What is the future of Ethiopia in an ever-changing world?
I recently visited Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, for the first time. Having learnt a bit about Ethiopia for my podcast “Life Around the World”, I was excited to see the city with my own eyes. I have to say, I was not disappointed.
Addis reveals itself as a crossroads of culture, history, innovation and international diplomacy. My journey provided an opportunity to reflect on the social and political makeup of a country that, despite its challenges, is moving towards the future.
National Pride and the Country’s Development
Roaming the streets of Addis Ababa, I was fascinated by the deep pride Ethiopians have for their country. Conversations with locals (especially taxi drivers – they are always the most talkative!) showed a strong awareness of their nation’s social, economic and political issues.
The city itself is in constant evolution, with numerous construction sites, some of which are probably quite old and left unfinished. I compared it with the accounts of my friends who had been there before and, while this is only a second-hand comparison, I was left with the impression that urban development has been a priority for the government in the last decade. Targeted projects to improve tourist areas, such as extremely clean urban parks, and the (seemingly easy) cohabitation of different cultures, including different religions, mirror the image Ethiopia wants to project: a welcoming country that is looking at the future.
Deal with Somaliland
Despite (or thanks to?) their deep sense of pride, Ethiopians also have solid knowledge of what is happening around the world. Their government itself is making bold moves, not all of which are appreciated by other countries. Our main source of information, taxi drivers, frequently compared this approach to “bees”: Ethiopia can give sweet honey, but it can also sting. Ethiopians actually know a lot about honey, but that’s a story for another time.
A landlocked nation, the country recently entered into an agreement with Somaliland, an unrecognised state within the Somali bordersm to secure access to the sea. The move has stirred controversy, with the Somali government labelling it an “act of aggression” and international institutions asking for mediation. What comes out of this remains to be seen, but you can read this for more information.
Tensions with Egypt over the Renaissance Dam
In a move towards increased sustainability, Ethiopia started building a big dam on the Blue Nile in 2011. Since the dam effectively regulates the water that later flows into Egypt, this has caused concerns in Cairo. The Arab country relies on the Nile for irrigation, water supply and tourism, so the government is asking for an agreement to regulate the dam’s operation. On the other hand, the dam is extremely important for Ethiopia, as it would make it a net global exporter of electricity. Negotiations over this issue have been ongoing for many years, and no apparent solution is in sight, as evidenced by this article.
Regional Complexity and Internal Stability
These challenges highlight Ethiopia’s determination to pursue economic development while maintaining delicate diplomatic relations. As a matter of fact, the country finds itself in a difficult geographic position, surrounded by civil wars in Sudan and Somalia. It is also dealing with internal conflicts derived from ethnic differences – both at the border with Eritrea and in the Oromo region.
With this in mind, Ethiopia is the host of the African Union institutions and therefore plays a key role in continental political discussions. It is also set to enter
the BRICS economic alliance and has several bilateral agreements with countries around the world. It is not, however, part of the World Trade Organization – a piece of information that was shared with us by a taxi driver as we chuckled at the sight of a red and white plate over a restaurant reading “KKFC”.
In conclusion, my journey to Addis Ababa was an opportunity to reflect on economic development and international politics, providing a glimpse into the complexity of a nation navigating geopolitical challenges while maintaining a strong national identity. The Ethiopian capital emerges as a crossroads of cultures and a likely protagonist of the future of the world.
There is so much more to discuss, and I will soon release some bonus episodes of the “Life Around the World” podcast, talking about my trip in greater detail. In the meantime, let me know your thoughts or questions in the comments. I would be very happy to discuss this interesting country with you!