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Yango Celebrates Its Drivers on Driver Appreciation Day in Ethiopia

By Addis Insight

March 29, 2024

Yango Celebrates Its Drivers on Driver Appreciation Day in Ethiopia

Yango Celebrates Its Drivers on Driver Appreciation Day in Ethiopia A special Iftar program for Muslim drivers Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – March 28, 2024 – Yango, an international tech company, a ride-hailing app in Ethiopia, celebrated dedicated drivers on Driver Appreciation Day, recognizing their vital role in providing safe and convenient transportation across Addis Ababa and Sheger City. Yango, together with its franchise partner G2G IT Solutions, acknowledges partner drivers as the backbone of its operations. Driver Appreciation Day served as a heartfelt thank you for their passion, professionalism, and commitment to delivering exceptional service to passengers. To show appreciation, Yango presented each driver with specially designed Yango gifts and merchandise. These tokens symbolize the important role drivers play and the strong partnership between Yango and its partners’ driver  community. Yango executives personally thanked all drivers, further demonstrating the company’s dedication to recognizing driver achievements. In addition, recognizing the importance of Ramadan, Yango hosted a special Iftar program for its Muslim drivers. This event fostered a sense of community and inclusion, allowing drivers to break fast together and strengthen their camaraderie. “We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering dedication and hard work of our partner drivers,” said Tedros Mehari, CTO of G2G IT Solutions. “Driver Appreciation Day provided a platform to express our sincere thanks and acknowledge their significant contribution to our success. We are thrilled to create a space for our drivers to connect, celebrate special occasions , and build lasting memories together.” Mr. Tedros added that “G2G IT solutions is also  working to launch Yango Care, a monthly award for top performing drivers with major discounts on mobile data plans, fuel and groceries. We will announce details on our telegram channel soon.” Yango remains committed to providing a safe, reliable, and customer-centric ride-hailing experience. The company recognizes its drivers as key ambassadors for ensuring passenger satisfaction on every journey. Through initiatives like Driver Appreciation Day, Yango builds a collaborative environment that benefits both drivers and passengers. About Yango Yango is a tech company that transforms global technologies into everyday services for local enrichment. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we reshape and enhance leading cutting-edge technologies from around the world into seamlessly integrated daily services for diverse regions. For media contact [email protected] Contact: For media inquiries, please contact:Newal Abubaker- Phone number: +251 938-70-40-92 or [email protected] Website & Social Media: For more information on Yango Taxi Hilling and its services, please visit: Website: https://yango.com/en_et/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yangocompany/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/yangoethio Telegram (Riders): t.me/yangoethiopia Telegram (Drivers): https://t.me/ShuuFareMembersDiscussion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yango.ethiopia?igsh=MXFnbnZ6cXI0OXh3MQ==

Creative DNA: Ethiopia Programme Announces Second Cohort of Early-Stage Fashion Designers

By Addis Insight

March 18, 2024

Creative DNA: Ethiopia Programme Announces Second Cohort of Early-Stage Fashion Designers

