#road projects in Addis Ababa

[twentyfirstrealestate]

Why East African Real Estate Is the Next Big Investment Opportunity

In recent years, East African real estate has steadily emerged as a hotspot for both local and international investors. With its fast-growing economies, rapid urbanisation, expanding middle class, and ambitious infrastructure projects, the region presents an unparalleled opportunity for those looking to diversify their real estate portfolios.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or someone looking for fresh markets with high growth potential, East Africa deserves a spot on your radar. Here's why investing in East African real estate is not just a trend, but a smart strategic move.

1. Strong Economic Growth and Stability

East African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia have consistently recorded impressive GDP growth rates over the past decade. This economic resilience, even during global downturns, has created a fertile ground for real estate investment.

Kenya, the region’s largest economy, has become a hub for finance, technology, and logistics, driving demand for both residential and commercial spaces.

Rwanda has earned global praise for its ease of doing business, transparent government policies, and clean, green capital—Kigali—which is drawing attention from real estate developers and foreign investors alike.

Tanzania and Uganda are seeing urban centers like Dar es Salaam and Kampala evolve into thriving commercial zones with increasing demand for modern housing and retail spaces.

This economic dynamism fuels housing demand, boosts rental yields, and provides stable long-term returns for real estate investors.

2. Urbanization and Population Growth

East Africa is undergoing one of the world’s fastest urbanization trends. According to UN data, the region’s urban population is projected to double by 2040. Cities like Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, and Addis Ababa are already experiencing strain on existing housing infrastructure, leading to high demand for new developments.

This rapid urban growth is a key driver for:

Affordable housing developments

Mixed-use properties

Retail and office spaces

Modern apartment complexes catering to the middle class

For investors, this means a growing market for both rental income and property value appreciation.

3. Infrastructure Development

Massive infrastructure projects are transforming East Africa’s real estate landscape. Roads, airports, railways, and ports are being modernized or constructed to support economic growth and cross-border trade.

Examples include:

Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connecting Mombasa to Nairobi and further inland.

The Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, which enhances Ethiopia’s access to global markets.

Upgrades to airports in Kigali, Nairobi, and Entebbe to support tourism and international trade.

Infrastructure improves accessibility, increases land value, and opens up formerly hard-to-reach areas for new real estate development.

4. Government Incentives and Policy Reforms

Governments across East Africa are actively encouraging real estate development through policy reforms and incentives:

Tax breaks for developers in affordable housing sectors

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) for large-scale housing projects

Digitization of land registries to improve transparency and security of property rights

Such reforms make it easier, safer, and more profitable for investors to enter the East African real estate market.

5. High Returns and Rental Yields

Compared to more saturated markets in the West, East African real estate offers relatively high returns. Rental yields in prime residential areas of Nairobi or Kigali often exceed 7–10%, which is significantly higher than global averages.

Additionally, with the growth in tourism, short-term rental markets (such as Airbnb) are booming in major cities and near national parks or coastal regions. This offers a lucrative alternative revenue stream for property owners and investors.

6. Untapped Markets and Innovation

The East African real estate sector still has vast untapped potential, especially in:

Student housing

Industrial parks and logistics centers

Eco-friendly and green buildings

Smart cities and tech-enabled homes

As the region embraces innovation, tech startups and proptech firms are beginning to transform the way real estate is marketed, financed, and managed. This offers early movers a chance to shape and benefit from the next wave of growth.

7. Regional Integration and the AfCFTA

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), now in effect, will further boost East Africa’s attractiveness. The agreement aims to facilitate trade among African countries by reducing tariffs and increasing collaboration across borders.

This integration is expected to:

Increase demand for commercial real estate

Encourage cross-border investments

Create regional hubs and business parks

Investing in East African real estate today positions you to benefit from tomorrow’s continental growth engine.

Final Thoughts

The East African real estate market offers a compelling blend of opportunity, growth, and stability. Whether it’s residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments, the region presents a favourable environment for strategic, long-term investments.

Investors who act early—while markets are still developing—stand to gain the most. With supportive policies, a young and growing population, improved infrastructure, and promising returns, East Africa is truly positioning itself as the next frontier in global real estate.

If you're considering investing or exploring opportunities in the region, start by understanding the local dynamics, partner with experienced professionals, and tap into one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the world.

[semlatita]

Ethiopia: A Rising Star in Africa’s Investment Landscape 

Ethiopia, often referred to as the "Horn of Africa’s Jewel," has emerged as one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies. With its youthful population, rich cultural heritage, and government-led economic reforms, Ethiopia presents abundant opportunities for foreign investors. According to Jemaine Manikus, CEO of Africa’s leading tax, legal, and advisory firm, understanding Ethiopia’s evolving legal and regulatory framework is key to unlocking its potential. 

"Ethiopia’s growth story is inspiring," said Manikus. "Despite challenges, the country’s commitment to reform and its strategic location make it an attractive destination for foreign businesses." 

The Ground Reality: Why Ethiopia Stands Out 

Ethiopia is undergoing a significant transformation, with major investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and agriculture. On the ground, bustling markets in Addis Ababa, emerging industrial parks, and vast agricultural lands highlight the country’s economic dynamism. However, Ethiopia’s ongoing political transitions and efforts toward peace are critical to ensuring sustained growth. 

Population: Over 120 million people, with a median age of 19 years, make Ethiopia one of Africa’s most youthful and vibrant markets. 

Infrastructure Development: Projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Addis-Djibouti Railway are reshaping the country’s economic landscape. 

Culture and Resilience: Ethiopians’ entrepreneurial spirit and strong cultural identity create a unique business environment. 

Key Features of Ethiopia 

Insights 

Population Growth 

Young and fast-growing, providing a large labour force 

Industrialisation 

Export-led growth through industrial parks 

Agriculture 

Major producer of coffee, livestock, and horticultural products 

Infrastructure Development 

Transformational projects like GERD and road expansions 

Why Invest in Ethiopia? 

Ethiopia’s economic transformation is driven by several key sectors: 

Manufacturing: The government’s focus on industrialisation has led to the development of industrial parks dedicated to textiles, apparel, and leather goods. 

Agriculture: As Africa’s largest producer of coffee and a leading exporter of flowers, Ethiopia’s agricultural sector offers vast opportunities for value addition. 

Renewable Energy: With hydropower projects like GERD, Ethiopia aims to become a major energy exporter in the region. 

Tourism: The country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and rich cultural heritage attract global interest. 

"These sectors represent the heart of Ethiopia’s growth strategy," Manikus noted. "Foreign investors can play a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth." 

Legal Framework for Foreign Companies 

Foreign company registration in Ethiopia is governed by the Commercial Code of Ethiopia, 2021, alongside directives from the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC). The legal framework has been reformed to attract foreign investment by simplifying processes and reducing barriers to entry. 

"The updated Commercial Code provides clarity and ensures a level playing field for foreign businesses," said Manikus. 

Business Structures Available to Foreign Investors 

Foreign investors can choose from the following structures: 

Branch Office: 

Operates as an extension of the parent company. 

"This is suitable for businesses looking to maintain direct control," Manikus explained. 

Private Limited Company (PLC): 

The most popular structure, offering limited liability and flexibility. 

"For businesses planning long-term operations, a PLC is often the ideal choice," Manikus added. 

Representative Office: 

Used for non-commercial activities like market research or promotion. 

Steps to Register a Foreign Company in Ethiopia 

Manikus outlined the registration process: 

Investment Permit Application: 

Submit an application to the EIC with details about the proposed investment. 

Company Name Registration: 

Reserve a unique name with the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI). 

Incorporation Documents: 

Prepare Articles of Association and a Memorandum of Association, which must be notarised. 

Commercial Registration: 

Register the company with MoTRI to obtain a commercial registration certificate. 

Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): 

Register with the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority (ERCA) to obtain a TIN. 

Sector-Specific Licences: 

Secure additional licences from relevant ministries, depending on the industry. 

Taxation and Investment Incentives 

Ethiopia offers a competitive tax regime and attractive incentives for foreign investors: 

Corporate Income Tax: 30% for most sectors. 

VAT: 15% on goods and services. 

Customs Duty Exemptions: Available for capital goods imported for investment projects. 

Income Tax Holidays: Up to 7 years for businesses in priority sectors like manufacturing and agriculture. 

"The Ethiopian government’s incentives align with its goal of fostering sustainable development," Manikus noted. 

