ADDIS ABABA: The large open plan office with staff behind sleek computers looks like any newly-started modern business.
But Ethiopia’s first online restaurant delivery service, Deliver Addis, must contend with major hurdles that would stall many entrepreneurs in more developed nations.
Setting up any business is a challenge, but in Ethiopia, those range from daily operating headaches such as on-off Internet — stalling the highly time-sensitive orders on which it depends — to even more fundamental business challenges.
As the country’s banking and payments systems are still in their infancy, electronic payments are impossible, thus creating a huge hurdle for growth.
“The Internet goes out a couple of times a week — when that happens, there is not much we can do but rely on phone lines to take orders,” said Feleg Tsegaye, manager of Deliver Addis.
But he also believes the Horn of Africa nation — the second most populous on the continent — offers enormous opportunities.
Tsegaye was born and brought up in the US but moved to Ethiopia, the homeland of his parents, hoping to tap into a still largely untapped but swiftly growing market he believes is one of the most promising on the continent.
“The IT sector is still in its infancy — typically in these markets there is a way to transfer money very quickly and very easily, but here that doesn’t exist quite yet,” he added.
“Once you have a way for entrepreneurs to make money through technology, I think you are going to see that change very quickly.”
With a growth rate of nearly 10 percent a year over the past decade, according to the World Bank, Ethiopia has attracted entrepreneurs eager to take their cut of a market with over 94 million potential consumers.
The Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa now has three “startup incubators,” some supported by foreign investors, to help Ethiopian entrepreneurs launch their own business.
“Everybody wants to own their own business, everybody wants to create something new,” said Kibrom Tadesse, manager of the XHub, which describes itself as an “open space for IT entrepreneurs, innovators, technologists, investors, tech companies and coders in Ethiopia to develop their tech idea into a product.”
With a large number of youths set to enter the workforce, Ethiopia’s government is keen to develop this potentially large source of new growth and jobs. Ethiopian universities say 70 percent of students are in science programs.
“Even with the rate of unemployment and the amount of people who are coming out educated — and the job opportunities are not matching — there is definitely a lot of room for innovation and entrepreneurship,” Tadesse added.
Yet bureaucracy remains a major hurdle in a country run by former Marxist rebel fighters.
Starting a business in Ethiopia is an obstacle course of paperwork lasting weeks.
The authorities demand businesses have offices, while many entrepreneurs say they would prefer to develop their products shuttling between Internet cafes and home.
“It can take up to six weeks to register a company, and you have to run from office to office — the process is not transparent,” said Florian Manderscheid, manager of Ice Addis, a center supporting young entrepreneurs.
“Most people don’t know where to start.”
Like businesses worldwide, entrepreneurs in Ethiopia also face major challenges in raising cash, with domestic investors hesitant about a still largely unknown sector and tough regulations on outside investors.
“It is very hard to find investors, because there is no venture capital model or legal framework for venture capital,” Manderscheid added.
“Once the banking system opens a little bit, there will be a big boom I think in start-ups and technological development.”
Despite the difficulties, Natnael Zeleke and Amanuel Lemma, students aged 21, are developing an online platform to promote Ethiopian artists.
“Creating a company is not common in Ethiopia, but many students are starting to do it,” said Zeleke.
“You don’t need to be in the Silicon Valley to succeed. If you have a computer and Internet, you can do whatever you want. Even if we’re not in America and have great teachers, we have access to everything thorough the Internet.”
For now, with only a little over one percent of Ethiopians with Internet access, the industry is still in its infancy, but those working here are confident of future success.
“Some people say we are crazy,” Manderscheid said.
“But chances of success are higher than in Europe or the US — small money goes a long way in this growing market.”
