64
TIRET 1
This message comes to you at a time whenwe are marking and celebrating theETHIOPIAN MILLENNIUM. It is also an
occasion for us to wish all those living in Ethiopiaand in the rest of the world a Happy andProsperous 2008.
At the dawn of the third millennium, all citizens ofEthiopia should collectively commit themselves towork hard and with utmost dedication to achieveeconomic growth and eliminate poverty. On the eveof the Millennium celebration on 11 September2007, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has declaredthat the start of the Third Millennium would heraldthe “Renaissance” of Ethiopia.
Indeed, it is my hope that we can virtually eliminatepoverty in Ethiopia over the coming decades, if wepractise a clear mutuality of interest among privateenterprise, government, and all citizens to worktogether.
There is nothing more that I would like to see in mylife time, than Ethiopia being well developed andprosperous, her citizens free from hunger, gethealth care and education, have greater choice,and generally enjoy more human fulfillment.
Chairman’s MessageChairman’s MessageWhen I started investing in Ethiopia fifteen yearsago, I was faced with some difficulties andchallenges which offered me opportunities. Withpatience and hard work, my Investment Group,MIDROC Ethiopia, can look back with pride forsome of its achievements in almost all sectors ofthe Ethiopian economy.
We believe that the future of Ethiopia is moreimportant to us than ever before; and by joininghands with Government, other private sectoroperators, and concerned citizens, MIDROCEthiopia is determined to play a meaningful role toachieve Ethiopiaʼs “Renaissance” of economicgrowth, social advancement and total elimination ofpoverty.
We have set ambitious goals for MIDROC Ethiopiaand our group companies. We plan to expand ourinvestment activities in sectors where the potentialsof our countryʼs natural resources are agreeableand create as much employment opportunities aspossible to our citizens. MIDROC Ethiopiaʼsinvestment activities will also introduce newertechnologies which will promote their diffusion andapplication by other private operators in ourcountry.
The health, education, and infrastructureimprovement, being undertaken by the governmentsmoothen the operations and activities of theprivate sector as a whole. While we commendGovernment for what has already been achieved inthis area, we also urge it to do more instrengthening public institutions that provideservices to the private sector and all citizens.
MIDROC Ethiopia and all those working for itsgroup companies believe and are determined, thatby working with Government, other privateoperators and citizens, we will make poverty inEthiopia ʻA Thing of the Past.ʼ
May the blessing of the Almighty be on all of us toachieve this noble goal.
TIRET 3
Successive issues of TIRET have tried to provide the necessary information on the majoractivities of MIDROC Ethiopia Investment Group and its engagement in the various sectorsof the Ethiopian economy, including agriculture and agro-industry, mining, construction,
hotel and tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, education and training, air transport, real estate aswell as trade and commerce.
Our Special Millennium Issue, in particular, dealt with summary profiles of all MIDROC EthiopiaGroup companies, providing information on their activities and their contributions to the economicgrowth and social advancement of Ethiopia.
In line with our already established tradition, this issue of TIRET will focus on new investmentprojects that are being undertaken by the MIDROC Ethiopia Investment Group. The successfulcompletion of two cement factories in Derba in the Oromia Regional State and Dejen in AmharaRegional State shortly, will go a long way in meeting the cement needs of the large constructionactivities taking place in almost all parts of the country.
The planned construction of the new Five-Star Hotel, adjacent to the African Union Headquarters,as well as the building of a chain of hotels in potentially attractive tourist sites are expected toexpand tourism and will help overcome the emerging shortage of hotel rooms in the country.
MIDROC Ethiopia is also planning to expand its investments in the agro-industrial sector bylaunching new projects, which will include, palm oil, rubber, and tea plantation in the South,Benshangul and Gambela Regional States. These projects have the potential of creatingemployment opportunities to more than 200,000 citizens over the next two to three years.
The Editorial Team of TIRET wishes all our readers and all members of MIDROC EthiopiaInvestment Group a successful year of achievement, peace and prosperity for our country.
Yeshimebet DemissieEditor-in-Chief
Note from the Editor-in-ChiefNote from the Editor-in-Chief
TIRET April 2008
MIDROC News and Briefs 6-41
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi,often respected and admired byall Ethiopians for his outstandingcontributions to the developmentof Ethiopia, has been honoredwith the most prestigious Awards,ever given in the country. Fullstories appear in MIDROC News.MIDROC News also has moreupdates of major activities of theMIDROC Ethiopia InvestmentGroup.
Main Story 42-47
The Cover Story in this issue of TIRETdeals with Sheikh Mohammed H.Al-Amoudiʼs multi-billion Birr investmentventures to be undertaken during thecoming few years to further strengthen theeconomic development of his motherland.
In Focus… 48-51
This Column features the development ofTea in Ethiopia and the involvement andactivities of one of the Group Companiesof MIDROC Ethiopia Investment Group intea production.
"Incidentally” 53
Yohannes Ruphael brings to light in this issue of TIRET, his views on theimportance of ownership of land to farmers.
Writers Column 54-55
Prof. Deon Rossuw of the University of South Africa shares with our readershis views and impression about the 7th Annual Conference of BEN-Africa,that took place few months ago in Addis Ababa.
Axis 57-60
Axis deals with issues on Humanitarian Work in Africa and Africaʼs AIDSChallenge
ContentsContents
T I R E Tmeans “effort in Amharic and is aMagazine produced from MIDROCEthiopia Investment Group.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEFYeshimebet Demissie
DEPUTY-EDITOR-IN-CHIEFAselefech Getachew
SECRETARIAL SERVICEHaimanot NegussieYemesserach Bezabeh
PHOTOGRAPHYTadesse DemissieBiruk HailuTewodros AberaDegife Tekle
PUBLISHED BYThe Public Relations Department ofMIDROC EthiopiaTel: +251 11 371 12 77Fax: +251 11 371 29 90P.O.Box: 6631Email: [email protected]
DESIGN & PAGE LAYOUTCreative PowerPrinting & ManufacturingTel: +251 11 550 52 31 / 2
11 550 38 28Fax: +251 11 515 19 41 *(Roots Africa)P.O.Box: 6631Addis Ababa, EthiopiaEmail: [email protected] Sub-City K. 12 / 13 H.No. 376 / 3Wollosefer Behind Mina Bldg.
COPYRIGHTApril 2008MIDROC EthiopiaAll rights reserved. Reproduction in partand / or whole is allowed with the writtenauthorization of the publisher.
MIDROCMohammed International DevelopmentResearch & Organisation Companies.
TIRET 6
The Ethiopian Government has awarded Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi on September 13, 2007 “TheFirst Special Millennium Gold Medal” for his exemplary endeavors in promoting the development of Ethiopiaand its people.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Ato Meles Zenawi, after handing over the Gold Medal at the ceremonyorganized on Sept. 13, 2007, at the National Palace, said that Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi haslaunched various investment projects in Ethiopia before proving their profitability, out of true love andsympathy for the country and the people of Ethiopia. He also expressed his appreciation for the vital roleof Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi to introduce modern technologies and install the necessaryinfrastructure in Ethiopia.
Professor Ephraim Issac and Ato Mamo Woudeneh, two prominent Ethiopians, said on the occassion thatthe contributions of Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi to the economic development of the country and hisphilanthropic activities are well known by all Ethiopians, and added that awarding him with the MillenniumʼsFirst Gold Medal proves that the Government recognizes the effort of its citizens.
They also noted that honoring Sheikh Mohammed for his investment and philanthropic activities willencourage others including the youth.
SS hh ee ii kk hh MM oo hh aa mm mm ee ddSS hh ee ii kk hh MM oo hh aa mm mm ee dd
Ethiopian Prime Minister, Ato Meles Zenawi, honoring Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi with the Special Gold Medal
.. .. .. SSppeecc ii aa ll GGoo ll dd MMeeddaa ll.. .. .. SSppeecc ii aa ll GGoo ll dd MMeeddaa ll
TIRET 7
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi and his brothers received Awards from MIDROC Ethiopia TechnologyGroup in an occasion held at the Sheraton Addis on October 21, 2007.
MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group honored Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi as “The Greatest Investorof the Millennium” for his outstanding contributions to the economic growth of the country, and also awardedhis brothers, Sheikh Seid Hussein Ali, Sheikh Hassan Hussein Al-Amoudi and Sheikh Abdella HusseinAl-Amoudi, Medals for their great contributions in investment.