Labour Laws and Workforce Considerations 

The Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019 governs employment in Ethiopia, ensuring fair treatment and worker protections. Key requirements include: 

Written employment contracts. 

Compliance with minimum wage laws. 

Contributions to the Social Security Agency for employee benefits. 

"Developing a compliant and motivated workforce is crucial for success," Manikus advised. 

Challenges and Opportunities 

While Ethiopia offers immense opportunities, challenges such as bureaucratic delays and foreign exchange shortages persist. Engaging local advisors can help mitigate these issues and ensure compliance. 

"Understanding the nuances of Ethiopia’s regulatory environment and fostering strong partnerships are vital," Manikus explained. 

Conclusion: Ethiopia’s Bright Future for Investors 

"Ethiopia’s vibrant markets, ambitious reforms, and strategic location make it a cornerstone for investment in Africa," Manikus concluded. "With opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy, the potential is immense. But success requires adaptability, compliance, and a long-term vision." 

Foreign investors are encouraged to seek professional guidance to navigate Ethiopia’s regulatory landscape and capitalise on its opportunities. As Manikus emphasised, "Ethiopia is not just an emerging market; it is a beacon of Africa’s future prosperity." 

[b2bbusiness]

Ethiopia Construction Market: Growth Drivers, Trends, and Future Outlook

The Ethiopia construction market has emerged as a vibrant sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic development. With rapid urbanization, population growth, and government-backed infrastructure projects, Ethiopia is becoming a key player in the African construction industry. This article explores the key factors influencing the Ethiopia construction market, its current trends, and future prospects.

Key Growth Drivers of Ethiopia's Construction Market

Government Initiatives The Ethiopian government has made infrastructure development a cornerstone of its economic growth strategy. Large-scale projects like road networks, railways, and industrial parks are part of the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP). These projects aim to improve connectivity, support industrialization, and boost regional trade.

Urbanization and Housing Demand Ethiopia’s urban population is growing rapidly, leading to increased demand for housing and urban infrastructure. Cities like Addis Ababa are witnessing a surge in residential and commercial real estate projects, driving investments in the construction sector.

Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) FDI plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s construction market. Investors from China, Turkey, and other nations are actively participating in infrastructure projects such as power plants, highways, and real estate developments. The government’s efforts to create a conducive business environment have further boosted investor confidence.

Natural Resources and Energy Projects The construction of large-scale energy projects, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), has positioned Ethiopia as a regional energy hub. Such initiatives are driving demand for construction services and materials.

Current Trends in Ethiopia's Construction Market

Focus on Green and Sustainable Construction Ethiopia is aligning with global trends by adopting green construction practices. Sustainable materials and energy-efficient building designs are gaining traction, particularly in urban projects.

Technological Advancements The use of modern construction technologies, including prefabricated building systems and advanced machinery, is increasing efficiency and reducing project timelines.

Growth of Industrial Parks Industrial parks are being developed across the country to promote manufacturing and export-led growth. These projects require substantial construction activity, further stimulating the market.

Affordable Housing Initiatives To address the housing deficit, the government and private developers are focusing on affordable housing schemes, catering to low- and middle-income populations.

Challenges in the Ethiopia Construction Market

Limited Access to Financing Access to affordable financing remains a challenge for local contractors and developers, often hindering project execution.

Supply Chain Disruptions Dependence on imported construction materials makes the market vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, leading to cost escalations.

Skilled Labor Shortage Despite the growing market, there is a shortage of skilled labor, which affects the quality and pace of construction projects.

Future Outlook

The Ethiopia construction market is poised for robust growth in the coming years. The government’s Vision 2030 plan, emphasizing infrastructure development, is expected to attract more investments. Additionally, Ethiopia’s strategic location and membership in regional trade blocs like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) position it as a key player in regional infrastructure development.

Buy the Full Report to Know More about the Ethiopia Construction Market Forecast

Download a Free Report Sample

[johnblogs786]

Ethiopia's Construction Market: A Growing Hub of Opportunities

Ethiopia, often referred to as the "African Tiger," is rapidly emerging as a key player in the continent's construction sector. With a robust economy, strategic geographical location, and ambitious infrastructure development plans, Ethiopia's construction market is witnessing unprecedented growth, attracting both domestic and international investors. This article explores the key factors driving Ethiopia's construction boom, the challenges it faces, and the potential opportunities for stakeholders in the industry.

Infrastructure Development Initiatives:

One of the primary drivers of Ethiopia's construction market is the government's commitment to ambitious infrastructure development projects. The country has been investing heavily in roads, bridges, airports, and railway networks to enhance connectivity and foster economic growth. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a flagship hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile River, exemplifies Ethiopia's dedication to becoming a regional powerhouse in energy production.

Urbanization and Population Growth:

Ethiopia's urban population is rapidly expanding, creating a demand for modern infrastructure and housing. Major cities like Addis Ababa are experiencing a surge in real estate development, with skyscrapers, residential complexes, and commercial spaces reshaping the skyline. The need for affordable housing solutions is also driving innovation in construction methods and materials.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):

The Ethiopian government actively encourages foreign investment, and the construction sector is no exception. International companies are increasingly Ethiopia construction market participating in major projects, bringing expertise, technology, and capital. Chinese firms, in particular, have played a significant role in financing and executing large-scale infrastructure projects.

Policy Reforms:

Ethiopia has implemented several policy reforms to streamline the construction industry and make it more attractive to investors. These reforms include easing bureaucratic processes, improving the business environment, and ensuring transparency in project procurement. Such initiatives have contributed to the country's improved ranking in global ease of doing business indices.

Challenges in the Construction Market:

Despite the positive momentum, Ethiopia's construction market faces challenges that need careful consideration. Issues such as financing constraints, a shortage of skilled labor, and logistical hurdles can impede project timelines and quality. Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustaining the sector's growth trajectory.

For more insights into the Ethiopia construction market forecast, download a free report sample

[zegebeya]

7,000 Sqm Land for Sale in Addis Ababa, Ayer Tena

Attention all real estate investors and developers! A rare opportunity has arisen to acquire a spacious 7,000 square meters land with a 2,000 square meters warehouse in Addis Ababa, Ayer Tena. Located near the main asphalt road, this expansive compound is perfectly situated for easy access and transportation. The large size of the land provides ample space for a variety of construction projects, making it ideal for investors looking to develop commercial or residential properties. The warehouse on the property offers additional value and flexibility, providing storage space for construction materials or goods for sale. This property represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire prime real estate in a highly desirable location. Don't miss out on the chance to make this property your own and realize the full potential of this vast land. Contact us today to schedule a viewing and explore the possibilities that await with this exceptional real estate opportunity. Read the full article

[avalonglobal]

Somaliland - A land of hidden opportunities - Avalon Global Research

As we ponder over the unprecedented situation we are facing now and stress over the potential fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic, I thought of sharing my travel experience to Somaliland last year and how a country which is still unrecognized as an independent country, offers a plethora of business and investment opportunities.

To be honest, I didn’t know such a country even existed until I got a chance to travel there for one of my projects! I guess many of us who are not as well-read as the rest would have probably heard of Somalia and not that Somaliland is an entirely different and separate country. What I read and experienced in the next few weeks fascinated me. For those who don’t know, Somaliland is a self-declared state on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, which declared independence after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre in 1991. Though not internationally recognized, Somaliland has a working political system, government institutions, police force and own currency. The country has an estimated population of 4 million and per capita GDP of around USD 675, one of the lowest in the African continent.

The first thing that you notice once you land at the Hargeisa Egal International Airport is the absence of baggage conveyor belts (yeah, you read it right!). For an airport with flights from international destinations such as Cairo to Dubai to Addis Ababa, this was shocking to me! It felt like I was standing in a queue in a bus stand in India, waiting for my luggage to arrive, amidst a multitude of people some of whom equally bemused by this whole experience. The immigration process before this was slightly more organized and got over quickly, thanks to the efficient officer at the counter. My next stop was Ambassador Hotel Hargeisa which would be my abode for the next week. The hotel is arguably the best in the country and is often the preferred choice of stay for foreign diplomats and members of international organizations such as the UN. After having spent a week there, I will strongly recommend the hotel to anyone planning a trip to Hargeisa.

