Thanks to its rich and varied topography and climate, Ethiopia is the home of a great number of wild animals and plants typical of different altitudes and climates.

Located within the tropics, the physical conditions and variations in altitude have resulted in great range of terrain, climate, soil, flora and fauna. Much of Ethiopia’s highland area lies above 2,000 meters and there are 20 peaks above 4,000 meters. At 4,620 meters, Ras Dashed, is one of the highest mountains in Africa. One of the lowest places on earth can also be found in Ethiopia, in the Danakil Depression, which lays 116 meters under sea level, comprising the Erta Ale active lava lake.

Along with this rich topography, five main climatic zones are influencing the diversity of the wildlife: the hot, arid zone covers the desert lowlands below 500 meters (average temperature above 28° C); the warm to hot, semi-arid zone including areas with an altitude of 500–1,500 meters; the warm to cool, semi- humid zone covering the temperate highlands between 1,500 and 2,500 meters; the cool to cold humid zone including the temperate highlands between 2,500 and 3,200 meters and the cold, moist temperate zone covering the Afro- alpine areas on the highest plateaus above 3,200 meters (average temperature below 10° C). Ethiopia is a country of 13 months of sunshine, and its main rainy season happens in June-July-August.

Ethiopia’s biodiversity is unique even when compared to its neighbors. There are over 6,000 species of plants, 277 species of mammals, out of which 35 endemic species, and more than 800 species of birds.

Though their population has decreased in the past decades, Ethiopia still has populations of African elephants, the world’s largest living land mammal. With its high level of intelligence, interesting methods of communication and complex social structure, it remains one of the most impressive animals on earth. Both male and female African elephants have tusks, contrary to the Asiatic specie where only male have them.

Some of the most impressing animals found in Ethiopia also include the Abyssinian lion. The Lion is the principal terrestrial predator in Africa and therefore a key species of the savannah ecosystem. The Abyssinian Lion found in Ethiopia has a large, dark mane, extending from the head, neck and chest to the belly. He is also smaller and more compact than other lions. Recently, it was established by scientists that these lions represent a genetically distinct population of the common African lion. An Abyssinian Lion breeding park is located in the National Palace and Park in Addis Ababa. The animal was a symbol for the patriotic Ethiopian independence (Black Lion Movement).

Besides of the Elephants and Abyssinian lions, there are a number of charismatic and endemic “flagship” species in Ethiopia, most notably the Gelada Baboon (an endemic genus and the world’s only grazing primate), which can be found in the Simien Mountains. His friendly attitude towards tourists make him easy to observe. The Mountain Nyala (Simien Mountains), the extremely rare Ethiopian Wolf (Red Fox), the Walia Ibex (endemic to Simien Mountains), the Swayne’s Hartebeest, the African Wild Ass and the Dibatag (an antelope of the desert areas of Ogaden) are also present in different parts of Ethiopia. Zebra can be found in the the southern part of the country. Some reptiles are found only in Ethiopia, including the Bale Mountains Heather Chameleon, the Bale Mountains Two- horned Chameleon and the Ethiopian Mountain Chameleon.

Ethiopia is particularly well-known for its wonderful and unique birdlife, which is appreciated by bird-lovers. Birds are numerous, diverse, very colorful and easy to observe. About sixteen out of the 862 species recorded in the country are found no where else on earth but in Ethiopia. Of the ten bird family’s endemic to the African mainland, eight of them are found in Ethiopia. Among the endemic birds, the Thick-billed Raven, Wattled Ibis, Black-winged Lovebird and White-collared Pigeon are notably common over extensive areas of the plateau. As they are big, readily identifiable and not timid, they are easy to see and observe frequently at a close range. Even in the highland forests, which support comparatively few endemic species of birds, the endemics are ubiquitous.

Though Ethiopia’s wildlife is little known to town dwellers and the expatriate community of the country, there are more than 30 National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, and Sanctuaries, which cover an impressive 14% of the country’s surface, along with numerous lodges and touristic infrastructure. These many protected areas enable the visitor to enjoy the country’s scenery and its wildlife, conserved in natural habitats, and offer opportunities for travel adventure unparalleled in Africa. In short, travelers looking to discover new landscapes, animals and plant species should not hesitate: Ethiopia’s wildlife has much to offer.