Dr. Arega Yirdaw, CEO of MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group, said in his opening address, that he is veryhappy to have been provided the opportunity, freedom and trust and the unwavering brotherly support bySheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi to serve the MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group and his motherland.
The management and employees of MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group congratulated Sheikh MohammedH. Al-Amoudi on acquiring the prestigious Gold Medal Award, the “First Special Millennium Gold Medal”from the Ethiopian Government. They also thanked the Ethiopian Government for giving due recognitionand honor to Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi and expressed their pleasure to be part of the effort in meeting his objectives for the development of Ethiopia.
.. .. ..TThhee GGrreeaa ttee ss tt II nnvvee ss ttoo rr OOff TThhee MMii ll ll eennnn ii uumm.. .. ..TThhee GGrreeaatt eess tt II nn vvee ss ttoo rr OOff TThhee MMii ll ll eennnn ii uumm
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi and his brothers after receiving the Award
HH .. AA LL -- AA mm oo uu dd ii AA ww aa rr dd ee dd HH .. AA LL -- AA mm oo uu dd ii AA ww aa rr dd ee dd
TIRET 9
DDooccuummeenntt aarr yy VV ii ddeeoo FFeeaatt uurree ss DDooccuummeenntt aarr yy VV ii ddeeoo FFeeaatt uurree ss SShhee ii kkhh MMoohhaammmmeedd HH.. AA ll --AAmmoouudd iiSShhee ii kkhh MMoohhaammmmeedd HH.. AA ll --AAmmoouudd ii
An Amharic documentary video produced by ʻHonor Ethiopiaʼ featuring the outstanding contributions made
by Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi to the economic development of Ethiopia and his successes in the
business world was screened at the National Palace on September 8, 2007 in the presence of the Ethiopian
President, Ato Girma Wolde Giorgis.
The video entitled “Eternal Love to Motherland” depicts the commitment of Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi
to humanitarian causes and the contributions he made to change the image of Ethiopia.
Organizers of the event said that the main purpose of producing this video was to illustrate Sheikh
Mohammed H. Al-Amoudiʼs outstanding endeavors for his beloved country, thereby motivating others to
follow his commendable operations in the economic development of Ethiopia.
Ministers, prominent personalities and invited guests watched the video with great admiration. The video
show was repeated at the National Theatre.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi, on the occassion, received from the hands of the Ethiopian President,
Ato Girma Wolde Giorgis “Man of the Millennium” Award presented by Honor Ethiopia.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi receiving the special Award “Man of the Millenium” from the Ethiopian President, Ato Girma W/Giorgis
TIRET 11
Afoundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of a Birr 1.5 billion Five-Star Hotel to be builtin the vicinity of the African Union Commission (AUC) took place on February 2, 2008, in thepresence of the newly elected AU Chairperson, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, the outgoing
AU Chairperson, Professor Alpha Omar Konare, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Ato Meles Zenawi, andSheikh Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi, Owner and Chairman of MIDROC Ethiopia.
FFoouunnddaatt ii oonn SS ttoonnee LLaa ii dd ff oo rr tthhee CCoonn ss tt rr uucctt ii oonnFFoouunnddaatt ii oonn SS ttoonnee LLaa ii dd ff oo rr tthhee CCoonnss tt rruucc tt ii oonnooff aa BB ii ll ll ii oonn BB ii rr rr HHoottee lloo ff aa BB ii ll ll ii oonn BB ii rr rr HHoottee ll
The Future African Union Hotel
The Government of Ethiopia had earlier granted120,000 square meters of land to the African Unionfor the construction of various facilities and futureexpansion of the Commission, one of which is theconstruction of the Grand African Union Hotel.
It is expected that the construction of the hotelwould be completed in few years time. MIDROCConstruction, Ethiopia Plc, along with othercontractors will be involved in the construction ofthe Hotel.
The sophisticated grand hotel contains, amongothers, a multi-purpose ballroom which will beequipped with state-of-the-art audiovisualequipment, suitable for Addis Ababa basedconferences, conventions, dinner concerts,wedding ceremonies, exhibitions and fashionshows and also a hotel within the hotel which willprovide private check-in and check out facilities.The hall will have a capacity of accommodating3,500 guests for either conferences or cocktails and2,200 guests for banquets.
AU current Chairperson, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete (middle), Ethiopian Prime Minister, Ato Meles Zenawi, outgoing AU Chairperson,Prof. Alpha Omar Konare with Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi and Ato Chefeke Desalegne, Senior Advisor and Advisory Board Member ofMIDROC Ethiopia, (far left) at the foundation stone laying ceremony.
The Hotel will have 276 spacious and elegantguest-rooms with breathtaking views of AddisAbaba, 31 ministerial suites and 27 presidentialsuites on the 9th, 10th and 11th floor.
The African Union Grand Hotel will be a gateway tosome of the worldʼs most favored cuisines, offeringits guests, a choice of African, Asian, Italian, Arabicand French cuisines, all skillfully prepared by theHotelʼs expert team of international chefs.
TIRET 13
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi on
January 29, 2008, signed a grant
agreement of Birr 50 million with the
President of the Addis Ababa University, Professor
Andrias Eshete, for the establishment of an
international standard library as part of his
corporate citizenship responsibility of supporting the
intensification of education in Ethiopia.
On behalf of the staff of Addis Ababa University, the
students who will benefit from the establishment of
the library and the Ethiopian people, Prof. Andrias
expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed H.
Al-Amoudi for his generosity and determination to
change the face of Ethiopia.
The library will include spacious room for
bookstores, an exhibition center, hall, cafeterias etc.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi also pledged over
Birr 25 million for the construction of Harar Cultural
Center which will consist multipurpose facilities
such as a public library, conference rooms and
gymnasium.
SShheeiikkhh MMoohhaammmmeedd DDoonnaatteedd ttoo AAAAUU LLiibbrraarryy
Lame Dairy Plc, the newly establishedmember of MIDROC Ethiopia, made apurchase of the Dairy Products
Development Enterprise at a cost of Birr 62 million.
The sale agreement was signed between theGeneral Director of the Privatization Agency, AtoBeyene Gebre Meskel, andAto Seid Hussein Ali, representing Lame Dairy Plc,and Ato Wario Galgalo, Head of Preparation andImplementation Directorate of the Agency and AtoTeklu Haile, Manager, Treasury, Finance andAccounting of MIDROC Ethiopia.
The basic objective of Lame Dairy Plc is to produceadequate dairy products and supply the market withan affordable price. It is, therefore, expected toboost the production capacity of the company afterrefurbishing the current production management ofthe enterprise. While current annual productioncapacity of the enterprise is limited to 6,000 tons,Lame Dairy Plc has projected to increase theannual production capacity of the company to22,000 tons of milk within the next four to five years.
Lame Dairy Plc was established in March 2007,with a capital of Birr 20 million; MIDROC Ethiopiaholding 80 percent of the share andSheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi owning thebalance.
Lame Dairy Plc AcquiredDairy Enterprise
TIRET 15
CCaatteerriinngg FFaaccii ll iittyy AApppprrooaacchhiinngg CCoommpplleettiioonn
Addis International Catering (AIC) undercompletion
Addis International Catering (AIC) is getting ready to offer services shortly to all international flights at BoleInternational Airport.
Established with a capital of ETB 25,000,000. AIC is currently in the final stage of completing constructionof a state-of-the-art flight kitchen on a 19,500 sq. m. plot of land it has leased from Bole InternationalAirport.
Citynet Catering, a well established and highly experienced UK company in the design and set up of flightkitchens around the world, has produced the plans and MIDROC Construction Ethiopia Plc has beencommissioned to build the unit. It will be the first of its kind in the region and will be fitted with the latestequipment, using environmentally friendly systems throughout its production and management systems.
AIC has contacted a team of highly qualified professionals in order to train and groom local personnel, whowill be able to deliver services of the highest standard and meet the expectations of its internationalcustomers.
At full capacity, the facility will give employment opportunity for 300 individuals and will be capable ofproducing up to 15,000 meals a day. When completed, the kitchen will make preparations to cater allscheduled airlines as well as casual operators at Bole International Airport.