Apart from the road from the Egal Airport to Ambassador Hotel and the roads around the hotel, the rest of the road infrastructure in Hargeisa and neighboring towns is pretty dismal, to put it mildly. You will be greeted by decades-old mini-vans and second-hand cars (on the verge of breaking down) once you enter the main city. Add to that, broken roads and lack of any roads in some parts of the capital city makes the entire experience adventurous but very bumpy! Most of the cars you see on the road are second-hand and probably 10-15 years old but driven at break-neck speed! You see a lot of Vitz (Toyota) on the road zooming past you from all directions, similar to the ubiquitous Alto on our Indian roads. Some might say that this is the real Africa, with dilapidated or poorly maintained buildings, poor people selling wares and stuff on the road, and barren land on the outskirts of the city.

Having stayed in Hargeisa for a week and after trying out various local dishes at the Ambassador Hotel and smaller restaurants in the city, it is difficult not to talk about the Somaliland cuisine. The country’s rich cuisine is heavily influenced by countries such as Italy, Turkey, Arab, Ethiopia and of course India. Right from sabaayad (roti-like) to sambusa (our very own samosa) to canjeero/laxoox (fermented pan bread), you get to choose from a multitude of options in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. One thing that I was not too adventurous to try is the camel milk, a very popular item in Somaliland. It might not be appetizing to you, but this is their delicacy! One thing I liked and tried a lot is the Somali tea, one of the best I had in a long time.

The country has gone through a lot of turmoil and since it is not recognized by international organizations, it is not eligible for loans from the World Bank and the IMF. This exclusion from international markets has compounded the socio-economic pressures that the country is facing.

Despite a not-so-large population base, the country offers great opportunities for investments, exports and imports, also because of its relatively younger demographic structure. Owing to the country’s troubled history and lack of sufficient opportunities to deal with the outside world, I found the people in Somaliland warm and extremely hardworking. However, business and investment will be key to create jobs, sustainable growth and prosperity in Somaliland. In Somaliland, where 63% of men and 80% of women between 25 and 34 years of age are unemployed, this need is particularly important. I hope the country gets its international recognition soon and then make up for lost ground on the back of stronger financial support, an industrious working class and large untapped markets.

On a personal front, if someone asks me if I would want to go back to Somaliland, I’ll say YES! I wish my earlier stay was long enough to see more of their rich culture and try out more of the delectable Somali cuisine (I will still skip the camel meat and milk!). If I get an opportunity to go back to the country in the future, I hope to see a better place with people living in peace and prosperity. After having been through so much strife over the past many decades, they definitely deserve it!

Would you like to learn more about the potential for your company’s products and services in Somaliland? Get in touch with us.

Author: Prasanth R Krishnan

Prasanth works as an Associate Director with Avalon Global Research and is primarily responsible for project delivery, client management and business development. He has over 14 years of experience across research, consulting and financial services industries. At Avalon, his focus industries are Automotive and Industrials along with ICT. Outside of work, he is an avid Automotive enthusiast and likes to keep track of all the latest developments in the Automotive world.

[eagleeyelens]

Road Projects worth Over 1.9 Billion Birr Inaugurated in Finfinne Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie today has inaugurated various road projects constructed with a cost of over 1.9 billion birr in the City. The inaugurated projects include 11 asphalt roads, 2 parking lots and sidewalks, it was indicated. Among the projects eight of them were built by the Finfinne Addis Ababa Roads Authority and the rest by private contractors. The roads that were…

[newscheckz]

DP World and Somaliland open new terminal at Berbera Port

New Post has been published on https://newscheckz.com/dp-world-and-somaliland-open-new-terminal-at-berbera-port/

DP World and Somaliland open new terminal at Berbera Port

Expanded port, economic zone and Berbera corridor will transform Berbera into an integrated maritime, industrial and logistics hub in the Horn of Africa.

Berbera Port’s new container terminal inaugurated, has capacity for 500,000 TEUs a year; Second phase expansion of terminal will increase capacity up to two million TEUs a year; Berbera Economic Zone under development aims to attract investment and new businesses, and to create jobs; Expanded port, economic zone and Berbera corridor will transform Berbera into an integrated maritime, industrial and logistics hub in the Horn of Africa.

DP World, a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions, and the Government of Somaliland, yesterday inaugurated the new container terminal at Berbera Port, following completion of the first phase of the port’s expansion as part of its development into a major regional trade hub to serve the Horn of Africa.

The new terminal was officially opened by His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi, President of Somaliland, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, at a special event attended by over 200 guests, including a Government delegation from Ethiopia, led by their Excellencies Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance and Dagmawit Moges, Minister of Transport.

The event also included a symbolic ground-breaking for the new Berbera Economic Zone, the first phase of which is under construction.

The new container terminal with a deep draft of 17m, a quay of 400m and three ship to shore (STS) gantry cranes, can handle the largest container vessels in operation today, and increases the port’s container capacity from current 150,000 Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) to 500,000 TEUs annually.

The terminal also includes a modern container yard with eight rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGs). A new port One Stop Service Centre is also currently being built and will be ready in quarter three this year.

DP World has committed to investing up to US$442 million to develop and expand Berbera Port, and with the first phase now complete, Mr bin Sulayem also announced that work is already underway to further expand the port in a second phase.

This includes extending the new quay from 400 to 1,000 metres, and installing a further seven STS gantry cranes, increasing the total from three to 10, enabling the port to handle up to two million TEUs a year, and multiple large container vessels at the same time.

Part of the overall Berbera plan and modelled on DP World’s Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, the economic zone is linked to the port and strategically located along the Berbera to Wajaale road (Berbera Corridor).

The economic zone will serve as a centre of trade with the aim to attract investment and create jobs, and will target a range of industries, including warehousing, logistics, traders, manufacturers, and other related sectors.

It will allow producers, suppliers, and customers to operate in a conducive and competitive environment for investment and trade.

DP World and Somaliland open new terminal at Berbera Port, Announce Second Phase Expansion and Break Ground for Economic Zone

The Berbera Corridor road upgrade project, funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), and the Hargeisa Bypass Road funded by UK Aid, is set for completion in quarter four, 2021 and quarter three 2022, respectively.

The road will link to the existing modern highway on the Ethiopian side and position Berbera as a direct, fast, and efficient trade route for Ethiopian transit cargo.

His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi, President of Somaliland, said: “This is a proud and historic moment for Somaliland and its people, as the completion of the first phase has made our vision of establishing Berbera with its strategic location into a major trade hub in the region a reality.

With the new terminal, along with the second phase of expansion and economic zone along the Berbera corridor, we are now firmly positioned to further develop and grow our economy through increased trade, attracting foreign direct investment and creating jobs”.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO, said: “Our further expansion of the port in a second phase, and its integration with the special economic zone we are developing along the Berbera Corridor, reflects our confidence in Berbera and intent to develop it into a significant, world-class centre of trade.

It will be a viable, efficient and competitive option for trade in the region, especially for Ethiopian transit cargo”.

DP World Berbera, which began operations at the port in March 2017, has since increased volumes by 35 percent and vessel productivity by 300 percent, and reduced container vessel waiting time from four to five days, to only a few hours.

DP World and the Ethiopian Ministry of Transport signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May this year, with the aim of developing the Ethiopian side of the road linking Addis Ababa to Berbera, into one of the major trade and logistics corridors of the country’s international trade routes.

[zegebeya]

Apartments for Sale in Addis Ababa Around Kebena

Nas Towers, our new site project with beautiful and distinctive residential and commercial towers is located right next to the main Kebena to Megenagna road in Yeka Sub-City. It is designed to accommodate 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedroom apartments, all coming with different sizes of your choosing. They also have studio apartments, luxurious penthouse and duplex units at the top of the tower with meticulous designs. Our towers also offer functional and communal areas of use for markets, cafes, restaurants, fitness centers and commercial spaces. ናስ ታወርስ፦ አዲሱ ሳይት ፕሮጄክታችን ውብ ፣ ልዩ የመኖሪያ አፓርታማዎችን እና የንግድ ሱቆችን አካቶ በየካ ክፍለ ከተማ ከቀበና ወደ መገናኛ በሚወስደው ዋና መንገድ አጠገብ ይገኛል። በመረጡት ባለ 1 መኝታ ቤት ፣ ባለ 2 መኝታ ቤት ፣ ባለ 3 መኝታ ቤት አፓርታማዎችን ፣ ሁሉንም ባስፈለገዎ መጠን የሚያገኙበት። እንዲሁም ስቱዲዮ አፓርትመንቶች ፣ ፔንት ሃውስ እና ቅንጡ ባለ ሁለትዮሽ ክፍል ቤቶችን ከማማው አናት ላይ አጅቦ በልዩነት የሚገነባ ፕሮጀክት ነው። በተጨማሪም የናስ ቅይጥ አፓርታማዎች ለገበያ፣ ለካፌዎች፣ ለሬስቶራንቶች፣ ለአካል ብቃት ማእከላት እና ለተለያዩ የንግድ አገልግሎት የሚሰጡ ቦታዎችንአዘጋጅቶ ቀርቧል። Located alongside Megenagna to Kebena Road, around Shola, in front of Russian Embassy, one of the central and secure locations in our bustling city, Addis Ababa. Find price details attached. Read the full article

[africanrenaissance]

For the next week I will be sharing the African-centric photography of Paola Viesi. Ranging from captures of the African social atmosphere, Ethiopian Christendom, to portraits of Tuareg Berbers and more.