Creative DNA: Ethiopia Programme Announces Second Cohort of Early-Stage Fashion Designers PRESS RELEASE ADDIS ABABA, 18 MARCH 2024  Creative DNA: Ethiopia, an innovative fashion incubation  programme dedicated to nurturing early-stage fashion designers in Ethiopia, is thrilled to announce the launch of its second cohort. Building on the success of its inaugural program, Creative DNA: Ethiopia continues to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth within the Ethiopian fashion industry. 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. The Creative DNA: Ethiopia program, initiative of the British Council, aims to provide invaluable support and resources to emerging fashion talents, empowering them to realize their creative visions and establish thriving fashion businesses. Through a comprehensive six-week incubation program, participants will receive tailored mentorship, business training, networking opportunities, and access to market insights, equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive fashion landscape. The selection process for the second cohort of Creative DNA: Ethiopia was highly competitive, with numerous talented designers vying for a coveted spot in the program. After a rigorous evaluation process, The CDNA team is proud to announce the acceptance of ten promising fashion entrepreneurs into the program. “Through Creative DNA: Ethiopia, the British Council aims at not just incubating designers; we’re incubating a vision for a vibrant and diverse fashion landscape. As we launch the second cohort, we reinforce our dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Ethiopian fashion. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to propel emerging designers towards global recognition, contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of Ethiopia.” Bezawit Damtew, British Council Arts Programme Director. “Creative DNA: Ethiopia’s evolution underscores our commitment to nurturing the diverse tapestry of Ethiopian fashion. This year, we’re shifting gears to prioritize early-stage designers crafting timeless, day-to-day wear. Our focus on mass production-oriented designers highlights the vibrant spectrum of design aesthetics while paving the way for a new era of accessible, everyday fashion innovation.” Solome Daniel, Creative DNA: Ethiopia Project Manager. The second cohort of Creative DNA: Ethiopia is poised to make a significant impact on the Ethiopian fashion scene, driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within the industry. CDNA is committed to supporting the success and development of these talented designers, further solidifying Ethiopia’s position as a hub of creativity and talent in the global fashion arena. Designers joining Creative DNA Ethiopia 2.0 Program Reborn:  is a fashion brand that breathes hope and exudes strength. We poured hours of meticulous love and care into every stitch, ensuring that each garment carried an intangible magic that could uplift the spirit and inspire greatness.We embark on a journey to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Ethiopia and Africa, weaving these timeless stories into our masterpieces. DolMel : is an Ethiopian fashion brand bringing a millennia-old tradition of hand-weaving into the 21st century.One of the focus areas of our startup business is the cultural heritage aspect it takes from the historic ‘Shemena’ hand-weaving industry. DolMel developed a solution to dramatically impact the textile industry in Ethiopia by using high-tech digital reactive printing on our hand-woven fabric to produce rolls of various kinds of seamless patterns to create innovative products that are the first of their kind in the country. DAGMAWIT : Our brand is a celebration of self-love and individuality. With a vision to inspire confidence and empowerment, our designs weave together elements of culture, uniqueness, and the transformative power of self-appreciation. Each garment serves as a reminder of the wearer’s inherent beauty and worth, fostering a deep emotional connection with every piece. Committed to inclusivity and authenticity, we aim to leave a lasting impact on the fashion industry by redefining beauty standards and spreading the message of self-love worldwide. SÉRALESTI : Is a casual wear brand that celebrates the weaving techniques of Ethiopia. We dream of seeing Séralesti adorning individuals worldwide, each piece not just an outfit, but a conversation starter, sparking curiosity about Ethiopian artistry and heritage. Shadez Wear: is an ethiopian based streetwear and accessories brand that launched three years ago. It caters to both female and male customers, focusing on functional, futuristic(tech wear aesthetic/post modern)designs that incorporate color and pattern therapy, as well as artistic, expressive, and innovative styles. Dedicated to sustainable fashion, quality finishing and innovative product handling. With a commitment to ethical sourcing, innovative design and cultural exchange. We strive to tell a story with wearable art. Since our launch, we have been working in a team with the launch of ashara and africa mosaique magazine launch for 2021. MESMER: is working towards the integration of Ethiopian as well as African cultural designs and tribal patterns in fusion with innovative modern fashion. The goal for the future is to set up a process of exhibition, fashion shows and entrepreneurial workshops for the rich cultural Diversity in Africa. MEAZA Clothing : MEAZA is a sustainable fashion and lifestyle brand established in 2019 with a great vision to become embodiment of made in Africa to the world by intending to bring contemporary African touch in everyday wear using locally sourced handwoven fabric. Nikisat : meaning ‘Tattoo’ in Amharic is a casual wear brand based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia established in January 2022. We produce different clothing made from hand woven Ethiopian fabrics made by skilled local artisans. Founded by Eyerusalem Alemayehu who was born and raised in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. started from a childhood dream and a  passion for art and fashion. Demi Design : Demii create exceptional and innovative designs that celebrate Ethiopian artistry, empower local weavers and artisans, and promote the use of Ethiopian handwoven fabric materials. We are committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia by incorporating traditional weaving techniques into our designs, and by providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Through our work, we aim to showcase the beauty of Ethiopian handwoven fabrics to the world, while supporting the artisans who keep this ancient craft alive. NEDፍ Design : Our slogan, “Crafting imagination!” encapsulates the core philosophy of NEDፍ design. We believe that everyone has a unique story to tell, and our leather sketches provide a canvas for self-expression. Whether it’s a hand-drawn illustration, a personalized monogram, or an intricate pattern, our customers can bring their ideas to life on our high-quality leather products. About The British Council : The British Council is the United Kingdom (UK)’s international organization 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 organizations to raise their profile, show­case 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. 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/