Addis Ababa, 8 April 2015 (WIC) – Financing Agreements for the Development of Geothermal Energy in Tendhao area (Afar) were signed on April 7, 2015 between the Ethiopian Government and French Agency for Development (AFD) and European commission at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.

As per the agreements, the total financing amounting to 16.5 million euros has been jointly provided by the French Agency for Development, through a euro 9 million soft loan, and by the European commission, through a euro 7.5 million grant of the EU Trust fund for infrastructure in Africa.

The project aims at identifying a low-carbon geothermal resources and contributing to the development of this energy sub-sector in the country where there is huge potential.
The funding will also be dedicated to the development of shallow reservoir, equipment purchase and to strengthen the capacities of Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP) and the Geological Survey of Ethiopia (GSE).

Ahimed Shide, State Minister of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development of Ethiopia and, Christian Yoka, the French Agency for Development Regional Manager in Addis Ababa signed the agreements in the presence of State Minster for Development of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Girardin and witnessed by Brigitte Collet, Ambassador of France to Ethiopia and the African Union, Chantal Hebberecht, Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia. (FBC)

Addis Ababa, 6 April 2015 (WIC) – The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development stated that the UK will continue its support to Ethiopia without changing its aid mechanism, as per the economic growth Ethiopia is displaying currently.

According to the Ethiopian Herald, the Ministry also noted that the main aim of the government of Ethiopia is to work with the people to break free from aid and loan and create confidence.

Haji Ibsa, Public Relation Director of the Ministry said the relation between the two countries goes a long way back and noted that the UK aid used to be incorporated in the country’s budget, and then trickled down to each State except for Addis Ababa. And this mechanism of doing things has made way to a new approach in which it specifically supports Ethiopia in sectors and aspects that would hasten its development. “And this shows that only the aid system has changed, and not that the aid is stopped all together,” he added.

Citing the growth Ethiopia is making, the Director said that England only changed its aid mechanism and in fact both countries are currently discussing ways to further strengthen their relation, and the aid might show an increase from its previous magnitude.” What Britain is saying is that Ethiopia will enter middle income country status in the coming years, and will be among the top ten countries that are recording rapid development,” said Haji. He went to say that the fact that Ethiopia entered the international capital market is an indication of the huge strides the country is making.

Out of its position to muster its capabilities to raise the coverage of the annual budget from domestic sources, which is currently working to raise it to 82 per cent from 70 per cent from the time of the first phase of the Growth and Transformation Plan, the Director highlighted that the Ethiopian government is working hard to achieve that as it can be seen from the many positive changes and improvements.

And if the need for loan arises, Hagi said that there’s no reason that would stop Ethiopia from taking loans it needs for its projects, just like any other country would.

Addis Ababa, 02 April 2015 (WIC) – European Union has decided to increase its assistance to Ethiopia considering the proper utilization of funds, EU Delegation to Ethiopia said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Head of the Delegation Ambassador Chantal Hebberecht said the country has been spending the finance secured from the EU for the intended purposes.

She said the EU has been monitoring the utilization of funds by Ethiopia and proved that the funds have been spent for the intended purposes.

EU has been supporting projects in natural conservation, agriculture, education and health has been spent properly.

In addition to the proper utilization of funds, the nation’s effort to alleviate poverty is another reason for EU to increase its support.

The EU and the 20 member states present in Addis Ababa are one of the biggest donors in this country, she said. “The total of the financial allocation to support the development of this country is more or less one billion dollars per year”, represents 40 percent of the public development aid in Ethiopia.

“We have ongoing projects for a total of 400 million Euros and we have in preparation a new financial allocation with 800 million Euros for the next five years, because we are starting a new cycle cooperation with this country under the 11th EDF” she added.

She noted that Ethiopia has been undertaking successful activities regarding poverty alleviation, reducing child and maternal deaths; realize universal access to primary education, and control malaria, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Allocating 70 percent of its budget to education, infrastructure, health institutions and poverty alleviation projects, helped Ethiopia achieve the MDGs, she added.

Germany, France, UK and Italy are among the leading countries in extending development assistance to Ethiopia.