TIRET 17
Ato Shiferaw Shigute, President of SNNPR and Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi, at the inaugural ceremony of the Awassa Pepsi Factory
AAwwaassssaa PPeeppssii FFaaccttoorryy IInn OOppeerraattiioonn
ABirr 127 million Pepsi Factory of MOHA Soft Drinks Industry S.C in Awassa, the Southern Nationsand Nationalities Peoples Region, was inaugurated on September 19, 2007 in the presence of thePresident of the Region, high ranking government officials, Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi,
General Managers and CEOs of MIDROC Ethiopia Investment Group and other invited guests. The factory,which is expected to increase the production capacity of MOHA by 30% produces 1,500 cases of Pepsi,Mirinda, Seven-Up, Tonic and Mirinda Apple per hour. Presently, the factory has created job opportunitiesfor 300 workers.
Speaking on the occasion, the President of the Region, Ato Shiferaw Shigute, expressed his satisfaction atthe inauguration of the factory, and said that the Regional Administration will give all the necessary supportto the efforts being made to expand the factory. Ato Shiferaw also noted that the Region would encourageinvestors who wish to establish service-giving facilities.
Also speaking on the occasion,Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi,Owner and Chairman of MIDROCEthiopia Investment Group, saidthat the soft drink factory was thefirst factory in the Region andexpressed his desire to engage inhotels, agriculture and industry tofurther strengthen the economicactivities he had already started inthe Region.
MOHA Soft Drinks Industry S.C.has similar factories in AddisAbaba, Gondar and Bure. ...visiting the inside of the factory with Ato Getachew Birbo, CEO, MOHA Soft Drinks S.C
(right)
TIRET 19
A4.5 km road in Holeta town that leads toAgri-Flowers of Ethio Agri-CEFT Plc, built ata cost of Birr 15 million by MIDROC
Construction Ethiopia Plc, was inaugurated onFebruary 2, 2008 by Sheikh Mohammed H.Al-Amoudi, Owner and Chairman of MIDROCEthiopia.
Sheikh Mohammed, who expressed his pleasure atthe warm reception accorded to him by theresidents of the town, said that his participation inthe development activities of the area wouldcontinue in a strengthened manner. The new road,he said, would add value to developmentendeavours being undertaken in the area.
Elders of the town who turned out in large numbersto welcome him, demonstrated their love andrespect by presenting him a “Buluko”, a traditionalcloth made of cotton.
Thanking the residents for offering him such anhonor, Sheikh Mohammed promised that he wouldbuild a high-school and other infrastructure in thetown.
NNeeww RRooaadd II nnaauugguurraa tteedd ii nn HHoo ll ee ttaaNNeeww RRooaadd II nnaauugguurraa tt eedd ii nn HHoo ll ee tt aa
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi visiting the new road (Holeta)
....wearing the Buluko
TIRET 21
The Eleventh Annual Conference of General Managers of MIDROC Ethiopia Investment Groupattended by 23 participants, was held in Dire International Hotel at Adama, from February 7-10, 2008dealing with two topics. The first topic was entitled “Corporate Social Responsibility” which is related
to the corporate motto, “Committed to Development” of MIDROC Ethiopia.
The other was Information Technology Security and Privacy, a topic that is in line with the MIDROC EthiopiaGroupʼs attempt to keep up with ICT development and challenges.
The presentation on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was made by Professor Emeritus JohannesKinfu, Director of Training of MIDROC Ethiopia while an external resource person, Ato Gebresellassie G.Anenia, Owner and General Manager of Custor Computing Plc, presented a paper on InformationTechnology Security and Privacy.
During the Conference, participants also had the opportunity of watching two documentary videos: the firstone was on the African Union Hotel Project. Ato Chefeke Desalegne, Senior Advisor and Advisory BoardMember of MIDROC Ethiopia made a notable presentation on this Multi-million Hotel Project. The secondvideo show demonstrated the various production activities of Ethio Agri-CEFT Plc in its different sites as wellas the efforts of the Company in planning and executing its projects in line with Corporate SocialResponsibility.
Corporate Social Responsibility was recommended during the discussions, to be further promoted in theMIDROC Ethiopia Investment Group, with the objective of ensuring all undertakings of the companies tobe environmentally-friendly and socially responsible.
Participants of the Conference also believed that Information Technology Security and Privacy concernwas very important, and was hence recommended to be included in the forthcoming training programs formiddle-level management of the MIDROC Ethiopia Group.
At the end of the program, participants of the Conference made an excursion visit to Kellyʼs Camp a newlyestablished unique recreation site in Adama.
GGeenneerraa ll MMaannaaggeerr ss ’’ AAnnnnuuaa ll CCoonnff eerr eennccee HHee ll ddGGeennee rraa ll MMaannaaggeerr ss ’’ AAnnnnuuaa ll CCoonn ff eerreennccee HHee ll dd
A view of the conference participants
MIDROC Construction Ethiopia Plc has signed a contract agreement with Derba MIDROC Cement Plc toundertake the construction of a 42 km road at the factory site in Derba, West Shoa Zone at a cost of Birr180 million. The contract was signed by Ato Haile Assegdie, Executive Director of Derba MIDROC CementPlc and Eng. Shimelis Eshete, Deputy General Manager of MIDROC Construction Ethiopia Plc.
The First Phase of the road construction involves the upgrading of a 20 km gravel road from Chancho toDerba to asphalt concrete, while the Second Phase is an 8.2 km new asphalt road construction from Derbato the factory site. The Third Phase includes construction of a 13.8 km partly asphalt, partly gravel road,which will link the factory sight with the quarry, circling a steep hill.
According to Ato Haile, when the construction is completed, the road will be a historic achievement on oneof the most difficult roads in Ethiopiaʼs history.
TIRET 23
Ethio Agri-CEFT AwardsDeserving Workers and Enterprises
Two Operating Units under ELICO: Goat Suede and Shoe Leather Unit and the LeatherGoods and Garment Unit received ISO – 14001certification during a ceremony held at theSheraton Addis on November 21, 2007 as a resultof the combined and cohesive efforts made by themanagement and employees of the Company.
The Certification of the two operating units withISO – 14001 for environment, intensifies ELICOʼscommitment and hard work as a trailblazer andtrendsetter to adopt modern managementconcepts.
ELICO worked in the last several years, on aspectidentification, planning, procedure definition,system development and implementation ofISO -14001 and ISO 9001 – 2000 for its operations.
The solid experience gained during the ISO9001 – 2000 certification and implementationprocess in the other three operating Units in 2006,offered ELICO the opportunity to broaden the fun-damental nature of quality management system ofincorporating employees safety, work environment,the community and the environment at large.
ELICO Became ISO 14001 Certified
MIDROC Construction Ethiopia Plc Undertaking MIDROC Construction Ethiopia Plc Undertaking
Road Construction WorkRoad Construction Work
On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, on February2, 2008, Ethio Agri-CEFT Plc awarded its FarmManagers, Employees and Enterprises at aceremony organized at the Sheraton Addis.Present at the ceremony were Ato SheferawShegute, President of Southern Nations andNationalities Peoples Region, representatives ofgovernment and private sector Sheikh MohammedH. Al-Amoudi, Owner and Chairman of MIDROCEthiopia and members of the different farms.
Ato Hailemichael Sheferaw, Manager of GemadroFarm, Ato Belete Kebede, Manager of Bir Farm andAto Achameyeleh Belay, Manager of Ayehu Farmand eighteen farm employees were awarded withdifferent prizes.
Gemadro Farm was awarded with the GoldenAl-Amoudi Cup for Best Farm. The Golden Cuprotates every three years, but whoever wins forthree consecutive years will permanently own it.
Gemadro Farm has gained reputation for its coffeeboth locally and internationally and known for itsmodern and sustainable coffee plantation.
TIRET 25
Upon completion of the program, the participantsreceived certificates of participation by Ato TekluHaile, Manager - Treasury, Finance and AccountingDepartment of MIDROC Ethiopia, at a ceremonyheld on December 14, 2007 at the King's HotelConference Hall, in the presence of GeneralManagers and CEOs of Group Companies,Department Managers of MIDROC Ethiopia andother invited guests.
Nyala Insurance s.c paid the full cost of the firstthree-day session program, as per the sponsorshippledge made by Ato Nahu-Senay Araya, ManagingDirector of the Company, during the GeneralManagers' Conference on February 24, 2007.Companies that sent their participants andMIDROC Ethiopia Head Office also covered therest of the training costs.
The Training Department of MIDROC Ethiopiaconducted a three-session training on LeadershipDevelopment Program (LDP) at the King's Hotel inAddis Ababa.