Ethiopian Airlines Stops Using Somalia Airspace After ‘Unsafe’ Incident

By Addis Insight

March 01, 2024

Ethiopian Airlines Stops Using Somalia Airspace After ‘Unsafe’ Incident

Ethiopian Airlines Stops Using Somalia Airspace After ‘Unsafe’ Incident Ethiopian Airlines has ceased operations within Somalia’s airspace, a route previously integral to its flights to Asian destinations. The decision, as revealed by CEO Mesfen Tase in an interview with BBC Amharic, stems from the airline’s concerns over the safety of air traffic services provided by Somalia. The shift in operational strategy follows an incident on Saturday, February 24, 2024, which CEO Tase highlighted as a significant factor influencing the airline’s decision to seek alternative routes. Despite reporting the incident to both Somali and Ethiopian civil aviation authorities, Ethiopian Airlines has yet to receive a response. CEO Tase underscored the incident as a pivotal moment, deeming the air traffic control services in Somalia’s airspace unreliable. Consequently, the airline adopted alternative routes starting Sunday, February 17, 2016, to ensure passenger safety. Tase emphasized that the primary motive for this change was the lack of dependable air traffic services in the region. In the interim, Ethiopian Airlines has rerouted its Asia-bound flights through Djibouti’s airspace. This adjustment, according to Tase, has been implemented without incurring additional costs for the airline. Moreover, Ethiopian Airlines continues to operate flights to Mogadishu and Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, without any disruptions. An incident involving Flight 602, en route from Addis Ababa to Dubai, further exemplified the concerns regarding air traffic safety. The flight encountered a potentially hazardous situation when a Qatar Airways aircraft, with permission from Mogadishu air traffic controllers, ascended to an altitude that brought it within 23 kilometers of the Ethiopian Airlines plane. This close proximity prompted the Somaliland Aviation and Airports Authority to criticize the situation as dangerously close to a collision, accusing Somali air traffic controllers of providing misleading information. In contrast, the Somali Aviation Authority refuted these claims, asserting that the distance between the two aircraft was not perilous. The series of events underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to passenger safety and the challenges of navigating complex airspace safety concerns in the region. Tags ethiopian airlines ethiopian news 1 COMMENT Ittu Aba Farda March 3, 2024 At 5:49 am I am flabbergasted to realize now that EAL has been using flight control folks in Somalia. My goodness, I’m stunned. It is even more precarious now with all this animosity going on between the two countries. All it needs is the decision one air traffic controller for a major disaster. This incidence with the Qatari Airlines jetliner was just too close for comfort. How many passengers were in those two airplanes? 300, 400, 500? O my goodness!!! Every one of those passengers in those two planes should consider himself/herself reborn. I am flabbergasted to realize now that EAL has been using flight control folks in Somalia. My goodness, I’m stunned. It is even more precarious now with all this animosity going on between the two countries. All it needs is the decision one air traffic controller for a major disaster. This incidence with the Qatari Airlines jetliner was just too close for comfort. How many passengers were in those two airplanes? 300, 400, 500? O my goodness!!! Every one of those passengers in those two planes should consider himself/herself reborn. Comments are closed.

Can Ethiopia Afford the Power-Hungry Pursuit of Bitcoin Mining?

By Addis Insight

February 21, 2024

Can Ethiopia Afford the Power-Hungry Pursuit of Bitcoin Mining?

