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FOCAC’s Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity:

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FOCAC’s Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity:

A Significant Boon for Ethiopia

The 4th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Beijing from September 4 to 6, 2024, brought together heads of state, policy makers, media representatives, international invited delegations and global stakeholders. President Xi Jinping declared that “the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history”, highlighting the peak of cooperation and mutual benefit. This piece examines the significance of the summit, the current bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and China, the implications of the partnership action for trade prosperity to Ethiopia and the future direction of the evolving partnership.

The central theme of this year’s FOCAC Summit is “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future”, with a focus on collaboration for sustainable development. Since 2000, FOCAC has strengthened relations between China and Africa. This year’s summit focused particularly on promoting modernization. President Xi emphasized that modernization should be defined contextually and advocate a collaborative, just and equitable approach that puts people at the center, embraces diversity and inclusiveness, promotes environmentally friendly practices, and is based on peace and security. The Summit also highlights ten partnership actions to improve political cooperation and financing for development.

These partnership actions include Mutual Learning among Civilizations, Trade Prosperity, Industrial Chain Cooperation, Connectivity, Development Cooperation, Health, Agriculture and Livelihoods, People-to-People Exchanges, Green Development, and Common Security. By engaging in these initiatives, Ethiopia can pave the way for a prosperous future marked by growth, inclusiveness, and stronger ties with China and other global partners. These Partnership Actions will benefit countries such as Ethiopia through trade, investment and infrastructure development.

Ethiopia’s multi-faceted partnership with China has brought significant benefits to the country through a solid strategic relationship that promotes trade and investment in various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and technology. This cooperation promotes knowledge transfer, skills development and the political understanding necessary for long-term cooperation.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) ensures continued investment in Ethiopia, highlighted by major projects such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and industrial parks that promote industrialization and regional connectivity. These parks are attracting Chinese manufacturing investment, creating jobs and diversifying Ethiopia’s export base. In addition, the BRICS Plus framework enhances trade opportunities by promoting cooperation among emerging economies, addressing common challenges and allowing Ethiopia to negotiate better terms in international agreements.

Ethiopia and China are also working together under the Green Legacy Initiative in line with Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, which aims to combat climate change through large-scale tree planting and promote agricultural productivity through green technologies. This partnership has also contributed to the spread of electric vehicles in Ethiopia. Cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties further strengthen bilateral relations, with programs such as scholarships for Ethiopian students in China helping to train future leaders. Joint ventures and training courses promote capacity building and strengthen the competitiveness of Ethiopian companies.

Among the Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization that President Xi unveiled at this year’s FOCAC Summit, the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity is of particular importance to Ethiopia. This initiative will allow China to open up its market by granting duty-free access to all goods to least developed countries with diplomatic relations, including 33 African countries. The initiative will improve access to agricultural products, promote cooperation in e-commerce and launch a “China-Africa Quality Improvement Program”. In addition, China plans to establish agreements with African countries to ensure long-term and stable support for trade and investment.

Zero tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines means that China will eliminate all import tariffs on products from certain countries, including Ethiopia. This will allow free trade in all listed products and make goods more affordable for consumers and businesses in China. By offering zero tariffs, China is encouraging imports from Ethiopia and giving exporters access to a larger market without tariff costs.

In my view, the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity offers important benefits for Ethiopia. It aims to significantly stimulate Ethiopia’s economic growth through various mechanisms. By enhancing access to the Chinese market, Ethiopian businesses can boost exports of agricultural and manufactured goods, driving revenue and job creation in critical sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. The initiative will attract more Chinese investment, strengthening local industries and infrastructure while fostering technology transfer to improve production efficiency and competitiveness. Joint ventures and training programs will enhance the skills of the Ethiopian workforce, supporting economic diversification and stability. Improved infrastructure will facilitate trade logistics, and strengthened cultural ties will promote collaboration. Additionally, the partnership emphasizes sustainable development through green initiatives, ensuring environmentally responsible growth. Overall, aligning with China will enhance Ethiopia’s position in international markets, attracting further investment and fostering economic development.

The Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity helps to increase Ethiopia’s exports to China and thus promote economic growth and trade expansion. This initiative improves market access for agricultural products and deepens cooperation in e-commerce, as demonstrated by the launch of AliExpress in Addis Ababa on August 22, 2024. The improved connectivity will benefit Ethiopian smallholder farmers and traders, especially for high-value coffee, sesame and oilseeds, which are critical for foreign exchange sourcing. The partnership will also provide duty-free access for Ethiopian products, increase export opportunities and strengthen the manufacturing sector, particularly the footwear and garment industries.

