Spiraling the foundation for Ethiopian renaissance (P-II)

By Tesfaye Hailu

In the previous article published -- September, I highlighted the foundations laid down which has put a leverage to sustained peace, building democracy and development in Ethiopia following the adoption and implementation of the Constitution. As a consequence, nations and nationalities have been enjoying political and socioeconomic rights through the constitution they have authored together. And this creates confidence and trust to have reigned in nations and nationalities to coexist, heal their historical wounds and wage rigorous campaign against poverty. The article also underscored the importance of guarding the peace and stability of the nation as they are indispensable frameworks within which the road to the renaissance relies on.

It is the view of this writer that political struggle is a means, not an end— it is a mechanism where political parties contest to win elections, seize government power and strive for multifaceted socioeconomic development. And in this piece, the writer sheds light on the socioeconomic endeavours made thus far, emphasizing the need to intensify them geared towards the renaissance.

The nation is making bold move to improve its poor socioeconomic conditions. Poverty alleviation is the prime agenda of the government. Perhaps, there cannot be any more noble cause than steadily improving the livelihoods of the grass roots. To this effect, the government has carried out multifaceted development undertakings in all sectors. There are leapfrog achievements in education, roads and construction sector as well as expansion of hospitable industry, infrastructure development, health services and many others. Needless to say, these are the gains of the political spectrum that has paved the way for extensive development undertakings.

The achievements in the education sector is so immense that the expansion of universities in almost all regional states have provided learning opportunities to the nearby communities through continuing education apart from regular programms. The past trend was that public servants were resistant to work outside of major cities due to lack of facilities. So, the expansion of universities have reduced the skilled manpower in cities reducing the high turnover in public institutions. In fact, it was without the shadow of doubt that the government identified the need for strengthened, re-oriented and revitalized human resource development as a key to the success of socioeconomic policies and strategies in response to the deteriorated socioeconomic and political conditions in pre1991. And circumstances in post 1991 called for reforms and redefinition of the role of the higher learning institutions. The need was felt during the Transitional Period when a serious shortage of trained, able and adaptable workforce and leaders at different levels were required to respond to emerging realities: building a democratic society, the introduction of free market economic policies, improved environment for private investments, and the relatively better and steady growth of the economy. Given the poor quality of education in higher learning institutions, a lot is required of universities and stakeholders to provide quality education. As we march towards the renaissance, university professors, the students themselves, high schools and parents, the diaspora and research institutions should strive for the efforts being made to produce competent and able graduates. University students should be industrious to acquire the required skill and knowledge and become productive citizens. They must not forget the legacy of university students of the Haileselase University (now Addis Ababa University) who were so brilliant and dynamic in the pursuit of knowledge.

Ethiopia has also made significant investment on infrastructure development, equitably in all regional states, with a view to narrowing the development gaps which prevailed in regions. The federal government also makes budget subsidies to support the development undertakings of what is known as developing regional states. It is now common for natives of all states to engage in the socioeconomic development activities of their respective regions. Nationals of every ethnic group are actively participating in fund raising and other socioeconomic activities to support the efforts of the people and governments of respective regions. And a lot more is required of natives of every local area to enhance the ongoing development.

Given the overwhelming majority of the Ethiopian population is in the rural areas(over 80 percent), agriculture is the engine of the economy, taking the lion's share for the impressive economic growth the country has seen for seven years in a row. It is the lifeline and major earner of foreign currency. Perhaps, there is no any more modest policy than promoting agriculture-led economy. And there is no choice for a poor nation like Ethiopia for it cannot pull resources for intensive industrialization.

Farmers and pastoralists who had been feeding the Ethiopian population for centuries but who were leading miserable lives themselves are now beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Because of the conducive environment, they also get due benefit from it and have improved their livelihoods just like the urbnites. Yet, food sufficiency is critical to the nation. And it has to endeavour to enhance the productivity of agriculture by three or two folds. The country needs to strengthen the efforts being made to pull resources for the cultivation of arable virgin landmass lying in the lowlands for both export and local consumption.

The ongoing development undertakings have created ample job opportunities, reducing the rates of unemployment by a large margin. Moreover, the government is promoting job creations and entrepreneurship, giving particular attention to the youth and women. The youth are provided with credit facilities and other opportunities through micro and small scale enterprises. Engaged in construction, handicrafts, manufacturing bricks, laying cobblestones and in petty businesses, quite a significant number of Ethiopian youths across the country have become successful entrepreneurs.

Apart from raising their livelihoods, productive labour force is created for the booming construction sector. Improving the efficiency and productivity of the small and micro enterprises towards the national economy must be the next step that should be carried out in the years ahead. As it is envisaged that the industry will take over the leading role from the agriculture in the future, enhancing the role of micro and small scale enterprises by leaps and bounds will be crucial. So, youths engaged in micro and small scale enterprises should organize themselves in order to tackle the challenges facing them — easing accession to plots of land and bank loans.