According to ENA, in a news item dispatched on 16 February under the headline “EU increases assistance to Ethiopia to 1 bln Euros”, it was erroneously reported the amount of assistance EU plans to extend to Ethiopia as one billion Euros per annum.

In fact, the figure should read as 800 million Euros over the next five years.

Addis Ababa March 31/2015 Ethiopia will continue championing the regional integration of COMESA, Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn said.

At the closing session of the 18th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit today, the PM said the government of Ethiopia is working with commitment to enhance regional integration.

Hailemariam also urged member countries to pursue the path leading to regional integration with commitment.

“I believe that we have achieved collective understanding about how to enhance value addition and diversification through strategies and instruments for integrating our economies in increasing our access to the global value changes,” the prime minister stressed.

Furthermore, he said the existing facilities in the countries are key cornerstones to financially and technically support them to undertake the structure and institutional changes that are necessary for robust regional integration.

He thanked the European Union for its support. COMESA will receive 170 million Euros by the end of 2017.

Madagascar will host the 19th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit, it was learned.

– See more at: http://www.ena.gov.et/en/index.php/economy/item/607-ethiopia-to-continue-championing-regional-integration-of-comesa#sthash.xay9Lc0C.dpuf

Thanks to its diversified landscape, agro-ecology, and fertile soils with vast arable land (74.3 million hectares), the Ethiopian agricultural sector has much to offer: from coffee to livestock passing through oilseeds and flowers. In order to take full advantage of this diversity, important steps were made by the Ethiopian Government in the last two decades to accelerate growth and transformation in this sector, which remains a predominant in the Ethiopian economy. In fact, it is accounting for nearly 42.9% of the gross domestic product (GDP), about 90% of foreign currency earnings and 82% of employment. The transformation of the agriculture of other sectors of the economy. Recognizing that large capital investments are needed to exploit Ethiopia’s resources, incentives are being provided to encourage foreign investment (including joint ventures and marketing arrangements).

To accelerate the pace of the programme, the Agriculture Transformation Agency (ATA) was launched in 2011 with the aim of disseminating sector is therefore central to drive the economy transition to a manufacturing based economy and to reach middle-income country status by 2025.

Launched two decades ago, the Agricultural Development Led Industrialization (ADLI) strategy put agriculture at the forefront of Ethiopia’s development process and provided an overarching plan for economic development on the basis of agricultural transformation. The goal is to increase productivity leading to higher employment, incomes, and investable surplus for the development improved planting, fertilizing and harvesting techniques and ensure that these new practices are adopted by smallholder farmers. The ATA is scaling up these best practices through a network of agriculture extension workers and innovative ways of communication, such as an interactive voice response and SMS system providing smallholder farmers free with information on cereal, horticulture, and pulse/oil seed crops, as well as a wide range of agriculture-related activities and innovations. Ethiopia is the origin and largest producer of coffee in Africa and the fifth worldwide, with a reputation for producing some of the world’s finest organic coffees. The soil of the forest floor is enriched from falling leaves, making fertilizers unnecessary. Most regions of Ethiopia are furthermore suitable for the production of a wide range of tropical and sub- tropical fruits, vegetables and flowers, thanks to the country’s favorable climate, abundant labor, fertile land and water resources. Cut flower and vegetable production are fast growing export businesses, and Ethiopia is a center of diversity for a variety of flowering plants. While the contribution of the livestock industry to the country’s total exports is currently low compared to its potential, this sector also holds great promise as a source of export diversification for the future. The export of finished leather and leather products (such as leather garments, footwear, gloves, bags and other leather articles) has been increasing over the last years.

Moreover, some other parts of the sector represent substantial opportunities for new investment: plantation crops (such as tea and tobacco); production and processing of oil crops and cotton; fish farming; forestry and forest by-products. Ethiopia is also the home of the gluten-free cereal teff, which has been the main ingredient of Ethiopian food for thousands of years. Thanks to its rich nutritious characteristics, there is a global growing demand for teff.

Finally, Ethiopia has tremendous and potential for investment in agro-processing. While the government encourages the export of unprocessed agricultural products, it has placed incentives for investment and export of processed products, which involve and stimulate the growth of the agro- processing sector. Through the development of agro-processing, Ethiopia’s agricultural sector can achieve swift and sustained long-term economic development.