In addition, the initiative focuses on job creation through foreign direct investment in infrastructure and agriculture as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Investments in advanced manufacturing technologies and digital infrastructure will improve productivity and access to global innovation. Educational exchanges and scholarships for Ethiopian students in China will familiarize them with cutting-edge technologies and thus promote sustainable growth and economic diversification in Ethiopia.

The Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity helps to promote Ethiopia’s economic growth through various initiatives. Major investments in infrastructure, such as roads, railroads and telecommunications, will promote trade and reduce transportation costs. The establishment of industrial parks will attract foreign investment, create jobs and integrate Ethiopia into global production networks. The partnership will focus on skills development and technology transfer to modernize industry and increase workforce productivity. Improved trade logistics and investment in digital infrastructure will further support industrial activities.

The Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity helps to improve technology transfer to Ethiopia through various initiatives. Investments in industrial parks will introduce advanced manufacturing technologies in the textile and electronics sectors, enabling modern production techniques. Skills development programs will train the Ethiopian workforce in manufacturing and IT to promote innovation. Joint ventures will provide access to expertise and equipment, while joint research will focus on local needs such as agricultural productivity. In addition, investment in digital infrastructure and renewable energy will improve energy management. Educational exchanges and scholarships for Ethiopian students in China will further develop technological skills and promote sustainable economic growth.

The Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity helps to diversify exports and boost economic growth. The initiative focuses on industry chain cooperation, artificial intelligence and technology transfer to increase production capacity and export efficiency, especially in agricultural products such as coffee and sesame. With the pledge of 50 billion dollars in financial assistance to Africa, China is supporting Ethiopia’s balanced trade relations and infrastructure development, including transportation networks, industrial parks and improving telecommunications.

The partnership will also promote cultural exchange through initiatives such as cultural programs, scholarships for Ethiopian students and tourism promotion. Establishing cultural centers and facilitating language learning will enrich exchanges and promote mutual understanding between the two nations.

The Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity helps to enhance Ethiopia’s sustainable development and global positioning through various initiatives. Major investments in special economic zones, including transportation networks and industrial parks, will improve trade efficiency and reduce costs. The partnership promotes green technologies and renewable energy to reduce CO2 emissions and supports the modernization of agriculture to increase productivity and food security. Capacity building programs will develop local skills, while industrial parks will create jobs and alleviate poverty.

In conclusion, the FOCAC Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity offers Ethiopia a pivotal opportunity to improve its economic landscape and promote sustainable development. As President Xi noted, “a friend is someone you share the path with”, allowing Ethiopia to leverage this partnership for increased market access, investment and joint projects that meet its goals. This mutual cooperation not only facilitates the expansion of trade, but also strengthens Ethiopia’s position in the global economy. After all, as President Xi stated, “no one and no country should be left behind on the path to modernization”.

Breaking barriers: Unveiling the legal challenges for women and girls

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Despite ongoing efforts to advance gender equality, Kenya still faces significant legal barriers that disproportionately impact women and girls. Outdated laws related to inheritance, marriage, and family relations continue to obstruct progress toward achieving full gender parity.

The groundbreaking report developed by UN Women and (International Development Law Organization (IDLO), titled: “Strengthening Gender Equality before the Law: Mapping Discriminatory Laws against Women and Girls in Kenya“, shines a spotlight on these persistent legal inequalities that hinder women’s empowerment.

This report is anchored on recognition of the systematic discriminatory practices against women and girls, and legal gaps that perpetuate the marginalization, discrimination and disempowerment of women and girls obstructing their path to true equality.

Achieving sustainable development and ensuring that all people are treated equally before the law are both essential components of gender equality. Although significant progress has been made toward equality before the law, it remains far from being fully realized.

“Laws that are discriminatory continue to be in effect, which prevents women’s rights from being fully implemented. It is imperative that we continue to advocate for measures that work toward achieving gender equality and justice for all,” said Dan Bazira, Deputy Country Representative during a round table discussion held on 13th September 2024, on recommendations derived from the Elimination Discriminatory Law Report.

According to the World Bank, women in Kenya currently have only 81% of the legal rights enjoyed by men. This disparity underscores broader issues affecting women’s roles in entrepreneurship, parenthood, and asset ownership.

The Elimination of Discriminatory Laws Report highlights critical gaps in Kenya’s legal system, prompting the Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC) to recommend substantial legislative changes.