Business and bureaucracy: Ethiopia entrepreneurs overcome hurdles
Business and bureaucracy: Ethiopia entrepreneurs overcome hurdles
Saudi Arabia’s Wafi Energy becomes majority shareholder in Shell Pakistan
- Wafi Energy, an affiliate of Asyad Group, holds approximately 87.78% of the total issued share capital of SPL
- SPL has a network of 600+ sites, countrywide storage facilities and broad portfolio of global lubricant brands
ISLAMABAD: Wafi Energy Holding has become the majority shareholder of Shell Pakistan after Shell Petroleum Co., a subsidiary of global Shell plc, completed the sale of its 77.42 percent interest in SPL, a statement from the group said on Thursday.
Wafi Energy, an established Saudi company and an affiliate of the Asyad Group, now holds approximately 87.78 percent of the total issued share capital of SPL. The Shell brand will remain in Pakistan through retail and brand licensing agreements, with SPL as the exclusive brand licensee.
“Wafi Energy is excited to announce its entry into Pakistan by acquiring majority ownership of Shell Pakistan Limited. This marks a significant milestone in the Asyad Group’s commitment to expanding its presence in Pakistan and the region,” Ghassan Amoudi, CEO of Asyad Holding Group and incoming chairperson of SPL, said.
“As the exclusive Shell Licensee, we are delighted that the Shell brand remains in Pakistan. This continuation builds on a strong legacy, supported by a team of highly skilled professionals who ensure customers have access to Shell’s premium fuel and lubricant offerings, all delivered with the highest safety and security standards.”
Waqar Siddiqui, the CEO and managing director of Shell Pakistan Limited, said the company would continue to build a “sustainable energy future for Pakistan,” combining Wafi Energy’s commitment to growth and investment and Shell’s strong legacy of innovation and trust in the country.
“This new chapter offers Shell Pakistan Limited the opportunity to build upon this strong foundation, ensuring the continued delivery of quality products to their valued customers,” Siddiqui added.
SPL is one of the oldest multinationals in Pakistan with a network of 600+ sites, countrywide storage facilities and a broad portfolio of global lubricant brands.
Shell has endeavored to support Pakistan’s developmental priorities, from developing and distributing energy by land, air and sea, to providing petroleum products for the construction of mega projects like the Mangla Dam and Kotri Barrage, expanding the country’s growing road infrastructure, to powering the first flights of Pakistan International Airlines, and supporting the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs in Pakistan.
Oil Updates – crude gains more than $1/bbl on reports Iran preparing strike on Israel
- Iran prepares strike on Israel from Iraq — Axios report
- Focus on US elections, China NPC meeting next week
SINGAPORE: Oil prices extended gains on Friday, climbing more than $1 a barrel to pare weekly losses, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East rose following reports that Iran was preparing a retaliatory strike on Israel from Iraq in the coming days.
Brent crude futures, which have rolled to the January contract, climbed $1.41, or 2 percent, to $74.22 a barrel by 7:56 a.m. Saudi time.
US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose $1.46, or 2.1 percent, to $70.72 a barrel after settling up 0.95 percent in the previous session.
Israeli intelligence suggests Iran is preparing to attack Israel from Iraqi territory in the coming days, possibly before the US presidential election on Nov. 5, Axios reported on Thursday, citing two unidentified Israeli sources.
The attack is expected to be carried out from Iraq using a large number of drones and ballistic missiles, the Axios report added.
Oil prices were also supported by expectations that OPEC+ could delay December’s planned increase to oil production by a month or more, four sources close to the matter told Reuters on Wednesday, citing concern about soft oil demand and rising supply. A decision to delay the increase could come as early as next week, two of the sources said.
However, prices are set to fall more than 1 percent for the week, struggling to recover from a 6 percent loss on Monday after Israel’s strike against Iran’s military on Oct. 26 bypassed oil and nuclear facilities and did not disrupt energy supplies.
“Despite the crude oil market looking to lock in a third straight day of gains, it has been unable to completely erase the large gap lower that followed Monday’s re-open,” said IG market analyst Tony Sycamore based in Sydney.
However, WTI’s rebound should extend back toward where it closed last Friday at about $71.80, he added, as tensions in the Middle East returned to focus.