Report written by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels

By virtue of its location, dynamism and export incentives, Ethiopia has a high potential in trade.

Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa and thus potentially one of the largest domestic markets on the continent. By virtue of its membership to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) embracing 19 countries with a population of about 400 million, Ethiopia enjoys competitive market access to these countries. The country moreover qualifies for preferential access to European Union market under the EU’s Everything-But-Arms (EBA) initiative and to USA markets under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). Furthermore, a broad range of manufactured goods from Ethiopia are entitled to preferential access under the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) in the USA, most countries of the EU and other developed countries. No quota restrictions are placed on Ethiopian exports falling under the 4,800 products currently eligible for GSP treatment. Ethiopia’s proximity to the Middle East and Asian markets also offers further potential market opportunities.

Exports from Ethiopia are very dynamic, and their main destinations include China, Germany, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia. While the share of manufacturing products is increasing, exports in the agricultural sector are also on the rise: between 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, exports revenues from agricultural products are expected to grow by 16.3 percent, with a total revenue of more than 2.5 billion of dollars, according to the Ministry of Trade. The top export items include coffee, oil seeds, cereals, spices, natural gum and incense. Other common agricultural exportable items are fruits, vegetables and flowers, livestock and meat, pulses and oilseeds, spices and cotton. Agro-processed products include beeswax, honey and civet, fish, hides and skins. The manufactured products include leather products, textiles, wool, building materials, beverages, marble, granite and traditional handcrafts.

Ethiopia has followed an export led free market economy in which the government plays a facilitation role in the sector by providing several incentives and building huge infrastructures to boost the sector. In order to enhance the export sector, the Government has established the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX), a marketplace where buyers and sellers come together to trade, assured of quality, delivery and payment. ECX assures all commodity market players the security they need in the market by providing a secure and reliable end-to-end system for handling, grading, and storing commodities, matching offers and bids for commodity transactions, and a risk- free payment and goods delivery system to settle transactions, while serving all fairly and efficiently.

In order to further encourage investors and businesses to engage in exporting Ethiopian products, trade incentives provide advantages to exporters. Several of them are included in the Proclamation No. 543/2007, cited as “The Revised Export Trade Duty Incentive Scheme Establishing Proclamation”. Most notably, the Proclamation provide :

– a Duty Draw-Back Scheme: duty paid at the airport of entry and locally, on raw materials used in the production of commodities, is refunded 100 percent upon the exportation of the processed commodity;

– a Voucher Scheme: a printed document having monetary value, which is used in lieu of duties and taxes payable on important raw materials.

The beneficiaries of the voucher scheme are also exporters; and

– a Bonded Manufacturing Warehouse Scheme: Producers wholly engaged in exporting their products who are not eligible to use the Voucher Scheme can obtain a license that enables them to operate such factory or warehouse.

Moreover, with the exception of semi-processed hides and skins, no export tax is levied on export products of the country, and any investor who exports or supplies to an exporter (production or service input of at least 60 percent of the products or services) shall be entitled to income tax exemption for 2 years in addition to the income tax exemption.

Non-fiscal incentives for exporters include:

– Possibility to retain and deposit in a bank up to 20 percent of their foreign exchange earnings for future use in the operation of their enterprises with no export price control imposed by the National Bank of Ethiopia;

– Franco Valuta import of raw materials for enterprise engaged in export processing; and

– Export credit guarantee scheme, which is presently in place in order to ensure an exporter receives payment for goods shipped overseas in the event that the customer defaults, reducing the risk of operators’ business and allowing it to keep its price competitive.

Report prepared by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels

Ethiopia is becoming an investment destination in the sub-region for the fast paced economic progress it has been experiencing, for the lucrative business opportunities it provides, and for its attractive investment incentives. The country is located in the north-eastern part of Africa, commonly known as the Horn of Africa, at the cross-roads between Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The country has a stable political and economic environment. Thanks to its large population, Ethiopia is potentially one of the largest domestic markets in Africa. By virtue of its membership of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), embracing 19 countries with a population of over 400 million, Ethiopia also enjoys preferential market access to these countries. Ethiopia qualifies for preferential access to European Union market under the EU’s Everything-But-Arms (EBA) initiative and to USA markets under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). Accordingly, most Ethiopian products can enter into these markets quota and duty free. Furthermore, a broad range of manufactured goods from Ethiopia are entitled to preferential access under the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) of the USA. No quota restrictions are placed on Ethiopian exports falling under 4800 products currently eligible under the GSP.

