In a startling revelation, a comprehensive research paper has unveiled the intricate ways in which the seemingly innocuous sesame seed has become a pivot around which swirls a vortex of violence, political instability, and economic upheaval in the borderlands of Ethiopia and Sudan. Over the past three years, civil war, political turbulence, and territorial disputes have dramatically reshaped the political economy of the sesame sector, transforming it from a backbone of local livelihoods into a central figure in a transnational conflict economy.

The study meticulously charts the dynamics of this transformation, focusing on the competition for control over farmlands, sesame production, and trade among various actors, including government forces, local elites, militias, and rebel groups. This competition has not only perpetuated violence but also significantly contributed to political instability across the region.

The roots of the conflict stretch deep into the soil of contested lands, fueling and sustaining battles in both Ethiopia and Sudan. Notably, the strife has breathed new life into the cross-border dispute over Al Fashaga, a major sesame-producing area, bringing to the forefront the complex interplay of internal and transnational conflict dynamics.

Sesame, a crop of no remarkable distinction aside from its economic value to local communities, has been elevated to a strategic ‘conflict commodity.’ Its cultivation and trade are now deeply embedded in local, subnational, and national political contestations, implicating the sector in the broader transnational conflict scenario.

The repercussions of these developments have been profound for local communities, with violence along the Ethiopia–Sudan border leading to a redistribution of economic power and creating distinct winners and losers. For instance, the Sudanese army’s consolidation of control over border areas has enabled it to capture significant profits from the sesame trade, using these funds to fuel its military endeavors. This has detrimentally affected local farmers in both nations, exacerbating the situation further to the east in Western Tigray/Welkait, where territorial contestations have deepened ethnic divides.

In response, the paper offers a slew of recommendations aimed at domestic and international policymakers. These include the need to understand and address the transnational dynamics fueling armed conflict, recognize the economic dimensions of these disputes, and rethink conventional definitions of ‘conflict goods’ to encompass commodities like sesame. Moreover, it underscores the importance of fostering ‘bottom-up’ initiatives that encourage local cohabitation and cooperation, as well as supporting efforts for multilateral dialogue and mediation to prevent further escalation of tensions.

As Ethiopia and Sudan grapple with the implications of these findings, the international community is called upon to reassess its approach to conflict resolution in the region. The case of the sesame sector vividly illustrates how agriculture can become enmeshed in the fabric of conflict, demanding a nuanced and multifaceted strategy for peacebuilding that goes beyond traditional diplomatic interventions.

A recent study by Ethiopia’s National Educational Assessment and Examination Agency (NEAEA) has revealed a concerning literacy gap among young students in Ethiopia. According to the study, an astounding 56% of second and third graders are unable to read a single word. This finding highlights significant challenges in the country’s educational system, although it marks a slight improvement from two years ago when the figure was 63%.

The NEAEA’s research, conducted over the last financial year, involved 401 schools across Ethiopia—excluding the Tigray region—and assessed the literacy skills of 16,000 students. Effa Gurmu, Executive Director of Education Evaluation and Research at NEAEA, expressed concern over the current teaching methodologies, noting that the predominant style of instruction involves teachers writing on the board with students copying down notes, leaving minimal time for actual reading during class.

This teaching approach, coupled with inadequate training and resources, has contributed significantly to the literacy crisis. The study found that 70% of teachers have not received training on the new curriculum, and 75% of the necessary textbooks have not reached students, exacerbating the problem.

In response to these dire statistics, Ethiopia Reading (ER), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting children’s reading culture, has been actively involved in addressing these challenges. Founded in 1998 in the United States and registered in Ethiopia in 2002, ER has shipped over a quarter of a million books to Ethiopia and established more than 70 libraries. Annually, the organization serves more than 130,000 children across all regions of the country.

To further address the literacy issue, the 4th Annual Children’s Reading Summit was held at the Sapphire Addis Hotel under the theme “Bringing Enthusiasm to Reading and Educational Professionals.” The event featured presentations of research papers by experts in various fields, sparking discussions and idea exchanges among participants about potential solutions and strategies to enhance literacy rates among young learners.

This literacy crisis calls for urgent and sustained efforts from all stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and international partners, to ensure that every child in Ethiopia has the opportunity to acquire basic reading skills that are crucial for their educational and personal development.

Despite the rapid global spread of the internet, Ethiopia remains one of the top five countries worldwide with the largest number of people still disconnected, a recent report by the World Bank reveals. According to the data, approximately 103.29 million Ethiopians do not have regular access to the internet, positioning Ethiopia just behind Nigeria in the ranking.

The report, authored by technology writer Alan from Increditools, details how around 2.6 billion people globally—about a third of the world’s population—are still not connected to the internet, with the majority residing in Asia and Africa. The study points out significant challenges such as infrastructure deficits, affordability, digital literacy, government policies, and political instability that contribute to these startling numbers.

In Ethiopia, the challenge is multifaceted. The rural-urban divide plays a significant role, with many remote areas lacking the necessary broadband and mobile infrastructure to facilitate internet connectivity. This issue is compounded by the high cost of internet services, which remains unaffordable for many, and a general lack of digital literacy that prevents individuals from fully leveraging the internet even when it is accessible.

“The internet has become a fundamental tool for development in the 21st century,” Alan noted in his report. “For Ethiopia, improving internet accessibility is not merely a technological advancement but a crucial step towards economic and social development.”

The Ethiopian government has recognized the importance of digital inclusivity and has been making efforts to improve connectivity across the country. These include initiatives to expand broadband access, reduce the cost of internet services, and enhance digital literacy among the population. However, much work remains to be done to bridge the digital divide.

As Alan emphasizes, closing the gap in internet equity is essential for fostering inclusive economic growth, enhancing social cohesion, and advancing overall global progress. The need for concerted efforts from governments, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and international institutions is more pressing than ever to ensure that everyone, regardless of their geographical location or economic status, can access the benefits of the digital age.

The National Bank of Ethiopia has unveiled the “National Strategy Regional Implementation” initiative aimed at reducing disparities in financial inclusion across different regions. This strategy, which marks the second financial blueprint for Ethiopia spanning from 2021 to 2025, has received approval from the Council of Ministers.

Identifying the existing gaps in inclusivity through a comprehensive survey, the strategy outlines 11 programs under the National Strategy Regional Implementation. These programs prioritize digital finance, women’s empowerment, and regions with limited access to financial services.

Recognizing the less-than-optimal outcomes of previous efforts to implement national-level strategies at the regional level, particular attention has been given to addressing deficiencies and adapting to specific regional conditions. The strategy will be rolled out in regions identified as having low levels of financial inclusion, including Gambela, Harar, and the Somali region.

According to the National Bank’s documentation, the first National Financial Inclusion Strategy, developed in 2016, concluded its implementation period in 2020. Nearly 80% of the 49 outlined actions in the strategy, encompassing the stated interventions, have been successfully completed. This has yielded substantial results, surpassing several targets set forth in the strategy.