“After that, though, all bets are off. I think it will depend on who wins the US election and what fiscal stimulus details, if any, come from the NPC standing committee meeting,” Sycamore said, referring to major events in the US and China, world’s largest oil consumers, next week.
In China, manufacturing activity swung back to growth in October, a private-sector survey showed on Friday, echoing an official survey on Thursday that showed manufacturing activity expanded in October for the first time in six months. Both surveys suggest stimulus measures are having an effect.
US gasoline stockpiles fell unexpectedly last week to a two-year low on strengthened demand, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, while crude inventories also posted a surprise drawdown as imports slipped.
The world’s largest oil producer pumped a monthly record high of 13.4 million barrels per day in August, EIA said.
Pakistani PM pitches energy, infrastructure, technology investments in meeting with Qatari businessmen
- Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Qatar seeks to bolster economic cooperation as Pakistan eyes foreign investment
- The prime minister highlighted numerous opportunities that make Pakistan an attractive investment destination
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation of the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) and invited them to invest in Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure and technology sectors, Sharif’s office said on Friday, during his visit to the Gulf nation.
Sharif’s visit to Qatar, which began Wednesday, seeks to bolster economic cooperation as Pakistan eyes foreign investment to stabilize its frail $350 billion economy.
The QBA delegation, led by Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani, comprised leading Qatari business figures, each representing influential sectors within Qatar’s economy.
PM Sharif highlighted numerous opportunities in sectors such as energy, infrastructure and finance that made Pakistan an attractive investment destination, according to his office.
“Delegates expressed interest in Pakistan’s economic landscape and, in particular, in upcoming projects in energy, technology, and infrastructure development,” it said in a statement.
“During the meeting, both sides explored potential collaborations that could drive job creation, innovation, and sustainable development in both countries.”
The meeting brought together key representatives from Pakistan and influential members of Qatar’s business community, emphasizing shared goals for strengthening trade, investment and economic partnerships, according to Sharif’s office.
The QBA members responded positively to the prime minister’s invitation and indicated their interest in expanding their investments into Pakistan.
On Thursday, Sharif separately met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and his counterpart from the oil-rich Arab state, with both sides discussing the importance of strengthening bilateral collaboration in trade, investment, energy and other sectors.
Sharif led delegation-level talks with the Qatari emir before holding a separate meeting with him to discuss a wide array of issues.
“The leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Qatar relations, exploring potential avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, potential areas of investment, energy, and culture,” Sharif’s office said.
Sharif’s meetings in Doha are primarily focused on trade and investment and regional discussions, according to the Pakistani foreign office.
Before arriving in Doha, Sharif attended the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he discussed trade and investment with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The talks built on recent agreements worth $2.8 billion, including investments in agriculture, semiconductor manufacturing, and energy, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economy and deepening ties between the two nations.
Oil extends gains on reports Iran preparing to strike at Israel
- Israeli intelligence suggest Iran is preparing to attack Israel from Iraqi territory in the coming days, possibly before the US presidential election on Nov. 5
SINGAPORE: Oil prices extended gains in early Asian trade on Friday, following reports that Iran was preparing a retaliatory strike on Israel from Iraqi territory in the coming days.
US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose $1.24, or 1.8 percent, to $70.50 a barrel by 2229 GMT after settling up 0.95 percent in the previous session.
Brent crude, which will roll to the January contract, has yet to start trading. The December contract which expired on Thursday closed 0.85 percent higher at $73.17.
Israeli intelligence suggests Iran is preparing to attack Israel from Iraqi territory in the coming days, possibly before the US presidential election on Nov. 5, Axios reported on Thursday, citing two unidentified Israeli sources.
The attack is expected to be carried out from Iraq using a large number of drones and ballistic missiles, the Axios report added. The report said that carrying out the attack through pro-Iran militias in Iraq could be an attempt by Tehran to avoid another Israeli attack against strategic targets in Iran.