“We are committed to aligning our laws with the Constitution and addressing the issues identified in key legislation such as the Marriage Act of 2014 and the Matrimonial Property Act of 2013. We urge all stakeholders to engage in shaping these vital legal reforms,” stated Ms. Christine A. Agimba, Chairperson of the Kenya Law Reform Commission.

Kenya’s dedication to gender equality is embedded in its constitutional framework and supported by international commitments. UN Women Kenya, alongside IDLO and the Kenya Judiciary, is working towards a more just and equitable society. The “Equality in Law for Women and Girls by 2030” strategy—developed in collaboration with the African Union, the Commonwealth, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and Organization Internationale de la Francophonie, and Secretaría General Ibero-Americana aims to ensure that gender equality becomes a reality for all Kenyans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

The role of Liberal Arts education in Ethiopia..

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The role of Liberal Arts education in Ethiopia..

Open Letter to the Minister of Education.

Dear Dr. Birhanu,

First, let me congratulate you on your courageous and admirable work in the last few years as  a Minister  to reform the education systems in Ethiopia. I say courageous because the context and the complexity of the challenges you inherited are truly mind boggling. The utter abyss and deterioration of the quality of education coupled with weak institutional capacity and fragmented social and political consensus makes your endeavor unthinkable. Amid all these you have started an unenviable but historical undertaking which I am sure future historians will honor you for it.

I am of the view that ideas need to be contested, and citizens need to agree to disagree but through all these our nation’s interest requires us to give away our personal extreme views and take the public interest at the heart of our political machinations. Yeah..I might sound utopian but it is my core belief.

There are lots of dissenting voices often with no clear alternative path. I beg to differ and would like to throw my two cents worth.  First, while we all are acknowledging the quality of Ethiopia’s education system is not fit for purpose, but few of us are able to contribute in any manner. Again, I would applaud you for taking the helm and facing the challenge in a pragmatic manner, is truly trail blazing.

To be clear the purpose of my letter is to express my concern about the recent announcement – swaying towards applied curriculum’ to advance economic growth, skills and innovation “.

My personal concern is that this emphasis in applied curriculum, technology and innovation not to come at the expense of the Arts and humanities. While the reasons economic focus is clear and doesn’t require justification for a nation still struggling to feed its citizens – alleviating poverty and not addressing apathy will only exacerbate our “national compassion deficiency”. Neglect and scorn for the arts and humanities puts the quality of all our lives, and the health of an already fractured societal cohesion at risk. I also understand that Ethiopia is a nation of 120 million people, majority young people with no meaningful aspiration for gainful employment may make my argument so thin. Let me try !

The unfettered focus of our education as means to an end for economic growth if unchecked is a poison chalice.  Many aspects of a human beings’ quality of life are not well linked to economic growth (time and again empirical studies have shown that political liberty, health and education are poorly co related with economic growth or wealth)- a case in point Equatorial Guinea, despite having significant oil wealth and South Africa with enormous mineral resources and advanced economy.

 No doubt, our national interest requires us to have a strong economy underpinned by an ease of doing business, free of rent seeking that enables millions to aspire to fulfill their dreams and live in dignity. This economic interest, too, requires us to draw on the humanities and arts, to promote a climate of responsible and watchful stewardship and a culture of creative innovation. Thus, we are not forced to choose between a form of education that promotes economic growth or good citizenship. They are not mutually exclusive rather complimentary. Liberal education enables us cultivate capacities for critical thinking and reflection which are crucial for active political participation. The ability to think well about a wide range of cultures, groups and nations in the context of a grasp of global economy. Learn and analyze   the history of many national and group interactions is crucial in order nations to deal responsibly with the problems we currently face as individuals, as Africans, and members of an increasingly interdependent world. The ability to imagine the experience of another- a capacity almost all human beings possess in some form- needs to be greatly enhanced and refined if we are to have any hope of sustaining decent institutions across the many divisions that any modern society contains.

I know many parents are ashamed of children who study social sciences (literature or arts). Literature and philosophy have changed the world, but parents all over the world (particularly migrants in the western world) are more likely to fret if their children are financially illiterate than if their training in the humanities is deficient. Countries with strong liberal educations are able to build strong democratic institutions which have endured the test of time.  My adopted country Australia (with all it dark history) was able to build vibrant democratic institution which allows people from all walks of life to live in harmony without being bitter about its past and no doubt one factor is access and availability of education in arts and humanities

Great educators and nation builders understand how the arts and humanities teach children the critical thinking that is necessary for independent action and for intelligent resistance to the power of blind tradition and authority. Students of art and literature also learn to imagine the situations of others, a capacity that is essential for a successful democracy, a necessary cultivation of our “inner eyes”.