Here is her story:

“Paola Viesi is a professional photographer working mainly in Africa.

After classical and humanistic studies in Rome and a nearly fifteen formative years at Olivetti, works for ten years as a Human Resources Top Manager at Telecom Italia, Italy’s main telecommunication company.

With the intention of living a second life, she decides for early retiring to follow her great passion for travelling and the arts. After a first trip to Ethiopia, she moves to Addis Ababa, where she is based since 2002, spending most of her time travelling in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ethiopia sparks her interest for culture, art and people. Starts travelling extensively throughout the country taking photos with a special aesthetic touch and a sense of classical beauty.

After the success of her photos for UNESCO’s Communication Campaign for the return and the re-erection of the Axum Obelisque, she starts a five years collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, travelling and taking pictures in 16 Sub-Saharan countries.

Known for her fearless and long expeditions, her attraction to people takes her travelling to remote places, where she starts taking pictures of great gatherings to holy places with her capacity of capturing magical and unique emotional moments in people’s lives in her vibrant portraits.

In 2007 starts a fruitful collaboration with Slow Food, travelling and focussing on Rural Communities and Fishery Projects, documenting many differents Slow Food projects and Presidia throughout Africa.

After 150.000 kilometers mainly on rough roads travelling with her car in 30 African countries, her intention is only to continue to travel more throughout the world, taking more pictures of people, places, unique events and artwork with her tireless creative energy.”

[the-funtime-autocrat]

The early 1930's saw the capital and many regions of Ethiopia enjoy an economic boom, stimulated among other things by a succession of good harvests and an absence of any natural disasters. The Great Depression that had held the world in it's grip for some years was over by this time. Halie Selassie had succeeded in creating a central governmental and administrative apparatus presided over by loyal civil servants. An ever-growing number of foreign firms arrived in Ethiopia and opened branch offices in Addis Ababa. Many Europeans were engaged in trading coffee, herbs and oil seeds. In the space of 15 years, the population of the capital had more than doubled, from 50,000 to well over 100,000. Construction work was going on everywhere: among the new buildings that arose to grace the Addis Ababa skyline were the city's new railway station, completed in 1929, the parliament building with its clock tower, which was dedicated in 1934 and the Imperial Palace, or Genete-Leul (Literally 'Princes' Paradise'), which was finished soon after. Halie Selassie's modernization programme went into overdrive in the three years between 1931 and 1934: New schools and hospitals sprang up, numerous road-building projects were set in motion and a programme for the electrification of the country was begun.

Asfa-Wossen Asserate, “King of Kings: The Triumph and Tragedy of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia” (2015).

[didanawisgi]

Extreme Bookbinding - A fascinating Preservation Project in Ethiopia by Lester Capon

It began with 8a telephone call one Thursday morning in May 2006 from James Brockman. The conversation went something like this :- J.B. - "Do you want to work in the Ethiopian mountains on a 6th. century manuscript?" L.C. - " Yes" When, some months later, I was being hoisted up a sheer rock face a stones throw from the Eritrean border, trusting my prolonged existence to an ancient leather strap and an even more ancient monk, coupled with my laughable attempts at rock climbing on the only day of rain in the whole trip, I had time as I dangled dangerously to reflect, through gritted teeth as it were, on my hasty reply.

Introduction

The two manuscript volumes are kept at the Monastery of Abuna Garima in the Tigray Region, that is the Ethiopian highlands, in the north of the country. There are many monasteries and rock-hewn churches scattered around this area in varying degrees of inaccessibility - up mountains, on lakes and miles from anywhere.

They nearly all have 'treasures - crosses, crowns, manuscripts and books' which are shown, though not always, to the few visitors who pass through. It is not uncommon to trek for a day over rough mountainous terrain to reach one of these churches, only to find that the resident monk is disinclined to show its treasures, or that he is simply absent, or, dare I say, sleeping off a home brew tasting session.

Perhaps the most famous one is at Lalibela. This is a group of churches situated in the Lasta Mountains, Northern Ethiopia, which are carved out of, and freed from, the rocks, creating a space around them. They contain striking carvings, friezes and frescoes as well as manuscripts.

Of all the manuscripts in Ethiopia the gospels at Garima are believed to be the oldest and have been dated by European scholars to the sixth century. (They are believed by the Coptic monks there to have been written and illustrated by Abba Garima, their founder and one of the evangelising saints of Ethiopia, in one day!) There are plenty of wild beliefs, I guess, in all cultures. Gabra Manfas Qeddus, born in Egypt, was supposed to have lived for 562 years, neither drinking water nor eating food.

The Charity for the Preservation of Ethiopian Heritage in London were organising this project. They had been advised of the options and viability of any work being carried out. Clearly, the ideal treatment for these manuscripts would have been removal to a conservation unit where it could be analysed, taken apart, repaired and reassembled. This of course would be a huge undertaking - years of work - a massive commitment from an institution or team of conservators. In practice this will never happen - the books rarely see the light of day, and are not even allowed beyond the perimeter of the monastery's Treasure House courtyard. They have never left the monastery in over 1400 years, let alone the country.

I agreed with the sponsors that a limited amount of consolidation and repair could be achieved without compromising the volumes and that this would result in the manuscripts being safer to handle.

Accompanying me for some of the time would be Jacques Mercier, an expert on Ethiopian manuscripts, icons, healing scrolls and botany, who has spent about thirty years on and off in Ethiopia and was, thankfully, more than capable of dealing with the complicated hierarchy and bureaucracy there and Daniel SeifeMikael, his assistant, an Ethiopian lecturer in Theology who was kindness personified. I was lucky that Mark Winstanley, owner of the Wyvern Bindery in London volunteered his services as assistant. He was unfailingly helpful with all the work, very jolly company and excellent at keeping the monks amused and occupied. (This last skill was very necessary, as we shall see.)

Preamble

The monastery itself is a group of small stone built huts some circular, some square with turf roofs where the monks live. There is a church, gaily painted on the outside in reds, greens and yellows; having small windows, its interior is dark and atmospheric.

This was usually locked shut although occasionally a monk could be heard within reading aloud from the gospels - using not the early manuscript but one of the many other later manuscripts they have, bound in wooden boards with heavy leather outer covering and fabric inner lining, substantially hidden by the large turn-ins. They usually have illustrations at the beginning of St. Giorgis, their patron saint (our own man, the very same) slaying a dragon, and the Virgin Mary with Jesus at the end. I believe it is quite a common practice to have the illustrations 'freshened up' every so often.

Near to the church was the Treasure House, a charming circular blue painted building. This also was often locked. It housed not only the manuscripts but also, in a huge glass fronted cabinet, dozens of books, old and new, made in the same Coptic style of binding. There were seventeenth and eighteenth century ornate crowns, a fourteenth century ceremonial silver spoon, early silver crosses, robes and fabrics, silver and pewter jugs and trays, faded curling photographs all crammed together. On the floor were faded and flea infested rugs.

Hanging everywhere were the bright multi-coloured umbrellas they use as sun protection, each section a different fabric, and wonderful book bags of very tough leather and vellum. Mahda, I believe they are called. I will never forget my first entry into this dark and magical room as, watched intently by the Keeper of the Treasures, I sat on a stone seat built out from the wall and let my eyes grow accustomed to the dim light that gradually revealed all these wondrous objects.