The Ethiopian economy is based on agriculture, which contributes about 42.9% of the gross domestic product (GDP), about 90 % of foreign currency earnings and 85 % of employment. However, the industrial sector’s share is growing from year to year. The country is among the top growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa: for the last ten years, real GDP grew by an average of about 11 percent per year. Ethiopia is endowed with abundant natural resources. Altitude in Ethiopia ranges from 125 meters below sea level in the Danakhil depressions of the Afar region to 4,620 meters above sea level in the Amhara region. Thus the country has 18 major and 49 sub agro- ecological zones, each with its own agricultural and biological potential. Overall, 74.3 million hectars of land are suitable for agriculture (45% of the total area), of which only about 18 million hectares are currently utilized. The climate is suitable for growing over 146 types of crops. Ethiopia possesses one of the largest and most diverse genetic resources in the world. Besides, it has the soils and the climate suitable for the production of a variety of food crops.

The labour law of Ethiopia, prepared in conformity with international labour norms and standards, provides adequate provisions for the conclusion and termination of employment contracts with safeguards that do not infringe the rights of investors. Labour cost in Ethiopia is relatively low compared to the African average. The number of skilled workers and technicians is increasing steadily as a result of an increase in the number of universities, colleges, and vocational and technical training schools in the country. The Ethiopian Government has made commendable efforts, through legislative and procedural reforms, to improve the investment climate of the country and thereby attract more foreign direct investment. In line with market-oriented economic policy, the investment regime has been liberalized through a series of Government legislations. Since 1992, the investment code has been revised three times to ensure the participation of more foreign investments in various sectors of the economy.

In a nutshell, these are the top 10 reasons to invest in Ethiopia:

• Political and social stability
• Macro-economic stability and growing economy; • Adequate guarantees and protections
• Transparent laws and streamlined procedures
• Ample investment opportunities
• Abundant and trainable labour force
• Wide domestic, regional and international market opportunity
• Competitive investment incentive packages
• Welcoming attitude of the people to FDI
• Pleasant climate and fertile soils

Report prepared by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels

Addis Ababa, 23 March 2015 (WIC) – Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have signed a declaration of principles on Monday, in a critical step towards resolving a four-year dispute over Nile water sharing arrangements among Basin countries.

The details of the agreement are expected to be announced later.

“For thousands of years, the Nile water has been flowing with God’s order,” El-Sisi told hundreds of Nile Basin delegates who gathered in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum for the announcement of a deal.

“We could cooperate and accomplish great things or disagree and hurt each other…we have chosen to cooperate,” El-Sisi told the audience to strong applause.

Speaking ahead of Egypt’s president, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegan stressed that the Renaissance dam his country has been building to generate electricity for economic development projects would not cause any harm to the Egyptian people.

“Egypt and the rest of the Nile Basin countries are “one family,” Hailemariam said.

“We covered a big step forward by reaching the declaration of principles,” Hailemariam said.

Ethiopia chose to take the “collaborative path” on the issue of distribution of the Nile water, he added.

Speaking last, Sudan’s President Omar Al-Bashir stressed on the importance of cooperation to fulfill the development goals of the people of the region.

“You are embarking on an historic move… we have taken praiseworthy steps to reinforce and support trust and inter-connectedness between our peoples,” he said.

Al-Bashir said that the declaration of principles signed by the three countries will be observed by all three, adding that the road has been paved for further talks among all Nile Basin countries to reach a broader agreement.

Egypt’s President El-Sisi had arrived in Khartoum on Monday for eleventh hour talks with Sudan and Ethiopia as the three countries prepare to sign a tripartite agreement on Addis Ababa’s giant Nile dam project.

The three countries are also expected to agree on an international firm to conduct studies on the impact of the construction of the dam on flow levels.
Today, El-Sisi will head to Addis Ababa to conduct bi-lateral talks with Ethiopian authorities.