The decision to conduct this training was made atthe Annual General Managers' Conference ofFebruary 23-24, 2007 that took place at AdamaMekonnen Hotel in Adama, when it was firstintroduced to the conference participants.
A total of 25 participants from 12 MIDROC EthiopiaInvestment Group Companies, fully attended all thethree sessions. The training was facilitated by Dr.Berhanu Tadesse, Manager of Medical andProfessional Services of SalaM Health Care Plc,who is a certified expert in TransformationalLeadership Development promoted by the UNDP.
LLeeaaddeerrsshhiipp DDeevveellooppmmeenntt PPrrooggrraamm TTrraaiinniinngg
Participants of the training on Leadership Development Program
TIRET 27
MIDROC-Ethiopia and Dashen Bank S.C. hosted the 7th Annual Business Ethics Network Africa(BEN-Africa) Conference in Addis Ababa, at the Ghion Hotel from August 1-3, 2007.
The Conference was attended by representatives of the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission, AuditServices Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, Dashen Bank, MIDROC-Ethiopia, Admas College, andUnity University College.
The Ethiopian participants unanimously elected Ato Leulseged Teferi, President of Dashen Bank for thepost of President of the Ethiopian Chapter of BEN-Africa. Representatives of BEN-Africa highly appreciatedDashen Bank S.C and MIDROC Ethiopiaʼs commitment to ethics and the hospitality accorded to them.
BEN-Africa is an African association,launched in 1999, and founded incooperation with South AfricanUniversities, individual andinstitutional members from Kenya,Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia,Zambia, Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana,Malawi, Australia, and the USA.
Many international participants fromAfrica, Europe and Australia,attended the 7th Annual Conferencein Addis Ababa.
7777 tthhtt hh AAnnnnuuaa ll CCoonn ffee rreennccee oo ff BBeenn --AA ff rr ii ccaaAAnnnnuuaa ll CCoonn ff ee rreennccee oo ff BBeenn --AA ff rr ii ccaa
Ato Lulseged Teferi, President of Dashen Bank S.C. and Prof. Piet Maude, President ofBEN-Africa
Partial view of participants of the 7th Annual Conference of BEN Africa
TIRET 29
Emeritus Professor Johannes Kinfu, Director ofTraining of MIDROC Ethiopia, received an Awardfrom the Association of Chartered CertifiedAccountants (ACCA) at a ceremony organized atthe Sheraton Addis on July 24, 2007.
The Award was given to Emeritus ProfessorJohannes Kinfu for his contribution to thedevelopment of accounting in the country, and hislong time dedication to offer people the opportunityof building their careers.
Emeritus Professor Johannes Kinfu is the firstEthiopian Professor in Accounting, the first to havea Doctorate Degree in Business Administration andalso the first Ethiopian Emeritus Professor in thefield of accounting from the Addis Ababa University.
Ato Getachew Kassaye, a Prominent CharteredAccountant, managing his own firm, GetachewKassaye and Company Chartered CertifiedAccountants, also received an Award from AACA atthe ceremony.
MMIIDDRROOCC EEtthh iioopp iiaa TTrraa iinn iinnggMMIIDDRROOCC EEtthh iioopp iiaa TTrraa iinn iinnggDDii rreeccttoorr AAwwaarrddeeddDDii rreeccttoorr AAwwaarrddeedd
Emeritus Prof. Johannes Kinfu (third from left) with high level officialsof ACCA after receiving the Award
SalaM Nurses College trained and awarded 16students with B.Sc. degree in a graduationceremony held at the Sheraton Addis on February28, 2008.
The 7th batch of graduates are the first batch to betrained in a Degree Program in General NursingScience by SalaM Nurses College. They haveundergone a four-year intensive training, acquiringskills and values of international standard to renderhigh quality services in the health sector.
The College, established by Sheikh Mohammed H.Al-Amoudi under the SalaM Health Care Plc, adecade ago, has trained and graduated 277 nursesin six batches of diploma programs.
Omega Seifu, the winner of the Chairmanʼs Medalof academic year 2007-2008 in degree program,received her Medal from the hands of Dr. AregaYirdaw, CEO of MIDROC Ethiopia TechnologyGroup.
All the seven batches of graduate nurses havebeen trained free of charge, making SalaM NursesCollege, the first free private training institution, totrain and award a nursing degree.
Omega Seifu - winner of Chairmanʼs Medal of 2007/2008
FF ii rr ss tt BBaatt cchh ii nn DDeeggrreeee FF ii rr ss tt BBaattcchh ii nn DDeeggrreeee PPrrooggrraamm GGrraadduuaatt eeddPPrrooggrraamm GGrraadduuaatteedd
TIRET 31
MMIIDDRROOCC EEtthhiiooppiiaa SSeenniioorr AAddvviissoorr AAtttteennddss CCooffffeeee MMeeeettiinngg
Senior Advisor and Advisory Board Member of MIDROC Ethiopia, Ato Arega Worku, attended theInternational Coffee Council meeting held in London from 24-28 September 2007. In a report to SheikhMohammed H. Al-Amoudi, Ato Arega said that on recommendations of a working group, a new ten-yearinternational coffee agreement was approved by the Council. Ato Arega further elaborated that the newagreement contained a number of significant new features for international cooperation, including facilitatingthe availability of information of financial tools and services that can assist coffee producers, encouragingmembers to develop and implement strategies to enhance the capacity of local communities andsmall-scale farmers to benefit from coffee production and encouraging members to develop appropriatefood safety procedures in the coffee sector.
The agreement, he said, also recognized the contribution of a sustainable coffee sector, the achievementof internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),particularly with respect to poverty eradication.
The agreement is designed to enhance the International Coffee Councilʼs role as a forum forinter-governmental consultations, increases its contributions to meaningful market information and markettransparency and ensure that the organization plays a unique role in developing innovative and effectivecapacity building in the coffee sector and promoting sustainable approaches to coffee production andenhancing the value of production for small- scale farmers in key developing countries trading partners.
The agreement establishes a first-ever “Consultative Forum on Coffee Sector Finance” to promote thedevelopment and dissemination of innovations and best practices that can enable coffee producers tobetter manage financial aspects of the inherent volatility and risks associated with competitive and evolvingmarkets. Other notable changes include; expanding the organizationʼs work in providing relevant statisticaland market information; strengthening efforts to develop, review and implement capacity building projects;and strengthening the Council through the elimination of an Executive Board.
Zewditu Hospital Expresses Gratitude To SalaM NursesCollege
Expressing her deepest gratitude and appreciation for the student nurses of SalaM Nurses College andtheir teachers, Dr Tizita Gossa, Medical Director of Zewditu Hospital, said that the trainees did a wonderfuljob in helping patients at the hospital.
Their presence at the hospital, she said, has helped provide the best possible nursing care to the patients.
“All of us here in the hospital are proud of their contributions and admire their nursing knowledge, skill andattitude. According to our experience, students of SalaM Nurses College are very well prepared, comparedto students coming from other nursing colleges. We admire the supervision they receive from their teachersand the contribution that their teachers make to the quality care of our patients,” she said.
Dr Tizita took the opportunity to give special thanks to Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi, the founder ofSalaM Nurses College.
TIRET 32
NEW ODA BUILDING PROJECT
MIDROC Foundation Specialist Plc is presentlyworking on one large scale deep excavation pit for thenew ODA Tower Shops and Apartment BuildingProject in Addis Ababa as a Main Contractor under thesupervision of ADA Consulting Engineers fromJohannesburg, South Africa who is undertaking theconstruction work of the deep excavation pit.
MIDROC Foundation Specialist Plc has undertakenthe design and execution of shoring system withadjacent pile wall including the drainage behind theshoring to the bottom, execution of the shot-cretemembrane, installation of approx. 270 nos. oftemporary retaining ground anchors and excavationand disposal of approx. 36'000m3 of soil described inthe sold investigation report.
MIDROC Foundation has proven very well its capacityof the supplying and installation of all materials, skilledman power and equipment for all its activities.
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ODA Building
KK BUSINESS CENTRE
MIDROC Foundation Specialist Plc is contracted toundertake the pile foundation and board-cast in situpiles shoring system at KK Business Centre.
The project contains structural piles of diameter 800and 1000mm with an approximate length rangingbetween 16 and 22m. The total number of structuralpiles in the project is 112 piles.