But I am ahead of myself.... We arrived at Addis Ababa and took an internal flight over the Simeon Mountains to Aksum. Here we discovered that half of Mark's luggage had stayed with the plane and was on its way to Gonder. Well, it could have been worse - it could have been my luggage. We were driven to Adwa, the nearest town to the monastery. The scenery was stupendous - a mixture of mountains and grasslands and Acacia and Olive trees with some cultivated areas. According to Sidney Cockerel many of the boards used for bindings are of Olive wood.

The main crop is Tef, a sort of wheat, with which they make their staple diet of injera. This grew everywhere, greeny gold, blowing in the breeze like our fields of wheat. So much more attractive than what it eventually produces. Injera is basically an edible plate - spicy meats are placed on it and the injera, which has the look of an old damp grey kitchen rag, is broken off in order to pick up the meat. A good sociable system but I fear I never adapted to the taste and consistency.

On our first day at Adwa it was the Festival of Abuna Garima so there was no chance of getting over to the monastery. The monastery, however, had come to Adwa. Dozens of monks looking splendid and imposing in robes and crowns, carrying huge crosses and books, were in a procession through the town, gathering as they went half the inhabitants, plus three Europeans - or faranji -Jacques, Mark and me.

We arrived at a hill top church and watched with the large, noisy and excited crowd the monks dancing and singing, with groups of women complementing the extraordinary sounds with continuous ululations. We were told by locals, with pride and pleasure that the old church had been torn down, and replaced with this one, with brand new murals.

This was a rich and colourful event that continued the next day. The Patriarch, or Pope, of Ethiopia was in town. He had originally come from the Garima monastery, and was visiting Adwa to speak to the masses, which he did at length. To the monk's disappointment and annoyance he did not visit the monastery and the last we saw of him was as he was driven away, throwing handfuls of tiny crosses, like sweets, out of the window, to enthusiastic children chasing the car. As absorbing and thrilling as it was it did mean that two days had gone by and I hadn't even seen the monastery, let alone the manuscript.

The next day came and still we were told it was not possible to go there. Daniel was working hard waving the necessary documentation in front of the necessary noses and I think it was a frustrating and dispiriting experience for him.

Finally that Wednesday afternoon we were driven in an ancient Toyota van by the normal team of three - one to drive, one to take the money and one to open the sliding door - along the rocky road up into the hills to Abuna Garima. We were greeted with a sort of nervous and wary friendliness.

After some discussion - I say some discussion, - it was about 3 hours of talking. Mark and I took the time to climb the slopes above the monastery and gained a terrific view of the surrounding valley standing on the holy spot where Abba Garima spat on the ground and created a permanent spring - the manuscript was produced and I had my first breathtaking sighting of the beautifully bright colours of the illuminated pages which were at the beginning of each volume, although some were loose. I'd seen photos previously in London when I was preparing for this work - but seeing this book in real life was truly astonishing.

It was big - you could fell an ox with it, it was beautiful - the colours were vibrant - and it had, as I said to Mark at the time, the look of a burst mattress. The text pages were written in Ge-eze, the earlier language spoken in this area, but no longer in use. They speak Tigrinya now in this region.

The monks even at this stage were still undecided about how to proceed. The problem was that although they are the custodians of the books, the ownership rests with His Holiness, the Patriarch. The hierarchy of the various diocese also felt it necessary to give their permission. This was further complicated by the fact that the Ministry of Culture maintained that the government owned these types of artefacts and only they could give permission. We were pawns in the political power struggle between Church and State, as were the monks. I felt sorry for the Abbot who kept peering at all our letters of authenticity in a manner that suggested that he couldn't actually read.

Eventually we left - the monks were to have another meeting that evening, and we were to return the next morning.

The next day, we were allowed to start. I took out the materials I had brought and explained with the help of Daniel that these were the finest skins of vellum and the best papers from Japan.

The books were brought out into the courtyard of the Treasure House which was to be my 'bindery'. Not ideal, we had to move the benches (which consisted of an old table and two funeral biers) twice daily to avoid the sun whilst also contending with a gentle breeze. Other slight differences between this work space and my workshop at home included the occasional visits of donkeys and the regular visits of monkeys. I kept an eye on them as I was fearful that one may jump down from the roof, grab a folio, scrunch it up and run off down the hill.

At the start of work nearly all the monks gathered round, eyes fixed on me, Jacques started photographing from all angles and the Abbot sat down close next to me. Of course at this moment I wished them all elsewhere. Mark did his best to distract them. He did this brilliantly on many occasions as the monks were constantly wanting to sit virtually in our laps watching us work. He would engage them in conversation, even though they knew no English and we had about five words of Tigrinya, he taught them to ride a bike, which he had hired for a few days, he showed them how to burn their hands with the sun and my magnifying glass, and generally entertained them.

On this first occasion, however, there was nothing for it but to proceed with dozens of eyes following my every move. Having taken some initial photographs I picked up my 2B pencil to lightly collate the folios that were to be removed. I was alarmed to have my hand stopped by the Abbot. He did not want me to add anything to the great man's work. However, after a while he started to relax and to my amazement and even more alarm picked up one of my scalpels and started trying to cut some of the threads. My turn to stop his hand.

Gradually we settled into a routine of Mark and I working as a team. There were always at least 2 or 3 monks lingering casually as close as they could get, occasionally trying to examine the verso of the page we happened to be on. I called them neh nehs the name of a type of Hawaian goose - the name translates as - lets sit around and chat.

We arranged our makeshift benches - the funeral biers - as much as possible keeping them back. One morning one of the biers was missing - it was in use in the nearby village. Like the flies that continually pestered us, they had to be swotted. I did not blame them for this close interest. They made it clear they were grateful for the work. This work, in the most extraordinary circumstances and situation, Mark and I undertook in the most professional and responsible manner we could.

Condition and Treatment The Abba Garima Gospels are three manuscripts bound into two volumes. The first (AG1) contains the sixth century manuscript. The second volume (AG2) also contains the sixth century manuscript which is bound together with a later manuscript, from the 14th. Century.

AG1 is sewn with two pairs of sewing stations with a hard 2 ply linen thread. The boards are copper with holes that would presumably have displayed coloured glass or jewels originally. On the inside of the back cover are the remains of a deteriorated papyrus board. The metal boards are attached loosely by the sewing threads from the sections, as well as from the tacketing at head and tail, being wrapped around the hinge rod. The spine is three separate pieces of much more recent vellum, brought round under the boards and sewn through the preliminary pages approximately four cms. from the back fold, with parchment strips. This prevented satisfactory opening of these pages. Further damage had been effected by vellum guards being sewn into the pages, with parchment strips, diagonally through the images, thus preventing proper opening, and the formation of creases where attempts had been made to fold the vellum leaves back. With this secondary sewing, intermingled in places with a tertiary sewing of a soft 2 ply linen thread from some later repair, the most important and attractive folios were rendered inaccessible and vulnerable. On one occasion the page was creased in two places and sewn through the doubled part. All four edges of each page had damage and missing areas through use over fourteen centuries. Insect damage was found throughout the main text block.

AG2 is also sewn with two pairs of sewing stations with linen thread. The wooden boards are covered in a chased metal of a later date than AG1. The spine edges of the wood are chamfered. There are no holes horizontally through the boards (in keeping with later Coptic bindings) but there are many holes vertically through the boards suggesting later additions for repair purposes.

The illuminated and text folios in AG2 had suffered the same treatment as in AG1, and were in a similar condition.

Of the illuminated folios in AG1, three had to be moved to their correct place which was in AG2; two had to be moved to their correct place within AG1 and three had to be reversed, having been sewn in along the foredge.

Of the illuminated folios in AG2, three were loose and needed to be reinserted, and one needed to be moved to its correct position.

There was one extant double folio in each volume. The vulnerable edges of the illuminated folios were to be repaired where possible to prevent further damage.

The illuminated pages needed to open more freely. With all the added repairs the main advantage of Coptic binding - the ability to open the book completely flat - had disappeared.

AG1

The front board was removed by untying threads that were wrapped around the hinge rod. The spine vellum pieces, which were sewn into the first pages, were unthreaded where possible, releasing them, and creating access to the spine folds. The first twelve pages - illuminations and text - were detached and the repairs running across some of the pages were unthreaded.

The torn and damaged edges were repaired in small areas with laminations of Taizan 36gsm smooth toned Japanese paper using a parchment size adhesive.

