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Enabling Local Ingenuity Through Catch-up and Life Skills for Young Girls in War-Affected Central and Northwestern Tigray

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Axum, Ethiopia – July 7, 2024 – Initiative Africa (IA) has officially launched a project titled “Enabling Local Ingenuity through Catch-up and Life Skills for Young Girls in War-Affected Tigray.” Funded by the Malala Fund, this three-year initiative aims to address the critical educational and psychosocial needs of young girls impacted by the conflict in the Tigray region.

The launch event in Axum brought together key stakeholders, including education officials and representatives from Initiative Africa. The program began with opening remarks from a Tigray Region Education Bureau head, who emphasized the urgent need for accelerated learning programs (ALPs) to support young girls affected by the ongoing crisis. An introduction to Initiative Africa followed, along with a presentation on the project’s objectives and implementation strategies.

The project will engage 24 schools and reach 1,000 students across Tigray. It includes community-based and accelerated learning programs, basic literacy and numeracy training, life skills development, vocational training, and crucial mental health support. The initiative also advocates for policy changes that prioritize girls’ secondary education as a national priority. A formal agreement was signed on May 12, 2024, between Initiative Africa and the Tigray Regional Education Bureau, solidifying IA’s legal capacity to implement the project in the region.

During the event, participants engaged in a Q&A session, offering valuable suggestions and feedback on the ALP program. They highlighted the urgent need for school feeding programs, support for families, and infrastructure repairs due to the extensive damage caused by the conflict. Community engagement and economic support for mothers were also identified as critical factors for the project’s success.

The event concluded with small group planning sessions and closing remarks, followed by discussions involving school directors. These discussions provided insights into the challenges and opportunities for implementing the ALP program, including the need for teacher training, curriculum flexibility, and addressing psychosocial barriers.

Key recommendations from the workshop included comprehensive psychosocial support for children, families, and teachers, implementing an accelerated learning model tailored to the needs of war-affected students, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to develop effective educational recovery strategies.

The launch of this project marks a significant step towards rebuilding the education system in Tigray and empowering a generation of young girls with the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to their communities and beyond. Initiative Africa and the Malala Fund are committed to ensuring that these girls receive the support they need to overcome the challenges posed by the conflict and achieve their full potential.

Axum Airport Reopens, Signaling Hope for Economic Growth

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Ethiopia – June 9, 2024 – The recent reopening of Axum Airport represents a significant turning point for the region, promising renewed economic opportunities and growth. The airport, which had been closed due to the conflict in Tigray, left a profound impact on the socio-economic fabric of the area, disrupting trade, tourism, and livelihoods. However, with its reopening, the region is poised for a revitalization.

The closure of Axum Airport had far-reaching consequences, particularly for local businesses reliant on tourism and trade. Hotels, restaurants, and small enterprises faced unprecedented challenges as the flow of tourists dwindled.

In the lead-up to the reopening, Initiative Africa (IA), in collaboration with the Center for International Private Enterprises (CIPE), organized a pivotal conference in Axum on October 2, 2023, under the theme of ‘Revitalizing Axum’s Tourism’. This gathering brought together experts, stakeholders, and community leaders to explore strategies for leveraging the airport’s revival to stimulate economic growth. This workshop underscored the importance of the reopening of the Airport to revive the economy of Axum.

The reopening of Axum Airport symbolizes hope and resilience for the residents of Axum and Ethiopia. It represents a significant step towards economic recovery and progress. As the region prepares to welcome travelers and cargo once again, the positive impacts on the local and national economy are anticipated.

While the reopening of Axum Airport is a milestone worth celebrating, its full potential will unfold gradually over time. As flights resume and activities at the airport pick up pace, the region can look forward to a brighter future.

Empowering Female Potters: A Revival through Skill Development in Tigray

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In an ambitious effort to empower women and rejuvenate a heritage craft, Initiative Africa, in collaboration with the Tigray and Axum Tourism Offices, has launched a pivotal skill development training program for female potters in the Tigray region. This initiative is a significant part of Initiative Africa’s “Business for Peace” project, which seeks to mitigate the impact of recent conflicts on local industries. Trainees, including Haimanot Abrha from Hauzen and Atsede G/Yohannes from Adwa, have applauded the program for enhancing their pottery skills and fostering a vibrant exchange of cultural and artistic experiences across the region.