Can Ethiopia Afford the Power-Hungry Pursuit of Bitcoin Mining? The Debate on Bitcoin Mining in Developing Countries: A Closer Look at Ethiopia and Power Consumption Concerns In recent years, the global interest in cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, has surged. This digital gold rush has led to a significant increase in Bitcoin mining activities worldwide. Bitcoin mining is the process by which transactions are verified and added to the public ledger, known as the blockchain, and also the means through which new bitcoins are released. Despite its potential for economic opportunities, the debate over whether developing countries like Ethiopia should grant licenses for Bitcoin mining is intensifying, primarily due to concerns over power consumption. The Power Consumption Dilemma One of the most pressing concerns regarding Bitcoin mining is its enormous energy requirement. Mining operations involve complex computational processes that consume vast amounts of electricity. The Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index (CBECI) estimates that the global Bitcoin network consumes more energy annually than some entire countries. In the context of Ethiopia, a country where the electricity supply is already under significant strain and a considerable portion of the population lacks access to reliable power, the addition of energy-intensive industries such as Bitcoin mining could exacerbate these challenges. Impact on National Grid and Renewable Goals Ethiopia is in a critical phase of developing its infrastructure and aims to become a light manufacturing hub in Africa, which requires a stable and reliable electricity supply. The country’s ambitious plans to expand renewable energy sources, primarily through hydroelectric power, are aimed at meeting its growing energy needs sustainably. Introducing high-energy-consuming operations like Bitcoin mining could jeopardize these plans by diverting a substantial portion of the country’s renewable energy resources away from essential services and economic activities that can benefit a larger segment of the population. Socio-economic Considerations For developing countries, the allocation of resources is a delicate balance between immediate economic gains and long-term sustainable development. Bitcoin mining, while potentially profitable, offers limited employment opportunities and contributes little to the overall economic development compared to other sectors that can leverage the same amount of energy. Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services not only provide more jobs but also have a multiplier effect on the economy. In Ethiopia, where the priority is to combat poverty and improve living standards, diverting scarce energy resources to Bitcoin mining could be seen as a misallocation of critical assets. Environmental Concerns Beyond the issue of energy consumption, there’s also the environmental impact to consider. Ethiopia’s commitment to combating climate change and its pledge to build a green economy could be undermined by the carbon footprint associated with Bitcoin mining, especially if the energy used is not entirely sourced from renewable sources. The environmental implications of increased fossil fuel use, should it occur as a result of mining activities, could counteract the country’s environmental conservation efforts. Regulatory and Security Risks Bitcoin mining also presents various regulatory and security challenges. The decentralized and semi-anonymous nature of cryptocurrencies can complicate regulatory efforts to combat money laundering, finance terrorism, and protect investors. For countries like Ethiopia, where financial regulations and enforcement mechanisms are still evolving, this poses a significant risk. While the allure of Bitcoin mining and the potential economic benefits it brings cannot be ignored, developing countries like Ethiopia must carefully weigh these against the significant concerns related to power consumption, environmental impact, and socio-economic priorities. The decision to grant licenses for Bitcoin mining operations should be made with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s energy needs, renewable energy goals, and the broader implications for its economy and society. In the balance of progress and sustainability, it’s crucial that Ethiopia and similar nations prioritize initiatives that promise inclusive growth and long-term benefits over those that offer immediate, albeit unsustainable, gains.