I had taken with me a variety of Japanese papers - different weights, tones, textures, and a selection of differing thicknesses and tones of vellum. Although I had seen photographs of some pages it was difficult to be sure which material would be most suitable until I actually confronted the manuscript. The Taizan was a sympathetic match.

It would have been inappropriate to build up the large missing areas with new vellum as the stresses created would have transferred through to the original vellum causing more possible damage. Also the new pieces of vellum would have been largely unsupported by the rest of the volume and would therefore be vulnerable to damage, again possibly transferring through to the original. The torn edges and small vulnerable areas were consolidated with the toned Japanese paper.

Two laminations of Taizan paper were profiled to the spine edge shape of each single folio, edge pared and attached to the vellum page. No single folios were guarded together to create a double folio, the validity of which I could not be certain of.

A loose vellum guard was added around the outside of the spine folds to strengthen and support the sewing.

The loose text pages were repaired similarly and reassembled in their correct order. New sewing hemp cord was connected into the existing sewing of the text block, and the newly arranged and repaired folios were sewn in using the normal Coptic sewing method which had been employed throughout the rest of the book.

A blank, toned vellum flyleaf was sewn in to protect the first page from the inside of the copper board.

The three later vellum spine pieces were sewn into the stub of the new flyleaf enabling freer opening, and not hindering the opening of the first few pages.

The front board was reattached using the threads from the sewing which were wrapped and tied around the hinge rod securely.

Before I go on with describing the second volume work I should interrupt myself by mentioning that we were interrupted in the second week by a visit from the Mr. Fissela Zibola from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism looking very fierce, and telling us in no uncertain terms that we did not have permission to be working on the manuscript. We should stop immediately and return to Adwa with him. We proffered a letter that Jacques had left with us. Jacques and Daniel had left us several days before to oversee the conservation of an icon in another monastery several hundred miles away. Mr Zibola and Jacques obviously had some history. . He wasn't impressed and we had to leave the book - pages loose - and we were driven back. If we could not prove we were legitimately working we were told it was prison for us. Fortunately Jacques sorted this out and we had quite a pleasant afternoon being treated to some sort of coffee ritual at the hotel.

Anyway to return to the book.

AG2

The early part of the manuscript was separated from the later part. The illuminated folios were treated as AG1. Again there was only one extant double folio. The existing sewing was pretty shaky so it was strengthened with new hemp cord being sewn in, using the original sewing stations, and the newly arranged and repaired folios were added. A new toned vellum flyleaf was sewn in for protection against the board. The early manuscript was at the back of this volume so the front board was detached and sewn onto the front of the early part using existing attachment holes in the wood.

By returning the sewing to its original structure the illuminated pages could be viewed completely and with no real strain on the vellum. No evidence has been destroyed of what has happened to the books over the centuries - the holes from the misguided repairs using the parchment strips are still there, and samples of those strips and other sewing materials have been retained. Extensive amounts of debris - dust, leaves, insects etc. were found in the back folds of all the sections throughout the book. These were left in situ, partly as evidence for some possible future study and also9 because the removal would further loosen the sewing.

The pigment of the images was not flaking, and the vellum of the illuminated folios, despite being worn away in areas, was sound and more robust than the vellum of the text folios. It had also aged differently by becoming darker and more greasy. It may be that these pages were produced elsewhere, possibly in Egypt, and brought into Ethiopia. The differing appearance may simply be due to the more constant handling of these pages.

When the work was completed the monks were generous in their appreciation. We had decided to take them gifts, and noticing that they only had 2 drinking glasses for their tea - they had plenty of large cups for their home made beer - we bought a set of twelve. This was fortuitous as they looked on them as symbolic for the 12 Apostles. Jacques had suggested a more dramatic gift - a sheep for a feast. We got our taxi chaps to buy one which they brought out on the last evening. Mark presented the glasses and some other items showing great defference to the Abbot which surprised and pleased them. A small ceremony of thanksgiving for the work took place in the courtyard. Mark and I and all our families were blessed. Prayers were offered, counted out by the Abbot on his finger joints - as a Catholic will do on his rosary.

The books were returned to the wooden chest that had previously been made to house it. I understand it may be made more accessible to travellers - not for handling, but for viewing - bringing in some much needed funds.

Although I have worked on many early manuscripts this is by far the oldest and I felt privileged to be temporarily a part of this unchanging culture of poor and dignified Coptic monks. Repairing old books, I always feel I am touching history. With this book it was ancient history.

Postscript

I mentioned being suspended by a leather strap at the beginning of this article. This occurred on a trip out (we couldn't work on Sundays) to visit Debre Damo, an important early monastery , founded in 4th. Century by Arigawa, one of the main 9 saints, about 100 miles from where we were. Miraculously, considering the terrain and the condition of our vehicle, skilfully driven up and down rocky steep slopes and through rivers by our cheerful team of chauffeurs we reached this distant site. One of the local boys came up to me as I walked from the van and said solemnly ' You are a very old man and I will help you'. Nonplussed, I gratefully handed him my knapsack to carry.

The monastery is on a plateau reached only by scaling a sheer cliff face. The arrangement is that, being secured by the strap from the top, one climbs up the face of the cliff utilising another rope. Mark shinned up first, making it look easy.

For the whole three weeks that I was in the fabulous country of Ethiopia I had a nasty debilitating chest infection which I somehow picked up just before leaving England. I did feel at my lowest ebb that day, in the pouring rain, at the foot of the cliff. I really wanted to see the monastery with its books and ceiling carvings so it had to be done. I struggled up but was of little help to the monk holding onto the strap. When, with one final effort, he hoisted me over the top edge I looked up into his kindly grinning face to see that he must have been at least eighty. Feeling, and I'm sure, looking foolish (Mark has a photo) I recovered enough to enjoy this remote religious site where the monks are self sufficient, even having their own livestock and reservoirs of water hewn into the rock . The trip down was, as I suspected, just as vertical and I was accompanied by many whoops of encouragement.

I would like to thank Jacques Mercier, Daniel SeifeMikael and Mark Winstanley for all their much needed help and support. Also thanks to Tova Irving at William Cowleys who was extremely helpful with suggestions regarding the vellum.

[thisdaynews]

JUST IN:Pompeo closes Africa tour with warning about China’s ’empty promises’

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/just-inpompeo-closes-africa-tour-with-warning-about-chinas-empty-promises/

JUST IN:Pompeo closes Africa tour with warning about China’s ’empty promises’

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday closed a three-nation Africa tour with a thinly-veiled swipe at China as he talked up Washington’s ability to stimulate growth and entrepreneurship on the continent.

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“Countries should be wary of authoritarian regimes with empty promises. They breed corruption, dependency,” Pompeo said in a speech to diplomats and business leaders at the UN’s Economic Commission for Africa in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

“They run the risk that the prosperity and sovereignty and progress that Africa so needs and desperately wants won’t happen.”

Pompeo in his remarks did not explicitly mention China — Africa’s largest trading partner — but analysts predicted ahead of his trip that he would attempt to pitch the US as an alternative source of investment.

On Wednesday Pompeo name-checked US companies operating in all three countries on his Africa tour, the first by a US cabinet-level official in 19 months: Bechtel in Senegal, Chevron in Angola and Coca-Cola in Ethiopia.

He also hailed the free market generally, blasting “failed socialist experiments of years past” in places like Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

And he criticised a proposed constitutional amendment in South Africa that would allow private property to be expropriated without compensation — a plan that seeks to overcome inequalities set down in the apartheid era.

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The amendment would be “disastrous for that economy and most importantly for the South African people,” he said.

Pompeo left later for Riyadh.

Mixed messages Pompeo’s attempt to lay out a positive vision for US cooperation with Africa has been undermined by President Donald Trump’s Africa policy so far, analysts say.

Critics are quick to cite Trump’s widely-reported remarks in 2018 when he used a profanity to describe African and poorer Western Hemisphere nations whose citizens migrate to the United States.

Washington is currently discussing military cuts in Africa, and the US recently announced tightened visa rules targeting Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, as well as Tanzania, Sudan and Eritrea.

“Pompeo is unlikely to undo the damage from the Trump administration’s travel bans, the proposed budget cuts, or the president’s disparaging comments about the region,” said Judd Devermont, Africa director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think-tank in Washington.

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But African leaders would nonetheless “welcome his long-overdue engagement and focus on the positives as much as possible,” Devermont said.

