Following consultation with Ethiopia’s business community, Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) has recommended five key priorities as the Ethiopian economy rebuilds itself after two years of war.
The priorities as recommended by the report are an immediate reconstruction of infrastructure and damaged business properties and improved access to finance for businesses operating in conflict zones, restoration of business relationships within the various regions of Ethiopia, promotion of business in conflict zones and promotion of inclusive dialogue between the public and private sector.
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“These priorities reflect the concerns of the business community in the aforementioned regions and the solutions can contribute to a robust, evidence-based dialogue on policy solutions geared toward peace and economic recovery,” Said Hailemelekot Asfaw in the report.
The war in Tigray which started in November 2020 and ended in a ceasefire agreement last November disrupted years of record growth for the East African country.
Between 2016 and 2019 the Ethiopian economy recorded an average growth rate of 8.5 percent however since the war Ethiopia has only been able to record an average growth rate of 5.6 percent.
With the end of the conflict some experts are expecting a speedy economic recovery for the landlocked country.
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“Despite appearances, the conflict remained relatively localized, So big parts of the country were as stable or unstable as they were in previous decades when you had fast growth,” Said Stefan Dercon an Oxford professor and Ethiopia expert.
Big questions remain unanswered as the Ethiopian economy charts a path to back to business as usual and continue its journey of economic success.
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