Gebeya is Rebranding: Welcome To The Age of the Talent Cloud

By Addis Insight

February 20, 2024

Gebeya is Rebranding: Welcome To The Age of the Talent Cloud

Gebeya is Rebranding: Welcome To The Age of the Talent Cloud Addis Ababa, February 19, 2024 – Gebeya Inc., a leading Pan African tech leadership company, today announced its evolution into a premier all-in-one Talent Cloud provider. This strategic repositioning marks a significant milestone in Gebeya’s journey — revolutionizing how the world connects with talent, Africa, and beyond. As Gebeya strengthens its focus, it becomes clear that this new chapter is only a product of the momentum built over the past 7 years. It is more than simply transitioning away from the iconic purple and orange logo. The startup’s growth trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by the empowerment of thousands of talented individuals and the facilitation of countless partnerships with industry giants such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Mastercard Foundation, Safaricom, and more. “Our team has always been proactive about continuously innovating and thinking outside the box to provide employment or entrepreneurship opportunities to as many African talents on the continent as possible. From the beginning, Gebeya’s heart has always been in opportunity creation… all powered by technology. That is one component that will always stay constant for us. We are looking forward to helping our partners launch thousands of Talent Clouds in the coming years,” stated Amadou Daffe, Co-Founder & CEO of Gebeya. Gebeya started off as an EdTech startup in 2017, looking to train as many talents on the continent as possible. It then evolved into a trusted multi-sided Marketplace to connect tech talent with open roles. Finally, it turned that Marketplace into a Software As A Service (SaaS) that companies, organizations, or entrepreneurs could utilize for their own needs—several iterations in a short time. Gebeya has now consolidated all of its strengths into Gebeya 3.0 to launch the Gebeya Talent Cloud: entering a new era with its scalable Gebeya Talent Cloud (G-TC) technology — an AI-powered and configurable SaaS platform with the ability to address any organization’s needs specifically. Gebeya’s AI-powered Talent Cloud solutions and offerings include Public, Private, Strategic, and Sourcing Talent Clouds that allow you to source, vet, qualify, skill, build communities, and offer opportunities to qualified networks of individuals and professionals. For talent across the continent, whether you are a nurse, engineer, teacher, driver, nanny, or more, with Gebeya as a Talent Cloud solution, you will have the choice to access and join the Talent Cloud that fits your profession, skills, or interests. As a software developer, for example, you can now join not just one Talent Cloud but also the Talent Clouds of our established customers and valued partners like Microsoft, who provide: access to skilling, jobs, business opportunities, membership benefits, and networking in multiple professional ecosystems. As a profound testament to Gebeya’s strategic realignment, Microsoft has signed a ground-breaking partnership with Gebeya to launch a 300,000-strong African Talent Cloud: Microsoft.gebeya.com, emphasizing Microsoft Azure and AI skills. The Microsoft Talent Cloud creates a central platform where Microsoft distributors, partners, and customers can find the businesses and professionals they need to further their digital transformation ambitions. Talent looking to secure opportunities within the Microsoft ecosystem will now have a single platform to update on the latest Microsoft skills, find Microsoft-related jobs and gigs, access Microsoft-related business opportunities, and stay connected to a community of Microsoft professionals like themselves. On top of that, last year Gebeya signed a $48 Million partnership with the Mastercard Foundation focused on accelerating Ethiopia’s Gig Economy and entrepreneurial growth. The partnership is looking to deploy and support anywhere from technology, business, advisory support, and more, to 100 Gig Platform Marketplaces or Talent Clouds in different sectors to operate their own multi-sided marketplace companies. Looking only to the future — Gebeya aims to skyrocket Africa’s potential and global competitiveness with its revolutionary Gebeya Talent Cloud technology. Gebeya is not only connecting Africans with global opportunities but also revolutionizing how the world views and leverages African expertise in the first place. This is more than a mission; it’s a story of growth, empowerment, and a new era of collaboration. For more information about Gebeya’s Talent Cloud solutions & opportunities, please visit www.gebeya.com.

Kenya Grants Visa Fee Relief for Ethiopian Visitors

By Addis Insight

February 20, 2024

Kenya Grants Visa Fee Relief for Ethiopian Visitors

Kenya Grants Visa Fee Relief for Ethiopian Visitors In a significant update, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya has announced that Ethiopian travelers will no longer be required to pay the $30 Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee when visiting Kenya. Last year, President William Ruto of Kenya announced visa-free entry for citizens of African nations, aiming to enhance intra-African travel. However, it was later clarified that visitors still needed to obtain an ETA by fulfilling documentation requirements and paying the processing fee online. This obligation extended to countries such as Ethiopia, where citizens previously enjoyed visa-free access to Kenya. However, due to Ethiopia’s ban on international payments, its citizens had to resort to unofficial channels to settle visa fees abroad. Recognizing Ethiopia’s unique predicament, Ambassador Bacha Debele confirmed that the Kenyan government has exempted Ethiopian nationals from the ETA payment obligation. In a social media post, the former army general expressed gratitude to Kenya for its “swift response and considerate decision” regarding the matter. This waiver comes as a relief to numerous Ethiopians who faced difficulties traveling to Kenya due to the payment impediment.