In addition to structural piles, the project includesconstruction of a shoring system with cast in-situboard piles anchored lately against the ground withthe pre-stressed anchoring stands. The systemretains the ground by resisting the lateral load fromthe earth pressure and the surcharge from thenear-by building while the natural ground isexcavated to a depth of 8 meters. Related works,like working pile tests and proof testing for thepre-stressed anchors are also part of the project.
KK Business Center
Undertakes Huge Projects
TIRET 33
DERBA CEMENT PROJECT
MIDROC Foundation Specialist Plc issub-contracting the construction work of 1,100 pilesfor the Derba MIDROC Cement Plant, ever done inAfrica, with a unique diameter of 1,000 cm diameterdifferent from its 600 and 800 cms.
MIDROC Foundation Specialist proposed aredesign in the length and diameter of the piles,which eventually helps the Owner, Derba MIDROCCement Plc to reduce its cost, maintaining thetechnical integrity and bearing capacity of the pilesas the main structure for the future use of differentbuildings.
To verify the design optimization, MIDROCFoundation Specialist Plc has conducted one pileload test reaching up to 1,100 tons, on one pile withdiameter of 1,000mm, which is the highest pile loadtest ever conducted in East Africa. This unique pileload test was accomplished to the satisfaction ofall concerned including the supervising Engineerfrom India, "Holtec Group".
MARITIME BUILDING PROJECT
The sub-contract to MIDROC FoundationSpecialist Plc started undertaking the pilesfoundation work at Maritime Building Project inAddis Ababa since the end of 2007.
The project includes structural pile of diameter800mm with an approximate length rangingbetween 18m and 19 m in length. The total numberof structural piles in the project was 61 piles.Working pile test, Shot- crating and Supervision ofAnchor installation are also undertaken in theProject.
Maritime Building
Derba Cement
SS pp ee cc ii aa ll ii ss tt PP ll cc
TIRET 37
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION VENTURES
Nani Building, MIDROC Ethiopia CorporateOffice (MCO)
INSTALLATION OFESCALATOR & SOLAR
WATER HEATERS
INTRODUCTION OFWORLDʼS NO.1
Marda Pickup 2500 cc.
VISIT OF CHINESE DELEGATION
SPONSORSHIP TO ERCS
QQ Cherry … ERCS Lottery Prize
Equatorial Business Group Plc,an affiliate Group Company ofMIDROC Ethiopia, signed a newround of contract agreementwith the Ethiopian Electric andPower Corporation (EEPCO) onDecember 25, 2007, to electrify30 more rural towns in theOromia and Amhara RegionalStates. The project that coversthe design, construction andcommissioning of rural powerdistribution lines is due to beconcluded shortly withstrengthened strategy.
It also signed its first contractagreement with EEPCO onFebruary 3, 2007, for itsUniversal Electricity AccessProject to increase countrywideelectricity coverage of thecurrent 17% to 50% within thecoming four years. EBGcompleted the first round of theagreement successfully.
A five top Economic andCommercial team of Diplomatsof the Embassy of the PeoplesʼRepublic of China in AddisAbaba, led by the CounselorH.E. Mr. Liu Yunbiao, visitedEBG on October 10, 2007.
After being welcomed by AtoTadelle Teferra, GeneralManager of EBG, discussed onbilateral business related issuesincluding current EBG-Sinosbusiness partnership andpossible future prospects ofcollaboration in the presence ofthe Management Group of theCompany.
The Company, since thebeginning of 2003, has suppliedand installed a number of theseSWHsʼ in different parts of thecountry. SWHs save as muchas 50-85% annually on utilitybills over the cost of electricwater heating with immenseenvironmental benefits.
EBG is an exclusive dealer ofthe well-known OTIS elevatorand escalator and has installeda number of OTIS elevators inthe most prestigious high-risebuildings in Addis Ababa.
EBG, a dealer in Ethiopia forMazda pickup trucks,introduced a total of 17 Mazdamodel BT-50 pickup trucksequipped with a direct-injectionturbo-diesel engine to theEthiopian market in October2007 Mazda BT-50 was un-veiled at the 2006 Bangkok In-ternational Motor Show andhas won the Best High-liftedPickup 2,500cc at Thailand Carof the Year, 2007 Awards.
EBG has also added to itssales 36 units of assorted JinBei minibuses, including ambu-lances, cargo vans, diesel andpetrol passenger minibuses.This unique Chinese product isfashioned by TOYOTAʼs tech-nology, mould and mode ofmanagement and commands80% of the highly competitiveChinese market share with fivesub-series to meet differentcustomer demands.
EBG is currently engaged in theInstallation of Elevator andEscalator Project of theMIDROC Corporate Office, NaniBuilding, the first high-risebuilding in Ethiopia, with 21stops and 78 mts. vertical riding.
Eight Solar Water Heaters(SWH) were also installed onYoli Building Complex, to caterfor its hot water requirement.
EBG fully sponsored the highestprize for the Tombola Lotteryticket prepared by the NationalHumanitarian Society, theEthiopian Red Cross Society(ERCS), in a bid to help raisefund for its planned constructionof a new multi purpose buildingcomplex in Addis Ababa as partof the Companyʼs commitmentof discharging its corporatesocial responsibility. The prize isa QQ Cherry light dutyautomobile worth of over Birr100,000.
Members of EBG have alsoextended support by purchasingover one hundred fifty of theTombola lottery tickets.
Affiliate Company, EBG, Providing Reliable Services
TIRET 39
MIDROC Gold Mine Plc and ELFORA Agro-industries Plc, both members of the MIDROC EthiopiaTechnology Group, on November 3,2007, received First Rank Awards for their outstandingperformances in gold and meat export respectively.
Dr Arega Yirdaw, Chief Executive Officer of MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group and General Manager ofMIDROC Gold Mine Plc and Ato Getachew Hagos, General Manager of ELFORA Agro-Industry Plc receivedthe Awards on behalf of their respective Companies from the hands of Prime Minister, Ato Meles Zenawiat a ceremony held at Bole Millennium Hall in connection with the Ethiopian Export Day, annually celebratedby producers engaged in the export market.
Following the Award giving ceremony, Dr Arega said that the government and the private sector shouldcontinue to work together for further development of the export sector.
Congratulating the Award Winning Companies, the management and employees of the MIDROC EthiopiaTechnology Group Companies promised to work hard and achieve even more results in the years ahead.
Forty-five outstanding exporters, four input suppliers and ten countries buying Ethiopian goods received theFirst Ethiopian Export Day Award.
The award winners will, among other things, enjoy the privilege of having a VIP status at public functions.
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Dr. Arega Yirdaw, CEO, MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group, receiving the Award representing MIDROC Gold Mine Plc
TIRET 41
Daylight Applied TechnologiesPlc, a member of the MIDROCEthiopia Technology Group,signed an agreement with theMinistry of Mines and Energythat would enable it to producelime stone and silica sand forthe coming ten years.
According to the agreement,Daylight Applied TechnologiesPlc will produce limestone inWonchit and silica sand inMerhabete, both in the AmharaRegional State.
The Company has plans to produce 50,000 tons of limestone and 250,000 tons of silica during the period.
Minister of Mines and Energy, Ato Alemayehu Tegenu and Dr. Arega Yirdaw, Chief Executive Officer ofMIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group, signed the agreement representing their respective parties.
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Agreement Signed for Production Agreement Signed for Production
The Kombolcha Steel Products Industries Plc (KOSPI) has signed an agreement with Ethiopian ElectricPower Corporation (EEPCO) for the supply of 20,000 cross arms and 30,000 steel tubes for the expansionof electric power in rural areas.
Ato Miheret Debebe, General Manager of EEPCO and Ato Terefe Mengesha, General Manager of KOSPIhave signed the agreement on behalf of the their respective companies.
It is to be recalled that KOSPI had earlier supplied the required quality material to EEPCO in a multi millionBirr agreement between the two parties.
Ato Miheret Debebe, General Manager of EEPCO and Ato Terefe Mengesha, General Manager of KOSPI signing the agreement
Ato Alemayehu Tegenu and Dr. Arega Yirdaw signing the agreement
TIRET 42
Engrossed with deep rooted love to his motherland and dedication towards its well being and growth,Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi committed himself with clear signal of optimism and vision, todeveloping Ethiopia, his country that he loves very much, in the last two decades.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudiʼs role in changing Ethiopia's image and socio-economic development byinvesting billion's of dollars in all sectors of the economy, is by any standard monumental andcommendable.