Women have also become prime beneficial of development endeavours. The archaic overwhelming mentality of labeling women as just house wives is waning. Nowadays, women in Ethiopia are engaged in the career of their choice and they have become successful. Earlier, it was unusual and unwomanly for women to engage in all careers, both white collar and blue collar jobs. The huge disparity of girls enrollments with their boys counterparts in primary, secondary and territory levels have also been narrowed as both the federal and regional governments have aggressively worked toward it.

Given the pace of overall development endeavours, Ethiopia's future is bright, indeed. The government is so firm to leave no stone unturned to go extra strides in the future. The ambitious Five-Year Growth and Transformation Plan it has unveiled is a vivid manifestation to its dreams. And everyone must contribute one's share to attain the targets. Here, it must be emphasized that raising our revenues from tax is key for the implementation of this ambitious and doable plan. Even by sub-Saharan standard, the proportion of Ethiopia's tax collection to the GDP is very very low. To address this, the government has modernized the tax administration where improvements have been made. But the Revenue and Customs Authority should not be complacent about the achievements it has made so far. It has to provide continuous and extensive education to the tax payers on the rules and regulation of the taxing system and the importance of paying taxes to the development of the country. Then, it has to continue taking stringent legal measure against those who are not paying or evading taxes. As the implementation of the Five-Year Growth and Transformation Plan is highly dependent on revenue generation of local resources, tax payers, tax collecting agencies, law enforcement bodies and the Authority have to work in coordination to create a society with no tolerance of not paying or evading taxes; and, apparently raise the proper revenue for the sustainable development of the nation.

Utmost effort must be made to diversify sources of national income. As Ethiopia is opening itself to the outside world, it has to promote its resources, notably, its tourist potentials. Ethiopia is a land where the human race walked on earth for the first time. It is a mosaic of unvarnished cultural and religious practices which are so inspiring to tourists. The potential of our tourism is so rewarding that we have to work harder. According to news reports, Ethiopia has earned 200 plus million USD in revenue from tourism in the ended budget year. And a lot more should be done to double or triple the revenues from this sector in the future.

Appreciating the improvements made thus far in the sector, much remains to be done given Addis Ababa is the seat of the African Union and a lot more diplomatic missions and the hub of international and regional conference city. No only Addis, other cities are also attracting international recognitions for tourism. Against the backdrop of this, Ethiopia has to be so competitive in its hospitable industry in particular and businesses in general. With this respect, the private sector in the catering industry, big or small, has to be “ outside of the box” of the traditional business practices—they have to provide excellent services to customers. Hospitality and courtesy are the Ethiopian brand and must be exhibited consistently.

Perhaps, it is worthwhile to mention the English language proficiency of businesspersons. Guests are not coming just to the five star hotels or standard cafes or other entertainment establishments. Guests are visiting malls, jewelery shops, bookstores, theaters, normal cafes and the likes. They also want to hire Ladas or use taxis. So, service providers have to ensure that they have able salesperson or hosts who could communicate in English at ease and intelligibly with visitors. Simply, responding 'yes' and 'no' to customers would affect business.

Another area of concern for professionals in the field is promoting indigenous culture. I believe quite an encouraging job is done with regard to Ethiopian costumes. These days, Ethiopian costumes appear in various designs, attracting the attention of buyers. And many foreigners find them interesting. If I could mention the experience I had on my visit outside of the country along with other African delegates, I encountered one of the African delegates coming to a special event, organized in honour of us, wearing Ethiopian costumes. And you can guess how I could feel as an Ethiopian.

But costume is only one aspect of our culture. Ethiopia is rich in its culture. And we have to work more to promote our beautiful culture. Ethiopia artists, film producers, journalists need to extensively work towards it.

I am aware that the Oromo Cultural Centre is under construction in Addis Ababa. I believe that would play an important role in promoting the Oromo culture. This is a good beginning to encourage others to do the same. My view is as a mosaic of over 80 nations and nationalities, Ethiopia needs to establish a big gallery where it could exhibit the major features of its diversity. This is not to disregard the scattered cultural centers here and there within Addis Ababa or in the regions. I think they are not so comprehensive and in a one-stop gallery.

I also think that our perspective of modernity seems to require redefinition. I take the view that immersing in the culture of others to the extent of questioning even the most peculiar features of our culture, for instance moral standard, is bordering to insane. The youth in particular should be critical of their identity so goes the saying all that glitters is not gold. We Ethiopians are proud, we are cultured, religious people; we also are the most just people. We can be models to others in this regard. What we lack is technology. So, the youth must be educated on the value of preserving identity. We can grow without losing our identity. Indians, Chinese, Japanese and many others have evolved without abandoning their cultures.

So, lots of tasks are ahead of us. We have to strive for what we can in our time. It is by opportunities here that we can reduce the influx of migration that our sisters and brothers are making to foreign countries in search of better opportunities. The fact that movement of people are respected in the constitution cannot deter us from creating opportunities in our country. And it is the collective and combined efforts of us all Ethiopians that will take our country to the socioeconomic level. The private sector, investors, Ethiopians in the Diaspora, the Ethiopian embassies, consulates and missions must work diligently, in harmony and with sense of responsibility and be on board to help this country rises up. If we cannot build our nation, who else will do for us?