The training has emerged as a beacon of hope for participants like Trhas G/Egziabher from Yeha, who, along with her fellow artisans, aspires to resume work and overcome the severe challenges posed by the loss of workspace and the dissolution of their support structures. These women, whose livelihoods have been drastically affected by external crises, view the program as an essential step towards revitalizing their craft and regaining their economic independence. The initiative has also facilitated a critical dialogue between the artisans and government officials, paving the way for potential solutions to their predicaments.

Responding to the artisans’ needs, Mr. Gebre, head of the Axum Tourism Office, and Mr. Dawit from the Tigray Tourism Bureau have vowed to take concrete steps to assist these women. Their commitments include reorganizing pottery associations in the seven districts and liaising with governmental bodies to find alternative locations for work and sales. These actions reflect a broader commitment to addressing the systemic issues facing these artisans, demonstrating the potential for targeted skill development programs to catalyze community-wide economic recovery and empowerment.

Through the lens of Initiative Africa’s “Business for Peace” project, this training program is a testament to the power of combining cultural preservation with economic empowerment. By focusing on the female potters of Tigray, the initiative not only aims to protect an invaluable aspect of the region’s heritage but also to lay the groundwork for sustainable peace and prosperity in the aftermath of adversity. This effort marks a promising step towards the revival of the pottery industry in Tigray, offering a model for how targeted interventions can rebuild communities and restore hope.

Exploring the Vital Link Between Business and Peace: Initiative Africa and Addis Ababa University Host Dynamic Panel Discussion

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On February 22, Initiative Africa, in collaboration with Addis Ababa University, hosted a panel discussion on the critical link between business and peace. This event, a part of the Business for Peace project, aimed to explore the role of commerce in fostering peace. Dr. Yohannes Adigeh initiated the discussion with a welcoming address, followed by presentations from esteemed speakers Dr. Tilahun Bejitual, Dr. Desalegn Amsalu, and Ato Mesfin Messela.

Under the skilled moderation of Dr. Samuel Tefera, the discussion unfolded seamlessly, with each speaker offering nuanced perspectives and practical insights. From exploring how businesses can foster stability within communities to examining the role of economic development in conflict resolution, the dialogue was rich and diverse. Attendees were actively engaged, with a robust question and answer session allowing for further exploration of key themes and ideas.

During the panel discussion, the historical connection between business and peace in Ethiopia was highlighted. The panel emphasized how previous trades and exchanges have shown the pivotal role of the private sector in fostering peace and security. Business activities have not only contributed to economic development but also played a significant role in promoting stability and social cohesion. The discussion highlighted the interdependence between business interests and peace outcomes, emphasizing that a conducive environment for business operations is essential for maintaining peace, while peace, in turn, creates favorable conditions for business growth and investment. Furthermore, panelists stressed the importance of a collaborative approach among the private sector, government, and civil society in promoting peace and security. They emphasized the need for dialogue, cooperation, and partnership to address underlying causes of conflict and build sustainable peace.

The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Adigeh and a representative from Initiative Africa. They underscored the significance of the discussions held and reiterated the commitment of both organizations to advancing peace through collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing. This event serves as a testament to the potential for businesses to play a constructive role in promoting societal stability and sustainable development.

A conference on Revitalizing Tourism in Axum

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Happening Now!

October 2, 2023. A conference on Revitalizing Tourism in Axum is now being held at Ramhay Hotel in the Axum region. The conference is organized by Initiative Africa and CIPE in partnership with the Tigray Chamber, Axum Chamber, Tigray Tourism Bureau, and the Federal Ministry of Tourism.

The main objective of this conference is to address major issues that have been hindering the Tourism in Axum and revive its economy by strengthening a peaceful environment, restoring the heritage, and reconstruct Axum’s airport.

Axum Conference: Revitalizing Axum’s Tourism

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