Oil prices were also supported by expectations that OPEC+ could delay December’s planned increase to oil production by a month or more, four sources close to the matter told Reuters on Wednesday, citing concern about soft oil demand and rising supply.
Red Sea Global secures $1.5bn for AMAALA infrastructure project
JEDDAH: Red Sea Global has announced the financial closing of a multi-utility infrastructure development project for the AMAALA destination, totaling around $1.5 billion.
The initiative, led by a consortium including Electricite de France or the EDF Group and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co., or Masdar, alongside their partners Korea East-West Power Co., or EWP, and SUEZ, is set to position AMAALA as a luxury wellness destination on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. It is expected to welcome its first guests in 2025.
The financial close was achieved with the support of local and international financial institutions, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, and Riyad Bank, as well as Saudi National Bank and Alinma Bank, according to a statement from RSG, adding that the milestone highlights the consortium’s dedication to realizing AMAALA’s promise of unparalleled luxury, sustainability, and cultural enrichment.
Group CEO of RSG, John Pagano, said that they have demonstrated that large-scale tourism destinations can be powered using 100 percent renewable energy while providing luxury experiences for guests and strong financial returns for partners.
“This agreement with EDF, Masdar, EWP, and SUEZ means that we are on track to making AMAALA our second destination powered by sunlight, day and night.”
This achievement comes after the awarding of a 25-year multi-utility concession agreement with RSG in September 2023, which includes an option for extension. The deal encompasses the financing, engineering, and development, as well as construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual transfer of a multi-utilities infrastructure facility to support the AMAALA destination, RSG clarified.
The facility includes a fully optimized and decarbonized off-grid renewable energy system designed to generate electricity from a 250-megawatt solar photovoltaic park, 700MWh battery energy storage, and transmission and distribution lines. Additionally, it features a desalination plant with a capacity of 37 million liters of drinking water per day and wastewater treatment plants to secure the necessary base load.
The project is expected to prevent nearly 350,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually compared to typical infrastructures of this nature. It will also serve as a pioneering infrastructure initiative, ushering in a new era of eco-friendly luxury tourism.
Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al-Ramahi highlighted the project’s innovative solutions, including solar power, energy storage, and desalination systems.
Beatrice Buffon, vice president, international division, and chairwoman and CEO of EDF Renewables, described the financial close as a significant achievement enabled by RSG’s support and the dedication of their team and partners.
She added that this initiative sets new standards for the EDF Group and should be replicable in other geographies. She also highlighted that the off-grid project will supply 65,000 people with carbon-free electricity and uninterrupted water access.
Commenting on the announcement, Kim Young-Moon, CEO of EWP said: “We are excited to announce the financial close of our renewable energy project in Saudi Arabia, a significant step in our commitment to a sustainable future.”
Young-Moon added that the project will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and create jobs, boosting local economic growth.
“As we aim to lead the global energy transition, this project is a key milestone, driving innovation in the renewable energy sector and advancing our ambitious goals,” the executive said.
Pierre Pauliac, chief operating officer and executive vice president at SUEZ, said: “We are delighted to contribute to this strategic project for the development of Saudi Arabia. SUEZ will be part of the construction of all the water utilities equipment. In addition, the group will operate during the 25 years the state-of-the-art desalination plant to secure AMALAA’s access to drinking water, as well as the water networks.”
AMAALA will go beyond sustainability to have a regenerative impact on the environment. By 2040, the project plans to achieve a 30 percent net conservation benefit for local ecosystems.
This will be accomplished by enhancing biologically diverse habitats such as mangroves, seagrass, corals, and land vegetation, promoting biodiversity while contributing to carbon sequestration, according to the statement.
Upon completion, the luxury destination will feature over 4,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels, and 1,200 high-end residential villas, apartments, and estate homes. It will also host a vibrant community of more than 15,000 residents and workers, creating a dynamic and sustainable living environment.