Even so, countries like Ethiopia have benefitted from Chinese engagement, rendering Pompeo’s message less effective, said Abel Abate Demissie, an Ethiopian political analyst.

“It is undeniable that Chinese investment was quite crucial in keeping Ethiopia on track as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies for many years,” Abel said.

He added that much Chinese money has gone toward tangible projects like roads and buildings, while American money is more often funnelled to “less visible” fields like education and health.

“The fact that Chinese loans and sometimes grants have less bureaucracy also makes it quite convenient for Ethiopia and Africa at large,” Abel said.

China has funnelled cash and loans into infrastructure projects across the continent.

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However, Beijing has faced accusations, which it denies, of saddling poor nations with debt, siphoning off mineral resources and leaving environmental damage.

Pompeo insisted Wednesday that Trump was eager to play a bigger role on the continent.

“If there’s one thing you should know about our president –- my boss –- you should know that he loves deals,” he said, drawing laughs from the audience.

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“He wants more to happen between the United States and nations all across Africa.”

[tastydregs]

How Chinese Financing is Fueling Megaprojects Around the World

View the full-size version of this infographic.

How Chinese Financing is Fueling the World’s Megaprojects

On a mountaintop a few miles north of the bustling streets of Harare, Zimbabwe, a curving, modern complex is beginning to take shape. This building, once completed, will be the home of the African country’s parliament, and the centerpiece of a new section of the capital city.

Aside from the striking design, there’s another unique twist to this development — the entire $140 million project is a gift from Beijing. At first glance, gifting a country a new parliament building may seem extravagant, but the project is a tiny portion of China’s $270 billion in “diplomacy spending” since 2000.

AidData, a research lab at the W&M Global Research Institute, has compiled a massive database of Chinese-backed projects spanning from 2000–2017. In aggregate, it creates a comprehensive look at China’s efforts to grow its influence in countries around the world, particularly in Africa and South Asia.

Beijing has ramped up the volume and sophistication of its public diplomacy overtures, […] but infrastructure as a part of its financial diplomacy dwarfs Beijing’s other public diplomacy tools.

– Samantha Custer, Director of Policy Analysis, AidData

Below, we’ll look at three diplomacy spending hotspots around the world, and learn about key Chinese-funded megaprojects, from power plants to railway systems.

1. Pakistan

In 2015, Chinese President Xi Jingping visited Islamabad to inaugurate the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), kicking off a $46 billion investment that has transformed Pakistan’s transportation system and power grid. CPEC is designed to cement the strategic relationship between the two countries, and is a portion of China’s massive One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative.

One of the largest projects financed by China was the Karachi Nuclear Power K2/K3 project. This massive power generation project is primarily bankrolled by China’s state-owned Exim Bank which has kicked in over $6.6 billion over three phases of payments.

Billions of dollars in Chinese capital has also funded everything from highway construction to renewable energy projects across Pakistan. Pakistan’s youth unemployment rate sits as high as 40%, so jobs created by new infrastructure investments are a welcome prospect. In 2014, Pakistan had the highest public approval rating of China in the world, with nearly 80% respondents holding a favorable view of China.

2. Ethiopia

Ethiopia has seen a number of changes within its borders thanks to Chinese financing. This is particularly evident in its capital, Addis Ababa, where a slew of transportation projects — from new ring roads to Sub-Saharan Africa’s first metro system — transformed the city.

One of the most striking symbols of Chinese influence in Addis Ababa is the futuristic African Union (AU) headquarters. The $200 million complex was gifted to the city by Beijing in 2012.

Though Ethiopia is a clear example of Chinese investment transforming a country’s infrastructure, a number of other African nations have experienced a similar influx of money from Beijing. This financing pipeline has increased dramatically in recent years.

3. Sri Lanka

In the wake of political turmoil, Sri Lanka is increasingly looking to China for loans. From 2000 to 2017, over $12 billion in loans and grants have poured into the deeply-indebted country.

Perhaps the most contentious symbol of the relationship between the two countries is a port on the south coast of the island nation, at a strategic point along one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The Hambantota Port project — which was completed in 2011 — followed a now familiar path. Eschewing an open bidding process, Beijing’s government financed the project and hired a state-owned firm to construct the port, primarily using Chinese workers.

By 2017, Sri Lanka’s government was burdened by debt the previous administration had taken on. After months of negotiations, the port was handed over with the land around it leased to China for 99 years. This handover was a strategic victory for China, which now has a shipping foothold within close proximity of its regional rival, India.

John Adams said infamously that a way to subjugate a country is through either the sword or debt. China has chosen the latter.

– Brahma Chellaney

Playing the Long Game

Africa’s economic rise will likely be a major contributor to global growth in coming years. Already, six of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world are located in Africa. China is also the top trading partner on the continent, with the United States sitting in third place.

OBOR spending has also earned China plenty of influence in the rest of Asia as well. If the ambitious megaproject continues along its current trajectory, China will be the central player in a more prosperous, interconnected Asia.

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The post How Chinese Financing is Fueling Megaprojects Around the World appeared first on Visual Capitalist.

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IMF faces China debt dilemma in low income nations

The IMF has warned for more than a year of rising debt levels in low income countries. Now, bailout talks with Pakistan and requests for help from Angola, Zambia and others are forcing the fund to confront a pressing question: how far is debt distress in the developing world due to lending by China?

The trouble is, no one has the information needed to answer this question — and so ensure that Beijing plays its part in any writedowns of debt to official creditors.

In the past decade, China has stepped into the gap left by western donors, offering no-strings finance for political allies and for projects advancing its commercial and geopolitical interests.

In the absence of official data, it is hard to assess even the scale of lending. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University — who say their task is “more akin . . . to detective work than accounting” — estimate that the Chinese government, banks and contractors loaned some $143bn to African governments and state-owned enterprises between 2000 and 2017. Information on the maturity, cost and terms of loans is next to non-existent.

This is a huge challenge for the IMF. “Assessing debt sustainability is at the heart of IMF competence. If you get it wrong or go about it without the information, it hurts your credibility,” said a former senior official at the fund.

The first big test of the IMF’s resolve to tackle the issue is Pakistan’s bailout request: talks will resume in January, after a staff visit this week ended without agreement .

The fund’s reputation is on the line: it must explain why a repeat customer whose last bailout programme ended only in 2016 is already in difficulties. But the opaque nature of Chinese lending makes it hard to judge whether the country’s debt is sustainable.

Pakistan’s sovereign debt is high for an emerging market, at around 70 per cent of GDP. As much as half of this could be owed to China, which has pledged to fund projects worth some $60bn and has made Pakistan a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative, its scheme to fund and build infrastructure in more than 80 countries.

The former IMF official said Pakistan’s finances might be sustainable without debt relief — but only if there were no large hidden liabilities, such as guarantees on loans to state-owned enterprises. It would also be essential to establish the terms of Chinese loans, which analysts say are often extended at top-end commercial rates, not the concessionary rates usual for bilateral development aid.

When asked about Pakistan last month, Christine Lagarde, the fund’s managing director, insisted the IMF would demand “absolute transparency” on the nature, size and terms of its debt. This demand was one of the sticking points in the latest talks.

But the difference of approach between China and the fund reveals a larger mismatch between two competing visions for global development.

The IMF represents the Washington consensus, which stresses multilateral initiatives, open procurement and financial transparency. China’s approach in the BRI is largely bilateral, with project details withheld and contracts awarded mostly to Chinese state firms.

There is much at stake, given the likelihood that other countries will soon be queueing at the fund’s doors.

Last month, the IMF warned that more than 45 per cent of low income countries were at high risk of — or already in — debt distress, up from one-third in 2016 and one quarter in 2014. Several sub-Saharan governments have asked the Fund for help: Chinese loans are among the obstacles to progress with Angola, which approached the IMF in August, and Zambia which has been locked in negotiations for months.

Many other countries China has chosen as participants in the BRI are financially insecure. According to Moody’s, the credit rating agency, 78 of them have a median rating of Ba2 — signifying a non-investment, or “junk”, level of risk.

Ted Truman, a fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and a former IMF official, believes there could be bigger calls on the IMF within a few years. “Sooner or later, we all think that Venezuela [which has extensive debts to Beijing] will need an IMF programme to put the country back together again,” he said.

The US administration has already made it clear it will not back any IMF rescue that might serve simply to help its recipient pay off debts to Beijing.

