CHASING DREAMS an art exhibition by Fikru Gebremariam was officially opened at the Alliance Ethio-Française on February 1, 2024. The exhibition will last until February 29th, 2024.
Fikru Gebremariam, an independent painter with a career spanning almost three decades, has established himself as a prominent figure in the art world. Despite not completing his studies at Howard University, Fikru has successfully showcased his works across Ethiopia, Europe, and North America, attracting the attention of anonymous collectors. His artistic journey led him to spend ten years in Paris, where he further honed his craft and developed his signature style, which is best described as abstract expressionism.
Renowned for his prolific output, Fikru has had the privilege of exhibiting alongside celebrated artists such as Chagall, Miro, Giarometti, Picasso, Soulages, and many others. His recent painting, “Great Emotion,” was recently sold at Bonhams New Bond Street, solidifying his position in the art market.
The CHASING DREAMS exhibition, featuring 36 of Fikru’s most recent works, is anticipated by art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
A remarkable addition to the Royal Academy of Arts (RA) in London has been unveiled, captivating visitors with its striking presence. Bahamian artist Tavares Strachan has created a contemporary rendition of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece, “The Last Supper” (circa 1515), titled “The First Supper (Galaxy Black), 2023.” This awe-inspiring artwork warmly welcomes visitors to the RA as they embark on the highly anticipated exhibition, “Entangled Pasts 1768-now: Art, Colonialism and Change” (3 February-28 April).
Strachan’s masterpiece, meticulously crafted from bronze, black patina, and gold leaf, serves as a monument paying homage to the remarkable contributions of twelve influential Black figures spanning from the 17th century to the present day. These individuals share a common history of triumphing over oppressive power structures designed to hold them back. Art historian Alayo Akinkugbe eloquently describes this in the exhibition catalogue.
Among the figures depicted in “The First Supper” are iconic personalities such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the trailblazing queer gospel singer of the 1930s, Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the US Congress, Harriet Tubman, the revered 19th-century abolitionist, and Marsha P. Johnson, a pivotal figure in the historic Stonewall uprising of 1969 in New York.
Central to “The First Supper” by Tavares Strachan stands His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, occupying a position of great significance. The artwork serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy and profound impact of Emperor Haile Selassie I.
This extraordinary installation in the courtyard of the Royal Academy of Arts invites visitors to engage with the rich narratives of these influential figures and contemplate the complexities of history and social change.
Builders Up Construction Material Manufacturing Plc (BUCMM), a large-scale manufacturing facility for paver and high-grade blocks, has announced the commencement of its operations. The factory, located on a 10,000-square-meter plot of land in Dukem, Oromia region, approximately 30 kilometers east of Addis Ababa, has started production despite ongoing construction work.
The primary objective of the factory is to meet the increasing demand for construction inputs in the industry. Wondwossen Mengistu, the Project Manager and Shareholder of BUCMM, explained that while there are many block and paver block producers in the country, most operate on a small scale using traditional methods. BUCMM aims to address this gap in the market and contribute to the construction sector’s growth in Ethiopia.
The construction of the facility has been underway for the past 18 months, allowing the company to begin production and supply the market. Wondwossen emphasized that BUCMM’s business model sets it apart from others, as it focuses on producing high-quality products with minimal waste and lower production costs. The company aims to provide a sustainable and substantial supply of construction materials to meet the needs of government projects, large-scale developers, and real estate investors.
To establish a profitable venture in the industry, BUCMM has invested over 400 million birr. GLOBMAC Heavy Duty Machinery Manufacturer, a Turkish engineering company, has played a significant role in providing state-of-the-art machinery for the facility. After completing the necessary construction and installation work, GLOBMAC has also conducted training for local staff to ensure a smooth transition of operations.
The factory is capable of producing paver blocks in various thicknesses and sizes. In an eight-hour shift, the production plant can manufacture paver blocks measuring 2,500 square meters with a thickness of six or eight centimeters. Wondwossen noted that the company is flexible and can adjust production based on market demand, including the production of thicker pavers that can withstand heavy-duty machines.
With its strategic location near the Addis-Adama Expressway, the factory provides easy access for transportation to the eastern and southern regions of the country. Builders Up has taken the initiative to install two kilometers of electricity lines to facilitate prompt production. The company is also seeking additional financing to complete remaining tasks such as building a steaming room and shade area, which will expedite the drying process of the blocks.
Builders Up aims to create over 150 direct jobs and has established a partnership with a local association of youth who provide raw materials located approximately 10 kilometers from the plant. The company seeks government support to ensure a sustainable supply of cement and additional funding to fulfill the rising demand and maintain production levels.
The housing and construction sectors in Ethiopia are expected to experience significant growth in the coming years due to urbanization and other economic factors. The government has set a goal to increase the number of residential homes from the current four million to double that amount over the next decade. Mass production of construction materials will contribute to the realization of affordable housing and address the housing deficit in the country.
According to the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure, approximately 30 percent of existing homes in Ethiopia are subpar, and 74 percent require extensive renovations. The government’s ambitious plan aims to address these challenges and improve the housing conditions for its citizens. As urbanization continues to increase, the construction industry will play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for housing in Ethiopia.
NA Business Ventures, a prominent player in the Ethiopian and East African markets, has recently signed an exclusive strategic partnership agreement with Sinotruck International, the largest manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks in China. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for NA Business Ventures, which has been actively involved in supplying dry and liquid cargo transportation and trailers in the region since acquiring the necessary license in June 2012.
In 2017, NA Metal Industry and Engineering, a subsidiary of NA Business Ventures, established purpose-built factories dedicated to the production of dry and liquid cargo transportation vehicles, trailers, and commercial vehicles’ assembly. During the same year, NA Business Ventures became the official and exclusive distributor of SINOTRUK vehicles in East Africa. The company has also been preparing to launch a spare parts distribution center, scheduled for 2022.
As part of the strategic cooperation agreement, NA Business Ventures will introduce new Sinotruck HOWO models, including the HOWO-TX: 6X4, 400HP WP 12 SERIES, HOWO 220HP SERIES, and HOWO-TX: 6X4, 400HP, into the Ethiopian and East African markets. This partnership reflects the commitment of NA Business Ventures to bring advanced and reliable heavy-duty trucks to meet the growing demands of the region’s transportation sector.
Since its establishment in 2008 with a capital of 100 thousand birr, NA Business Ventures has consistently invested in land procurement, factory construction, and machinery, with a total investment of 1 billion birr to date. With the exclusive partnership with Sinotruck International, NA Business Ventures is poised to further enhance its position as a leading provider of high-quality transportation solutions in the Ethiopian and East African markets.