The humanities and arts contribute to the development of young children at play as well as that of university student. The play of young children is educational, showing children how they can get along with others without maintaining total control. It connects “experiences of vulnerability and surprise to curiosity to wonder, rather than pressure and anxiety (symptoms of early childhood education in middle class Ethiopia)

While our nation’s focus is alleviating our people from the abject of poverty, we need to be equally focused to ensure the education system enables people to think critically and encourages active citizenship.

My own personal experience of the education system in my early school years like many of my generation was rote learning, which took so much effort to unlearn (for an old dog a new trick is difficult but persisted -still unlearning) after I moved to Australia in my mid-20s.  I am in no delusion it will not be easy to institute a shift in a different pedagogy- from rote to Socratic for example…

I am aware that you have taught at UC Berkeley. Which is well-known for its liberal arts education. The College of Letters and Science (L&S) is the largest and most prestigious teaching and research unit at Berkeley, encompassing a wide range of disciplines including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. I am also aware L&S provides broad-based liberal arts education that encourages students to think deeply, critically, and creatively.

I don’t doubt for a minute that you are cognizant of the role and advantage of liberal arts education for a nation. I firmly believe it is one of the critical pillars to bring about both economic and broader societal change in alleviating the ills afflicting our nation – poverty and apathy. 

Liberal arts education emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This helps individuals analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives, fostering a more nuanced understanding of societal problems, this is particular importance where the noise and competing voices are readily loud and deafening – ability to decern and have a questioning stance is priceless..

Humanities subjects, such as literature, history, and philosophy, encourage students to explore diverse human experiences and cultures. This promotes empathy and a deeper understanding of different viewpoints, which is essential in a fragmented society like ours – to see beyond our immediate tribe and ethnicity. Liberal arts education often includes a focus on civic responsibility and ethical reasoning (evidence of moral decadence is everywhere to see, there is no doubt the decline of faith and religion as viable social force). This prepares students to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in their communities, contributing to a more cohesive society. My own experience in high school was at 11th grade, I had to choose either social science or natural science- I ended up choosing social science (I had great interest in history and politics)- the choice should not have been either or. I should have been able to mix and choose not to give up my love for biology – interdisciplinary pedagogy should have been available.

 The interdisciplinary nature of liberal arts encourages creativity and innovation. By integrating knowledge from various fields, students can develop unique solutions to contemporary issues. In addition, liberal arts education hones students’ abilities to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively, facilitating better dialogue and understanding. In essence, liberal arts and humanities education equip individuals with the intellectual tools and ethical frameworks needed to navigate and mend a fragmented society. Both ecclesiastical and imamate have struggled to do.

Cultivating global citizenship, sense of duty to our fellow human being and public service is the only panacea to unclutch us from the current quagmire that we Ethiopians find ourselves in. This can only crystallize if we invest in the mind and hearts of the current and future generation through interdisciplinary pedagogy that embeds arts and humanities in equal footings with applied curriculum.

Let me leave you with a quote from one of the greatest critical thinkers all things education, the Indian Nobel Prize laureate in literature and founder of an experimental school and university – Rabindranath Tagore-

  …….While making use of material possessions, man has to be careful to protect himself from their tyranny, If he is weak enough to grow smaller to fit himself to his covering, then it becomes a process of gradual suicide by shrinkage of the soul…. Rabindranath Tagore- Indian educator. C 1917

Yours truly

Emawayish Shiferaw

Melbourne, Australia

14 September 2024

The Issue of Megalomaniac Leadership and Economic Development

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The Issue of Megalomaniac Leadership and Economic Development

Megalomaniac leaders are those who exhibit extreme self-centeredness, a grandiose sense of their own importance, and a craving for excessive admiration. Their leadership styles often have notable impacts on their organizations and broader contexts.

Napoleon Bonaparte is often cited as an example of a megalomaniac leader. He had a grandiose sense of his own destiny and power, seeing himself as a figure of historical and military greatness. His ambition led to significant military campaigns across Europe, which resulted in widespread conflict and ultimately his downfall. His self-perception as a superior leader contributed to his aggressive expansionism and eventual exile.

Another megalomaniac leader Alexander the Great’s belief in his own divine destiny and unparalleled military prowess reflects megalomaniac tendencies. His conquests spread Greek culture across a vast empire, but his absolute rule and the lack of a clear succession plan led to instability and fragmentation after his death.

