduced new connectivity between West Africa and Ethiopia’s worldwide network. Ethiopian Airlines contributing to the development of African Aviation Through the extension of its network and service between Africa and major international hubs, the airline has increased trade, tourism, and the development of the aviation industry throughout the continent. In addition to route expansion, Ethiopian Airlines has been in the spotlight for reviving dormant African airlines. Nigeria Airways, which seized operations in 2003, could make a major comeback under the Nigeria Air brand following an investment from Ethiopian Airlines. In the deal to relaunch Nigeria’s flag carrier, the Ethiopian carrier will own a 49% stake, while the Nigerian Sovereign Fund owns 46% interest, and Nigeria’s federal government will own the remaining 5%. In Southern Africa, Ethiopian Airlines is set to revive Air Namibia. Last week, Namibian President Hage Geingob met with Ethiopian Airlines executives to explore how the East-African carrier could assist the Namibian government in reviving Namibia’s flag carrier, which was liquidated in 2021. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew and Chairman Girma Wake met the Namibian and Nigerian heads of state at the 36th African Union summit. Ethiopian Airlines has a long-term strategy to establish multiple hubs in Africa and develop an extensive network within Africa. With new partnerships, routes, aircraft orders, and a new aviation academy, the Airline is set to be one of the world’s largest aviation groups in the next ten years.