These outstanding and great contributions offered to Ethiopia through his multifaceted investments havegreatly spurred development and provided thousands of jobs, thereby providing tangible improvement in thestandard of living for a large number of Ethiopians.
Despite his huge development endeavors in the country, Sheikh Mohammed says on various occasionsthat he is not still satisfied with what he is doing to Ethiopia.
Consequently, Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi has determined to do even more to his country, embarkupon various incomparable multi-billion Birr ventures in the coming five years employing appropriate foreignexpertise for some of his ventures and plans to create job opportunities for more than 300,000 Ethiopians.
In this connection, early this Ethiopian millennium, he has signed an agreement with AgriNexus, aninternationally renowned Malaysian Company, to engage in large scale agriculture activities which entailsbillions of Birr.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi who had hitherto said on several occasions that he was not fully satisfiedwith his investment activities, not withstanding his huge economic investment in many sectors of theeconomy, now, said delightfully, "You might have heard me say that I was not satisfied with my investmentin Ethiopia so far. But I tell you today I am starting to be satisfied."
II nn ee xx oo rr aa bb ll ee CC oommmm ii tt mm ee nn tt
A view of the flower farm in Holeta
TIRET 43
Sheikh Mohammedʼs giant investment plans include among others, the Horizon Plantation Project, a jointventure, which has already started its activities by acquiring 250,000 hectares of land in Mejenger, Metekeland Bench Maji Zones of the Gambela Benishangul Gumuz in the Southern Nations and NationalitiesRegion, SNNPR, in his endeavor to enter into the bio-fuel sector. One hundred thousand hectares of theland will be used exclusively to planting Jatropha, whose seeds have an oil content of 30 percent and whenrefined produce high quality bio-diesel for the use of standard diesel engines. The by-products can be usedas organic fertilizers and insecticides in the form of pressed cakes. Eighty five thousand hectares will beused for planting rubber trees and palm oil trees.
Another investment plan is the plantation of tea on a 58,000 and 10,000 hectares of land engaging foreignexperts to assist boost the current tea production in three-fold. One of his Companies the Ethio Agri-CEFTPlc is currently involved in large scale coffee and tea plantations and flowers. A feasibility study is alsounderway for flowers and horticulture on 5,000 hct. of land.
The other project that is planned to be established during the coming five years, is a glass factory, also ajoint venture, investing Birr 700 million and further investing Birr 2 billion for soda ash mining: both productsfor the export market.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi visiting Agri Flower in Holeta
Activities in Agri Flower Farm
FF oo rr DD ee vv ee ll oo pp mm ee nn tt
TIRET 45
The other company in the miningsector that belongs to SheikhMohammed H. Al-Amoudi, theNational Mining Corporation,has already acquired the AbijataSoda Ash factory in a jointventure partnership with theGovernment to substitute importand supply of soda ash to localcompanies which evidentlyprovides input to the GlassFactory.
The joint venture exploration and development of Coal Project at Jimma in the Southern Nations andNationalities People Region, which has a reserve of more than 20 million tons of coal when operational, isexpected to enable the country to produce 20 mega watts of electricity.
It is anticipated that a town with a population of 20,000 would be established with the construction andcompletion of the Glass and Coal factories. Currently the preparation of the master plan for the town isunderway.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi also plans to engage in real estate development in the coming five yearson a large area near Addis Ababa. Apart from expanding the Sheraton Addis, he has plans to inter intobuilding chains of first class hotels in the various parts of the country in the coming five years to furtherdevelop the hospitality sector. Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi has already laid the foundation stone tobuild a Birr 1.2 billion Five-Star Hotel in the vicinity of the African Union. The construction of this sophisticatedHotel will start soon and expected to be completed in a few years.
The establishment of an aircraft maintenance center is also the other investment plan that will materializein the coming few years.
Sheikh Mohammed has also acquired in a privatization bid from the Ethiopian Government the DairyProducts Development Enterprise, for Birr 62 million, under Lame Dairy Plc, a newly formed MIDROCEthiopia Group Company. Plans for the company include the increase in dairy production over the next fiveyears from 6,000 tons to 22,000 tons.
Activities at Awash Marble Processing Plant
Front view of the African Union Hotel
TIRET 47
Large scale cotton farming in the Tigray Regional State is also the other area in Sheikh Mohammedʼsinvestment plans to supply the two jeans factories near Woldiya, in the Amhara Regional State that will startproduction soon. These factories have a capacity of producing 90 million jeans annually and are expectedto engage in the export market. Sheikh Mohammed is positive that Ethiopia will not have to import jeanshereafter.
An agreement with the Tigray Regional State Administration to invest in various development projects suchas mining, leather and leather products, glass, sugar and soft drinks manufacturing factories has also beensigned.
Ongoing projects such as the MA Garment Factory, the huge food processing factory, the packing factorywith a capacity of 300 cartons per minute, and the two jeans factories near Woldiya will all be fully operationalwithin the coming few months.
Another investment is the multi-million Birr Catering Facility at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababawhich will be ready very soon.
The cement factory built in the Amhara Regional State will start operation soon while the construction of thebig cement factory in Derba will be completed in a yearʼs time. The successful completion of the two cementfactories in Derba in the Oromya Regional State and Dejen in the Amhara Regional State respectively, isexpected to meet the acute shortage of cement supply for the large construction activities being undertakenin the country.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi, the greatest investor ever found in Ethiopia, is often respected, honoredand admired by all Ethiopians for his outstanding contributions in the socio-economic development andphilanthropic activities to his country.
He has been honored with various prestigiousawards both locally and externally including theEthiopian Government, and has been awardedwith a Doctoral Degree from the Addis AbabaUniversity some years ago for his exceptionalcontributions to Ethiopia in all sectors. TheEthiopian Government recently has awardedhim with the “First Special Millennium GoldMedal” for his exemplary efforts in developingEthiopia and its people.
Honor Ethiopia has honored him with the “Manof the Millennium” award.
He has also been honored with the “Greatest Ethiopian Investor of the Millennium” by MIDROC EthiopiaTechnology Group.
Sheikh Mohammed, adored by thousands who have benefited from his development and philanthropicactivities directly or indirectly, is as always ready to offer Ethiopia the best there is and has promised to doeven more in his own words.
“I wish to see in my life time the very image of Ethiopia; a poor country, to be changed into a self-sufficientcountry” and encouraged all members of his Investment Group by saying: “Let us work together. Our countrywill develop if we start working positively towards the growth of our country.”
His Investment Group currently engaged in the different sectors of the economy above and beyond, pro-viding job opportunities for more than twenty thousand Ethiopians and improving the living standards oftheir families are potentially contributing for the Ethiopian economy.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudiʼs eternal commitment to the development of Ethiopia will always continue,and members of his Investment Group will intensify their efforts to realise his dreams for economic growthand national prosperity of Ethiopia.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi, encouraging members of hisInvestment Group, at the ceremony organized to honor him with the“Greatest Investor of the Millennium” Award
TIRET 48
TTeeaa DDeevveellooppmmeenntt iinn EEtthhiiooppiiaa
Tea is not an indigenous plant to Ethiopia. It was introduced to the country in 1928 by the BritishDiplomatic Mission and planted in Gore, Illubabor Region, on a trial basis. However, tea at acommercial farm level started in 1966 in Gumaro near Gore. The other commercial tea plantation
started at Wush Wush in 1973. By the end of the seventies a total of 130 hectares of tea was planted inEthiopia.
Tea plants which need abundant rainfall can grow to a height of 1.50 m to 3.0 m, but by pruning, the plantis changed from tree to bush with rich foliage. Like the olive tree, tea tree continues to be productive formany years.
The lifespan of the cultivated crop, like that of the olive tree is long and is capable of yielding leaves of highquality lasting for over 100 years.
The practice of colonial propagation has done much to standardize the high quality of tea bush, but ingeneral it can be said that higher altitude tea is of better quality as it derives its distinctive flavour fromvaried climatic conditions and elevations.
The manufacture of tea involves plucking of leaves, withering by removing moisture naturally (which bringsabout physical and chemical changes), breaking by cutting, curling rolling in shredding (twisting andsqueezing out juice), allowing the leaves to ferment (quality enhancement through exposure to air tanningchanges) and being dried or fired rapidly to prevent further fermentation. The leaves are then graded andsorted and packed to prevent contamination or humidity into poly lined poly bags.