The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority Announces Transformative Developments in the Capital Markets Sector

By Addis Insight

February 07, 2024

The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority Announces Transformative Developments in the Capital Markets Sector

The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority Announces Transformative Developments in the Capital Markets Sector Press Briefing Addis Ababa, February 7, 2024 – The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) is pleased to announce significant milestones in the country’s capital market sector. This development underscores the authority’s commitment to fostering a resilient and dynamic capital market ecosystem. The focal point of today’s press conference will be the recent adoption of the Capital Markets Service Providers and Supervision Directive. This landmark decision marks a transformative phase in regulatory oversight, ensuring robust governance and investor protection. The Authority is proud to announce the commencement of licensing activities, effective Monday, February 12th, 2024. This milestone represents a critical step toward establishing a fully operational securities exchange in Ethiopia. Senior officials from ECMA will highlight the Authority’s accomplishments over the past six months. These achievements include strategic initiatives, regulatory advancements, and collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders. During the press conference, ECMA will unveil its forward-looking agenda for the upcoming six months. Some key objectives and priorities include: Enhancing Market Integrity: Strengthening surveillance mechanisms and enforcing compliance standards. Expanding Investor Education: Empowering investors with knowledge and promoting financial literacy. Facilitating Listings: Encouraging companies to participate in the capital markets. Streamlining Licensing Process: Providing clarity on the number of available licenses and the procedural framework. Media representatives are encouraged to attend the press conference and engage with the authority’s officials. For further information, interview requests, and access to resources related to the event, please contact our communications Department. Contact Information: Ethiopian Capital Market Authority Phone:  Communication Office: +251-11-5-57-81-62 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ecma.gov.et About ECMA: * The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and developing the capital markets in Ethiopia. Our mission is to create a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly environment that fosters economic growth and prosperity.

Between Hashtags and Heartbreaks: Ethiopian Influencers at the Crossroads of Personal Choices and Public Perception

By Addis Insight

January 31, 2024

Between Hashtags and Heartbreaks: Ethiopian Influencers at the Crossroads of Personal Choices and Public Perception

Between Hashtags and Heartbreaks: Ethiopian Influencers at the Crossroads of Personal Choices and Public Perception By Fikir Belete In the realm of marketing in Ethiopia, things are changing in how companies tell people about their products. They’re not relying so much on TV or radio; instead, they’re using social media like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. This change is creating a big chance for influencers. Now, more people can get into this cool job and grow in this business. This shift is good news for advertisers too. They see that influencers can talk to people in a real and interesting way. To show just how much things are growing, look at Hanan Tariq, a well-known influencer who has recently got an amazing 10 million birr to endorse products. This is not only about the money but also about how much advertisers think influencers are worth in promoting their brands. Influencers have become more than just individuals sharing snippets of their lives online. They have transformed into brand ambassadors, wielding substantial influence over their followers and the products they endorse A recent scandal involving a prominent influencer’s divorce has thrust the complex relationship between personal life and professional obligations into the spotlight, prompting a broader conversation about the repercussions of an influencer’s actions on their sponsorship deals. At the heart of this discussion lies the intersection between personal, public, and digital footprints. An influencer, by definition, is a public figure whose personal life is intricately woven into their online persona. The ongoing divorce and the ensuing digital drama not only invite public scrutiny but also pose a serious threat to the carefully crafted image that influencers present to their audience. The dilemma faced by both the influencer and the companies she represents is multifaceted. On one hand, sponsors invest in influencers not just for their reach but for the alignment of values and image. A messy divorce and the negative attention that follows may undermine the trust that consumers place in both the influencer and the products she endorses. On the other hand, influencers are individuals with personal struggles, and divorces are private matters that, in a perfect world, should not affect their professional relationships. However, the reality is that an influencer’s personal choices can have a profound impact on their public image. Sponsorship deals are not merely transactional relationships; they involve the sale of a lifestyle, an identity, and a set of values. Brands seek influencers who embody these characteristics, creating a seamless integration between the influencer’s personal brand and the products they endorse. The influencer’s actions, especially when played out in the public eye, can either enhance or tarnish this carefully curated image. In certain societal contexts, where cultural and religious norms play a significant role, an influencer’s actions may face heightened scrutiny. Despite projecting a religious facade or adhering to certain societal standards, any deviation from these norms could result in severe consequences. This scrutiny is particularly intense in sectors where influencers sell not just products but perfectly crafted personalities that relate to their audience. The unfolding saga emphasizes a harsh reality – actions, even in private,, may not escape notice or consequence in the world of influence and sponsorship. In an era where cancel culture looms large, an influencer’s credibility is their most valuable asset. It influences not only their ability to represent brands but also their power to shape public opinion. As the influencer grapples with the court of public opinion and potential fallout from cancel culture, the decision to maintain sponsorship deals becomes a critical point. This choice holds consequences not only for the influencer’s career but also for the companies relying on her to promote their products and the society that looks up to her for inspiration who is also the source of her monetization and revenue. To be clear, this article isn’t about joining the he-said, she-said gossip that’s all over the internet. Instead, we want to highlight the consequences of a digital footprint, especially in this particular incident where there’s evidence circulating on the internet that could potentially be incriminating, including substance abuse also, If an anti-porn policy is in effect in the future, this could be considered misconduct waiting to be tried. This entire scenario needs to be taken into account, especially by people who are in the spotlight. “We are one screenshot away from losing the lives we’ve built”, including brand deals and sponsorships. Cancel culture is very prominent and impactful across the world. It’s crucial to clarify that cancel culture might be confused with cyberbullying, but these are different points. Bullying mainly focuses on putting down an individual for no good intent or purpose, whereas cancel culture, despite having a bad reputation, is related to societal values, and morals, and making judgments based upon that. In summary, the influencer’s experience during the ups and downs of a divorce is a strong reminder that what you do matters in the world of influence. The results of your choices can impact more than just a tough time in your personal life. As someone representing multiple brands, the influencer has the task of handling the tricky task of keeping a personal brand while meeting the expectations of both sponsors and the public. The result of this balancing act will definitely influence how influencers and brands work together in the digital age.

