Opinion

Redesigning Ethiopia’s Federal Future: The Middle Path Between Identity and Unity

By Tamrat Abera Ethiopia is not facing a crisis of diversity. It is facing a crisis of federal design. For more than three decades, the ethnic based federal system has structured political representation, identity, and governance. It gave long denied communities recognition, voice, and a sense of ownership in the state. That achievement should not

February 13, 2026 • By Addis Insight

Opinion

When Strategic Restraint Is a Virtue: GERD, Nile Politics, and Trump Factor

Moges Zewdu Teshome Sovereignty is not up for sale. At the same time, we live in an era increasingly shaped by the logic of “might makes right,” epitomised by Trump’s transactional diplomacy. This reality demands a recalibrated orientation. Strategic restraint—when applied selectively and deliberately—is not weakness but virtue.” Introduction Ethiopia’s diplomatic landscape—particularly in the context

January 23, 2026 • By Addis Insight

Opinion

Why Gambella Region’s Insecurity Will Never End If Peace Initiative Don’t Start with Accountability

By-Gatkek Kuajien Chuol This latest episode of insecurity and extra-judicial killing is the third onslaught since Abiy Ahmed ascended into the highest echelon of Ethiopian politics since 2018.  But even between those all-out ethnic conflicts, and security incidents, the region has never had genuine peace—where people can truly feel safe and move around freely in all directions of the town, let alone across the entire

December 19, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Opinion

Why the Birr Keeps Falling: Ethiopia’s Currency Crisis Is a Symptom, Not the Disease

By Kebour Ghenna Ethiopia is living through one of the most complex economic transitions in decades. The country has adopted an IMF-supported reform program, introduced new taxes, cut public spending, devalued its currency, and tightened monetary policy. Official statements describe this trajectory as a path toward macroeconomic stability. Yet the lived reality paints a different

December 3, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Opinion

A Pill Too Heavy to Swallow: Why VAT on OTC Medicines Is Unbearable for Ordinary Ethiopians

By- SEMAYAWIT BAHIRU As of August 14, 2025, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Revenue has issued a directive enforcing the existing VAT law, which officially classifies over-the-counter (OTC) medicines as taxable supplies. While prescription drugs and certain essentials remain VAT-exempt, this move now places an added 15% burden on everyday reliefs our people rely upon…painkillers, cough syrups,

August 26, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Opinion

Lessons That Outlived the ClassroomA tribute to Professor Hassen Mohammed

By Megdelawit Getahun Haile I’m still at the beginning. Still learning how to take up space. Still figuring out how to shape my questions into something that resembles a path. But whenever I find myself in a room where we’re talking about media, rights, or freedom of expression, I always find a way to bring

June 24, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Opinion

Op-Ed: Who Should Africa Celebrate—The Philanthropist or the Industrialist?

By Abel Asrat When Bill Gates visited Addis Ababa recently, the city prepared as if royalty were arriving: streets were scrubbed with soap, a rare ceremonial gesture. Ethiopia awarded him its highest national honor, celebrating his pledge to commit $200 billion over the next two decades to global development initiatives, especially in health and agriculture.

June 7, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Opinion

A Decade Later: Sudan’s True Stance on the Renaissance Dam

By- Asrat Berhanu Today marks exactly 10 years since Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia signed the historic Declaration of Principles (DoP) on the Renaissance Dam. Yet, despite clear, documented support from Sudan, misinformation continues to thrive, primarily from Egyptian sources. Let’s uncover the reality behind Sudan’s stance with clarity, numbers, and history: Back in December 2013,

March 24, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Opinion

Silenced by Techno-patriarchy

By Megdelawit Getahun  They say the digital space is for everyone, a tool of liberation, a great equalizer. Well, they lied.  Every time I see those self-congratulatory announcements about Ethiopia’s “booming” connectivity, I feel nothing but rage. Rage at the numbers, how many SIM cards, how many smartphones, how many miles of fiber optic cables,

February 28, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Opinion

From Ayder to Tabebe Ghion: How Insecurity and Dr. Andualem’s Death Are Driving Professionals Away

Dismantling the Institution: The Migration of Professionals Amid Insecurity By Wendemagegn Enbiale Insecurity is dismantling institutions, forcing professionals to abandon their roles, and eroding the very foundations of the services they built. The recent loss of Dr. Andualem has only accelerated this trend, pushing an increasing number of highly trained experts to leave their positions,

February 23, 2025 • By Addis Insight