Gumero Tea Plantation
TIRET 49
Tea is classified in various ways - geographically, thusgiving regional characteristic such as Wush Wush andGumaro Tea. The other classification is based on themanufacturing process, which results in eitherorthodox teas or CTC (cut, tear and curl) teas. Themanufacturing process for CTC teas involveswithering, rolling, fermentation and firing with fluid beddrier followed by sorting and grading. This process isgenerally employed when teas with enhancedcharacteristics of strength and colour are required.CTC teas are ideal for tea bags and find flavour wherea strong cup is the choice. The CTC black tea ofEthiopia possesses the latter enhancedcharacteristics.
Tea production in Ethiopia has generally shown an increasing trend ever since commercial-scale productionwas carried out at Gumaro and Wush Wush plantations in 1981. The rise in tea production is mainlyattributed to policy measure taken to curtail imports as well as encourage growth of domestic consumptionhabit of the public.
Tea production in the year 1980/81-1993/94 on average reached 13,822 tons. In the year 1994/95-1999/00,production on average reached a total of 20,384 tons. As a result of increasing production, the growingdomestic consumption is largely met by Gumaro and Wush Wush plantations.
Ethio Agri-CEFT Plc, one of MIDROC Ethiopiaʼs Group Companies has acquired in a privatization bid fromthe Ethiopian government the two largest commercial tea plantations of Gumaro and Wush Wush and theTea Processing and Packing Factory (TPPF) in Addis Ababa in the year 2000.
Presently Gumaro TeaPlantation has 860 hectares oftea and 734 hectares ofeucalyptus trees used for teadrying. Wush Wush hasestablished 1,249 hectares oftea and 977 hectares ofeucalyptus trees to be used fortea drying in the factories.
Tea blending and packaging isdone in Addis Ababa by the TeaProcessing and Packing Factory(TPPF), which currently blendsand packs loose tea purchasedfrom Wush Wush and Gumarowith branded retail packs of teaand tea bags.
Different brands of tea processed and packed by the AddisAbaba Tea Processing and Packing Factory
Tea plucking activities at Wush Wush Tea Plantation
TIRET 51
A production unit of the Addis Ababa Tea Processing and Packing Factory
The major packet brands are: Wush Wush Green, Gumaro Red, Addis Red Label, Addis Tea Bag, AddisTea Gold Label, Thyme and Chammomela.
With more investment and enabling work environment, Ethio Agri-CEFT strives to boost tea productionthrough increased productivity, ensuring sustainable supply and quality. In the year 2005/06, production oftea reached 5,300 tons.
Domestic consumption increased due to various factors such as urbanization and improved standard ofliving, better distribution as a result of improved road communication network, better marketing andpromotion. The domestic sale of Ethio Agri-CEFT Plcʼs tea in the year 2006/7 had reached 3,430 tons.
Ethio Agri-CEFT Plc, the major producer of tea in the country in its two plantations, sells loose tea to differentpackers and marketers not less than 20 in number. The Addis Ababa Tea Processing and Packing Factorycurrently blends and packs different packet tea brands and TPPF is making every effort to build strongbrands and improving geographical coverage with its products.
Currently, Ethio Agri-CEFT Plc concentrates on the production of high quality high value teas to developmore valuable export markets. Earlier, appropriate channels were explored and developed and directprivate sales to packers, private sales through intermediary role of the brokers and participation throughMombassa Tea Auction Centre have extensively been utilized in finding some regular homes and uses forthe Companyʼs export targeted Ethiopian Black tea.
In the years 2001/02 – 2006/07 about 6,114 tons of tea was exported by Ethio Agri-CEFT Plc to differentparts of the world earning the country about USD 7.4 million. The biggest importers of tea are Pakistan andUnited Kingdom followed by USA, the Netherlands, Djibouti and Yemen.
Tea being the most labour intensive agro-based industry in Ethiopia like elsewhere, provides direct andindirect employment to a large number of workers. It is also a model industry looking after housing, medicaland education benefits of the tea pickers, factory workers and supervisors in line with the resource at hand.
TIRET 53
FFoorr FFeeaa rr oo ff RR ii ss kk ii nngg RR ii gghh ttFFoorr FFeeaa rr oo ff RR ii ss kk ii nngg RR ii gghh ttby Yohannes Ruphael
Nearly everywhere,demand for productivefarmland outstrips
supply. Each year tens ofthousands of people rely oninternational food aid to survive,a precarious situation whendonors are tiring from therelentless demand.
In rural areas where mostpeople survive by tilling the land,no concern is more pressingthan figuring out what it takes tomake a farmer successful andhow farmland should be ownedand managed to ensure foodself sufficiency.
For a long time now manypeople have been grappling witha problem: how to feed agrowing population on a fixed oreven shrinking supply of land.Nowhere is that struggle moreevident than Ethiopia, where 85percent of the population ispeasant farmer, each familyscratching a living from anaverage of three acres of land.
We have experiencedspectacular crop failures,particularly after the 1984-85droughts that left more than amillion dead. But a quieter andmore serious crisis looms asagricultural production eachyear falls further behind rapidpopulation growth.
Farm technology in Ethiopia haschanged little for centuries.Each spring, farmers till the soilwith teams of oxen hitched towooden plows and then plantseed by hand.
Most farmers live in the high-lands, away from lowlandscourges such as malaria, buton slopes prone to erosion.
Over the years, the soil hasdegraded to the point that mostfarmers now cannot producecrops without expensivechemical fertilizer. At the sametime, the population of more than80 million is growing by morethan a million a year.
Five million Ethiopians now needfood aid to survive each year,and at least 10 million moreneed aid in drought years.
In many countries, hungrypeasants respond to suchshortage by moving to cities tofind work. But migration is oftendiscouraged, because of fears ofa large expansion of alreadygrowing urban slums.
Ethiopiaʼs reality is that ourresources are labor and land, sowe must try to do better inagriculture. Rather than spururban industrialization, we needto create small-scale commercialfarms producing export productssuch as horticulture and rosesand to update the countryʼsagricultural technology toimprove yields on small plots.
The government is training over45, 000 new agriculturalextension workers to help smallfarmers upgrade productiontechniques. New resettlementprojects have proven to besuccessful. The settlers whoused to depend on aid havemanaged to become self-reliant.
Many believe that their successis an indicator that food securitycan be achieved in a very shortperiod of time.
Resettlement projects wereattempted during the formerregime, but this time theprovision was made for betterinfrastructure, including waterwells, schools and health clinics.
However, economic experts saythat a best way to easeEthiopiaʼs hunger would be forthe government to grant farmerstitle to their land, which wouldallow them to sell it, lease it orborrow against it.
Many farmers say that owningland-rather than having thetemporary right to usegovernment land would freethem to invest money inimproving their property or allowthem to move to the city insearch of work without fear oflosing their only asset.
The move that was recentlyundertaken towards providingimproved land rights started aprocess of recording landboundaries and providedresidents certificates of tenancy.That allowed them to lease theirland for short periods and hasbeen welcomed by manypeasant farmers.
Land is the only thing peasantfarmers can possess. Withouttitle to their farm, farmers arehesitant to leave and look forwork elsewhere for fear ofrisking their rights to the land.
TIRET 54
Prof. Deon Rossouw is Professor and Head of the Philosophy Dept. at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. He was the Founding
President of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa) and is the current President of the International Society of
Business Economics and Ethics (ISBEE). He serves in the editorial boards of the Journal of Business Ethics and
the African Journal of Business Ethics
BEN-Africa is the name that is affectionately used to refer to the Business EthicsNetwork of Africa. Established in 2000, BEN-Africaʼs objective is to bringtogether Africans who share an interest in business ethics, and to expand
business ethics on the African continent. Through interaction and dialogue, it seeks to enhance theoreticalknowledge and practical skills in managing ethics in African organisations, and to strengthen thecommitment and competence of Africans to do business with conscience. To date, BEN-Africa has membersin 25 African countries.