Rescheduling debts to official creditors is usually a condition of an IMF bailout but China is not a member of the Paris Club, the group that coordinates debt relief.

The nature of Chinese lending is a further complication.

Gabriel Sterne, a former IMF official now at Oxford Economics, said it would not be easy to reschedule Chinese loans, often issued on commercial terms by state banks and other actors. “These chickens are going to come home to roost . . . it is completely unproven that China will behave cooperatively if things go bad,” he said.

Carmen Reinhart, a Harvard professor, has noted that China’s tendency to favour collateralised loans (such as oil backed loans extended to Angola and Ecuador) is a challenge, because their terms may affect the order of seniority among creditors.

China has at times proved willing to extend new loans or defer repayment when borrowers run into difficulties. It may now wish to be flexible — partly to avoid further conflict with the US, partly because it is worried that many loans may not be repaid.

Last month Wang Wen, the head of China’s export credit insure Sinosure, issued a rare public warning to Chinese developers of the need to step up risk management. He said Sinosure had already lost $1bn on a railway linking Addis Ababa to Djibouti — a project whose terms Ethiopia recently managed to renegotiate with Beijing.

But western governments will now want to see a formal commitment to burden sharing before they back an IMF bailout of any country heavily indebted to China. Pakistan’s crisis “is a test of the system,” Mr Truman said. “If they blink it’s a mess.”

Source: https://www.ft.com/content/6a0002ba-ecd9-11e8-89c8-d36339d835c0

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Amaechi’s Train Ride For $2b Silence

Azu Ishiekwene If it had been news about the former sports minister who had defiantly sat on $150,000 mistakenly paid into the ministry’s account by the IAAF, I might have found it easier to believe. Never mind Solomon Dalung’s beret and fatigue, his recalcitrance over the miscued money is at odds with his socialist pretensions. The IAAF saga suggests that he likes money and covets it even more when it does not belong to him. Why seize $150,000 in spite of passionate pleas by IAAF for two years that only $20,000 was actually meant to have been transferred? But Dalung is Dalung, one of President Muhammadu Buhari’s many pre-historic discoveries in a cabinet of strange bedfellows. As Dalung stood over the sports ministry’s treasury shortly before departing on May 29, brooding with green eyes while the ministry reluctantly refunded IAAF’s overpayment of $130,000 – one certified dollar at a time – a story was brewing of another minister who, unlike Dalung, swore publicly that he does not like money. Former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, not only disavowed bribes, he said that he would not even be tempted, much less yield, because he does not like money. From the news last week, temptation may be at the minister’s door in form of the Lagos-Ibadan railway construction, which reports suggested may have been significantly inflated. Multiple news reports said while the 156-km Lagos-Ibadan railway line is estimated to cost $2b, mostly sourced from loans borrowed from the Chinese, the same Chinese could finance the rehabilitation and construction of Ghana’s 414-km railway line for $2b. Different sources estimate that the cost of constructing the Lagos-Ibadan railway should not be the same as the cost to build the one in Ghana – and in fact should be significantly lower – since Nigeria’s is roughly one-third shorter, without any significant differences in gauge-type, power source or terrain. To be fair, Amaechi’s tenure had expired when the news broke, but his exit cannot justify the silence by him or by the ministry. The remotest suggestion that public funds may have been misspent or that the country may have been cheated by partners who appear determined to drown us in loans, must grieve a minister who does not like money. Neither his nor public fund is good to waste. Keep in mind that at some stage in this business – long before Ghana thought of revamping its own railway line – Amaechi had invited the Ghanaian Minister for Railway Development, Joe Ghartey, to see what the Chinese were doing with the Lagos-Ibadan railway line, among others. It was after the visit that Ghana locked down its own 414-km standard gauge deal with the Chinese, which would also include the building of two terminals in addition to plans to establish local hubs to build locomotive coaches. How did Ghana get a better deal when Nigeria still does not know how much it has so far borrowed from the Chinese in what now appears to be a rogue’s inventory of loan grab for everything from power to airport renovation and railway construction? Don’t get me wrong. I’m familiar with the mantra about non-consumption borrowing; about relatively safe debt-GDP ratio; and about how borrowing is good as long as it can be paid back. Clearly, the zeal with which former President Goodluck Jonathan pursued reviving the railways, followed by Buhari, is commendable. And if they had pledged a pound each of 200m Nigerian flesh to borrow to build our railways, we would have gladly obliged them. But we will not be taken for an expensive 156-km ride and not ask questions when Ghanaians would be paying far less for double the distance. It won’t happen. After years of broken promises and scandalously missed deadlines, Amaechi had promised the country that the Lagos-Ibadan railway line would be open in May 2019. But just as he was saying that earlier in the year, the Chinese contractors, unknown to him by his own confession, were on board a flight to Beijing and would not return until after the general elections were over. Not only is the project now past its May delivery date (civil works on the Ibadan-Abeokuta section and also the Lagos-Iju axis have been disrupted by the rains), the project cost has also increased by a sum which Amaechi publicly and defiantly refused to disclose. That is unacceptable. The public has a right to know. No journalist I know has taken as much interest and pain in highlighting the malicious confusion around this railway line project like the syndicated columnist, Sonala Olumhense. Time and again, he has called out Buhari’s government, and Amaechi in particular, over the handling of the project. In an article on October 8, 2017, entitled, “Nigeria’s railway merry-go-round,”, Olumhense narrated how Amaechi told a business forum in Abuja on January 23, 2017 that the government had paid its full counterpart funding of N72billion for the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan rail line. According to the article, Amaechi added that the payment was required to access a $30billion Chinese government loan, already approved by Beijing and only waiting approval by the National Assembly. In March of the same year, Amaechi said again that the Chinese Export-Import Bank (EXIM), was prepared to lend Nigeria $6.1billion to complete all current rail projects in Nigeria – and all, here, meant, Lagos-Ibadan; Lagos-Calabar; Lagos-Kano; Abuja-Kaduna; and the Abuja light rail. And then one day seven months later, Amaechi said the country may not develop the rail networks, after all, because, “there is no money.” In Nigeria, the journey from too much money to money missing, and finally, no more money takes only a press statement, which once reported vanishes into a blackhole. Whatever the Ghanaian minister saw during his visit that recommended the Chinese model to him might just have been the idea in principle and a sense of what can be done in his own country. If Ghartey ever saw the first page of the contract papers – the billions of dollars sunk in loan by the Chinese and the missed deadlines – he might have thought we were building a snail rail. To quote Olumhense, Nigeria has spent “about $75billion, but nobody is making clear where the investment has gone or is going.” But as surely as the Chinese know the cost of every stone on the Great China Wall, they’re keeping record of the loans and would call in every yuan someday. We can enjoy our debtor’s paradise for now, but a country like China that executes its public officers for corruption knows where to draw the line. The culture is different here. The Chinese know it, have mastered it, and are quite happy to abet corruption.  Our public officers conduct themselves as if they owe us nothing and we must either endure their arrogance or get lost. That might have been acceptable 21 years ago under military rule, but we’re well past that stage. And citizens must demand account. Amaechi may no longer be in office – or he may be waiting to return – but he owes the public an explanation about why we may be paying significantly higher for a railway line that is comparatively shorter than what Ghana is getting. When the Kenyan government was accused of spending $3.6billion to build the 250km Mombasa-Nairobi railway line, which cost significantly higher per kilometre of track than the Addis Ababa-Djibouti rail line ($3.4billion for 756km), the Kenyan government explained that the Mombasa-Nairobi line would carry more cargo and be powered by diesel. There was, at least, an official account. It took only five years (2011 – 2016) to complete the Addis-Djibouti line (powered by electricity, which significantly increased the cost); and six to complete the Mombasa-Nairobi line. Both services have opened up vast business opportunities along the routes, connected more towns, multiplied trade and economic activities, and drastically cut commute time and needless loss of lives on bad roads. We know that Amaechi does not like money. But millions of Nigerians who have to make honest money and love doing so need to know why Ghana appears to be getting a better deal than Nigeria in a rail project over which we have suffered much already. Silence would be a $2b insult, unbecoming of a man who might have been happy to serve Nigeria free-of-charge as minister, if only we asked him. And so, now we ask him nicely: Amaechi, what happened? Ishiekwene is the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of The Interview and member of the board of the Global Editors Network Read the full article