20 Million Euro Extravaganza: Unveiling the Lavish Transformation of Ethiopia’s Palace

By Addis Insight

January 30, 2024

20 Million Euro Extravaganza: Unveiling the Lavish Transformation of Ethiopia’s Palace

20 Million Euro Extravaganza: Unveiling the Lavish Transformation of Ethiopia’s Palace The exorbitant and unresponsive nature of the expenses incurred in the agreement signed between Ahmed Shide, the Minister of Finance, Valérie Tehio, the Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), and Frederic Bontems, the then Ambassador of France to Ethiopia and the African Union, has raised concerns. This agreement locked in a staggering 12 million euros in financing from AFD for the initial phase of the palace renovation project. Adding to the financial strain, the government has declared its intentions to erect a new structure for the presidential office, currently co-located with the Prime Minister’s office. The president is anticipated to move to this new building and presidential residence, situated in close proximity to the US embassy. Sources reveal that while the rehabilitation of the palace aims to preserve its original architectural allure, the exorbitant costs associated with comprehensive maintenance activities and additional construction work have sparked criticism. The intention is to transform the palace into a premier tourist attraction in the city. The initial phase of the project, with a whopping price tag of 20 million euros, is slated to involve opening the palace to the public. The palace administration, with the assistance of French expertise, spearheaded the implementation of the project. Notably, French public agencies and esteemed organizations like the Versailles Palace, renowned for their involvement in international technical cooperation, also contributed to the renovations, further inflating the costs. In an era where financial prudence is crucial, the government’s move to allocate such astronomical sums for the project is being heavily scrutinized. Critics argue that the funds could be better utilized to address pressing socio-economic issues, rather than being funneled into transforming a historic palace into a tourist attraction. This lavish spending aligns with the government’s broader strategy to expand tourist destinations and boost income. The Menelik Palace, constructed by Emperor Menelik in 1887, was opened to the public in 2019 after extensive renovation works spanning over a century, revealing a pattern of extravagant investments in historical sites. Similarly, the French government’s provision of funding and technical support for the renovation projects of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ethiopia, has been criticized for its exorbitance, showcasing a trend of overspending in the preservation and promotion of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage.

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