The annual conference of BEN-Africa is the pivotal event on BEN-Africaʼs calender. The annual conferenceis deliberately held in a different part of Africa each year. Since its founding congress in 2000 in Nairobi,annual conferences of BEN-Africa have been held in East London, South Africa (2001), Lagos, Nigeria(2002), Victoria Falls, Zambia (2003), Stone Town, Zanzibar (2004), Kasane, Botswana (2005), Cape Town,South Africa (2006), and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2007. The idea behind organizing the BEN-Africaconference in a different region of Africa every year is to use the conference as an occasion to promotebusiness ethics in the region where the conference is held.
The idea of bringing the BEN-Africa conference to Ethiopia, and more specifically to Addis Ababa, wasalready born in 2002 when Proff. Deon Rossouw and Coley Lamprecht, (Founding President and firstSecretary-General of BEN-Africa respectively) visited Addis Ababa. On that occasion contact wasestablished with Emeritus Prof. Johannes Kinfu of MIDROC Ethiopia and Mr. Lulseged Teferi of DashenBank, who both strongly supported the idea that the BEN-Africa Conference should come to Addis Ababa.In 2006 Prof. Piet Naude, current President of BEN-Africa, visited Addis Ababa and on that occasionEmeritus Prof. Johannes Kinfu extended an invitation to BEN-Africa to host its 7th Annual Conference inAddis Ababa. Quite aptly, MIDROC Ethiopia and Dashen Bank became the two sponsors of theconference.
A View on BEN-Africa 7th Annual Conference by Prof. Deon Rossouw
TIRET 55
The 7th Annual BEN-Africa Conference produced various intellectual and social highlights. Amongst thesocial highlights count the cocktail reception sponsored by MIDROC Ethiopia and the conference dinnersponsored by Dashen Bank. Both were joyous occasions where excellent networking amongst participantsoccurred.
At the conference itself, which was attended by more than 80 participants, perspectives on various aspectsof business ethics in Africa was exchanged. Especially fascinating was a session facilitated by Prof. LarryKaufmann on the African contribution to the global discourse on Business Ethics. In that session it becameclear that Africa cannot only learn a lot about business ethics from developments in the field of businessethics on other continents, but that Africa also has a unique contribution to make. Participants dived deepinto unique African values and cultural practices to demonstrate the ways in which Africans perceive andpractice ethics. Ethiopians, in particular, shared some cultural practices with strong ethical significance withtheir fellow participants and explored the meaning thereof for business practices.
There was also a special emphasis on professional ethics at the conference, and more specifically onaccounting ethics. The accounting profession around the world is introducing business ethics into itscurricula. Different approaches to teaching business ethics to accountants were discussed and discussionswere held on what content should be taught in the business ethics curriculum for accountants and auditors.These discussions provided for excellent interaction between practitioners and academics in the field ofaccounting ethics.The 7th Annual BEN-Africa Conference also served as forerunner to the Fourth World Congress of theInternational Society of Business, Economics and Ethics (ISBEE) that will be held in Cape Town, SouthAfrica from 15-18 July, 2008. BEN-Africa will be hosting this prestigious event.
The main theme of the ISBEE Congress is: Global Fairness – Local Integrity. The Global Fairness part ofthe theme will focus on Fairness in International Trade and Investment, while the Local Integrity part of thetheme will focus on Business Ethics in Small and Medium Enterprises. At the ISBEE congress eachcontinent will be given the opportunity to present a report on how the above two themes are being perceivedand approached in their part of the world. Members of BEN-Africa will be responsible for presenting thesetwo reports on behalf of the African continent. Consequently the 7th Annual BEN-Africa Conference wasused to gather more information on how these two themes are being perceived by members of BEN-Africa.A call was also made to BEN-Africans to support these two projects and to attend the Fourth ISBEE WorldCongress.
At the end of the BEN-Africa congress in Addis Ababa, a Presidentʼs award was bestowed on EmeritusProf. Johannes Kinfu from MIDROC Ethiopia, for his outstanding service to BEN-Africa. His contribution tomaking the 7th Annual BEN-Africa Conference a significant and unforgettable experience was therebyofficially acknowledged.
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MIDROC has once again made a generous contribution to humanitarian work in Africa. Africa HumanitarianAction (AHA) received a donation of US$ 500,000, which is not only a great support to build up its capacity,but also a source of encouragement to this nascent African NGO.
AHA is a pan-African non-governmental organization providing humanitarian assistance to refugees,internally displaced persons and local communities throughout Africa. Founded in 1994 in response to theRwandan genocide, it has so far supported more than nine million people in 16 African countries to regaintheir health, dignity and wellbeing.
It also provides effective humanitarian assistance to alleviate human suffering, building on the strengths ofAfrican people to solve African problems. This is the first time it has received such a major single financialcontribution from an African source.
Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi, Chairman and Owner of MIDROC Ethiopia and a renowned businessleader and humanitarian, underlined in his statement the need for Africans, particularly the businesscommunity in Africa, to make generous financial contributions towards the alleviation of the humanitariancrisis in the continent.
AHA is one of the few home-grown African International NGOs providing life-saving assistance andsustainable solutions for refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees and host communities. Its worksees the organization delivering programs in capacity development, healthcare, HIV/AIDs, pubic advocacy,relief and recovery and sexual and gender-based violence.
AHA is an African in spirit, concept and composition. Presently it is chaired by the great son of AfricaDr. Salim Ahmed Salim, who served as OAU Secretary General for three consecutive terms, making himthe longest serving Secretary General.
Sheikh Mohammad H. Al-Amoudi is the Co-Chair of AHA, and Dr. Dawit Zewde, a medical doctor byprofession and former Chairman of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, and a long- standing humanitarianworker, is the Founder and President and CEO of the organization.
AHAʼs mission is to restore African self-esteem and to change its image from that of a global backwater toa continent capable of dealing with crisis through a credible African designed agenda.
AHA believes that alleviating crisis and poverty in Africa is first and foremost the responsibility of Africans.The private sector and the business community are called upon to participate in this exercise.
HHuummaanniittaarriiaann WWoorrkk iinn AAffrriiccaaby Chefeke Desalegne
(Senior Advisor and Advisory Board Member)
Recent studies reinforce the UNAIDS prognosis in mid-2002 that the epidemic is having a dramatic impactin many parts of Africa, accentuating the urgent need to scale up efforts to fight the virus. While there aregeneral sub regional trends in HIV prevalence.
Neighboring countries often have epidemics behaving in very different ways. Conversely, trends can emergeamong countries of different subregions. Antenatal clinic surveys in urban areas of several countriesCameroon, Mozambique and Namibia—show increasing HIV prevalence, and perceived gains against theepidemic in South Africa may not be as significant as previously believed.
Surveillance of the epidemic by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that SouthernAfrica has the highest HIV rates in the world, and none of the 10 countries in the sub region show clear signsof declining epidemics. In its 2003 HIV surveillance update, WHOʼs Regional Office for Africa reports thatmore than one in five pregnant women tested in Southern Africa in 2002 were infected with HIV—anespecially alarming statistic considering that, at the end of 2001, only 1% of women in sub-Saharan Africahad access to short courses of antiretroviral drugs to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Overall HIV prevalence in East Africa is slowly declining, according to the WHO surveillance update. Thisview is reinforced by a UNAIDS analysis, which suggests that prevalence rates in urban antenatal clinics ofEthiopia, Rwanda and Uganda are decreasing (see Figure 3). In Uganda, the decline have been dramaticand sustained, with median HIV prevalence among pregnant women in major urban areas falling from over30% in the early 1990s to less than 11% in 2001. These figures reveal rays of hope, reinforcing the fact thatincreased determination on the part of many countries to confront the epidemic and support their victimsyields measurable gains.
Antenatal surveys in urban areas of Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe suggest that theirepidemics have stabilized (see Figure 4). Also, recent data from expanded surveillance systems suggest thatHIV prevalence in rural areas of at least two African countries may be lower than previously estimated. Inboth Kenya and Zambia, the results from more rigorous surveys of rural antenatal clinics will likely bringdown estimates of overall national prevalence, as well as the total number of infected persons.
Conflict and war, such as those in Côte dʼIvoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia canincrease the likelihood of an accelerated and inadequately monitored spread of the disease.
The Millennium Development Goal on HIV/AIDS call for the spread of HIV to be halted and reversed by2015. With the most recently available data suggesting that gains against the epidemic in Africa have beensporadic, at best, it is too early to say whether the continent is on target to achieve this goal._________________www.unaids.org
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AAFFRRIICCAA’’SS AAIIDDSS CCHHAALLLLEENNGGEE