One of the prominent members of the group,Genghis Khan’s leadership was characterized by his vision of uniting the Mongol tribes and his belief in his destined greatness. His campaigns created one of the largest empires in history, but his rule was also marked by immense violence and the imposition of a centralized, autocratic regime.

Donald Trump, the former President of the United States one of the megalomaniac leaders in the contemporary time. Trump’s leadership has been marked by a strong focus on self-promotion, a grandiose sense of his own abilities, and frequent public displays of his achievements. His presidency was characterized by significant political polarization, controversial policies, and a focus on personal branding. The long-term economic and social impacts of his leadership are still being analyzed.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin’s leadership style includes a focus on personal power, control over political processes, and a grandiose sense of his role in restoring Russia’s prominence on the global stage. His leadership has led to significant geopolitical tensions, economic sanctions, and internal consolidation of power, affecting Russia’s international relations and economic stability.

From the Business and Organizational Leaders, the late Steve Jobs, the Co-founder of Apple Inc. is one ofthe megalomaniac leaders. Steve Jobs was known for his intense focus on personal vision and perfectionism, along with a sometimes-abrasive leadership style. His leadership drove Apple to significant technological and financial success, but his autocratic style also created a high-pressure work environment and led to high turnover among some employees.

Another megalomaniac business leader isAmazon founder Jeff Bezos. Jeff Bezos has exhibited megalomaniac tendencies through his ambitious goals for Amazon and his focus on his personal vision for space exploration with Blue Origin. While Bezos’s leadership has driven Amazon’s massive growth and transformation of retail, it has also faced criticism for labor practices and intense workplace culture.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk is also in this group. Elon Musk exhibits traits of megalomania with his bold public statements, grand ambitions, and a focus on his own vision for technological advancement. While Musk’s leadership has driven significant innovation and growth in the technology and automotive sectors, his public behavior and management style have sometimes led to controversy and volatility in his companies’ stock prices.

In their life and leadership, Megalomaniac Leaders manifest the following distinct characteristics. Self-Centeredness which is a focus on personal achievements and power rather than team or organizational success. Grandiosity which isan exaggerated sense of one’s own importance and abilities. Desire for admiration which is a need for constant validation and recognition from others. Manipulative Behavior which is using charm or coercion to achieve personal goals, often at the expense of others.

These examples illustrate how megalomaniac leadership can influence various aspects of society, from politics and business to historical events. The impacts of such leadership styles can be complex, often resulting in significant achievements but also considerable controversy and challenges.

Megalomaniac leadership, characterized by an excessive preoccupation with one’s own power, grandeur, and success, can have significant and often detrimental effects on economic performance. While there isn’t a specific academic article that directly links megalomaniac leadership to economic outcomes, several related research areas provide insights into how such leadership styles can impact the economy.

Here’s an outline of how megalomaniac leadership might influence economic factors, drawing from existing research on leadership behaviors, organizational dynamics, and economic performance:

As described at the beginning, megalomaniac leaders exhibit extreme self-centeredness, a grandiose sense of their own importance, and a desire for excessive admiration and control. Such leaders may display narcissistic tendencies, seek constant validation and praise and prioritize personal success over organizational goals. If this is the case, then what is the impact on the organizational performance.

One of the impacts is reduced morale and productivity. Employees may feel undervalued and demotivated when their contributions are overshadowed by the leader’s self-promotion. This can lead to lower job satisfaction and productivity. The other impact is high turnover of employees in the organization. The lack of recognition and potential for a toxic work environment may increase employee turnover, leading to higher recruitment and training costs.

Poor decision-making and resistance to feedback is the most affecting impact of megalomaniac leaders. They may make decisions based on personal ego rather than sound business principles. This can result in risky or poorly considered business moves. A leader who sees themselves as infallible may disregard valuable input from others, leading to suboptimal decision-making.

Here the most important issue is the economic implications of megalomaniac leaders. Their mode of leadership will stifle innovation and will create operational inefficiencies. A leader’s excessive focus on their own achievements may discourage creativity and innovation among team members, impacting long-term economic growth. The prioritization of personal goals over organizational needs can result in inefficiencies and ineffective use of resources.

Companies led by megalomaniac leaders may face skepticism from investors due to perceived instability or questionable decision-making. Negative media coverage and a poor public image associated with megalomaniac leadership can damage consumer trust and affect market performance.

To conclude,megalomaniac leadership can lead to a range of negative economic outcomes, including decreased employee morale, poor decision-making, and diminished organizational performance. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the potential risks associated with such leadership styles and fostering a more balanced approach to leadership that promotes both individual and organizational success.

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