Zemedeneh Negatu
@Zemedeneh • 263,161 subscribers
Optimistic Ethiopian-American. Co-founder/CEO, CBE Capital, Chairman Fairfax Africa (US), ex. EY Managing Partner, PwC (US) alumnus. Howard (BA), Harvard (LSE)
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I came across this new park last night during my evening walk, in the busiest part of Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. Fountains dance in blue, green, red & purple while families take it all in, with the financial district in the background. The sign says it best: "The New Face of Addis."
Zemedeneh Negatu86,684 просмотров • 11 дней назад
My interview with South African Broadcast Corporation’s (SABC) Channel Africa about Africa’s airline industry (video). I discussed the following key matters: A) The planned large new aircraft order by Ethiopian Airlines (Africa’s largest carrier) from Boeing Airplanes, Airbus and now, possibly Embraer. B) African airlines adapting to global and regional mega events: For instance—Covid and the current Middle East conflict which has doubled jet fuel prices and resulted in closure of several major travel destinations in the region. C) The $12.5 billion, 110-million passengers Bishoftu International Airport, one of the largest in the world, currently under construction in Ethiopia. Disclosure: Our investment bank—CBE Capital—has committed $1.0 billion in local currency equivalent as part of the airport’s overall financing. D) Partnership amongst African airlines is essential. African airlines are very small by global standards and therefore, to be competitive and to be sustainably profitable, they need to collaborate. Currently, only one major African flag carrier is sustainably profitable out of all the airlines in 54 countries in Africa. For instance, what was once Africa’s largest airline, SouthAfricanAirways (SAA) and Kenya’s flag carrier, Official Kenya Airways struggled for years despite heavy government subsidies and restructurings. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, does not have a national flag carrier or any other longterm sustainably profitable private carrier despite numerous efforts over the years. Running a successful airline is a very expensive low margin business, and therefore, small stand alone African airlines can’t effectively compete. Hence, collaboration amongst African carriers, in cross-border equity investments for new startup airlines, full or partial mergers & acquisitions amongst established carriers, establishing regional MRO centers and pan African training facilities, etc, is essential. Even the most advanced and richest economies—the U.S. and Europe—have consolidated their airlines to very few to better position them for global competition. For example, Europe essentially has just three major airline groups (other than the LCCs)—Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and IAG. The U.S. now has just five dominant giant carriers—Delta, americanair, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines— with 80% market share. Africa needs to consider similar strategies. To watch the full interview: Channel Africa SABC News Ethiopian Airlines
Zemedeneh Negatu488,125 просмотров • 4 месяцев назад
Impressive exhibition of “Made in Ethiopia” manufactured products (video) at the very beautiful new Addis Abeba International Convention Center (AICC). Ethiopia’s manufacturing capacity has grown steadily in the past few years. It now produces wide variety quality products including: Trucks Buses Electric Vehicles (EV) Solar panels Drones Electronics Tractors Boats Furniture Food & beverages Manufacturing is one of the 5 key pillars of Ethiopia’s home grown economic reform program. With the world’s 3rd cheapest energy per kwh, 47+ million young, trainable, deployable work force (2nd largest in Africa), abundant natural resources, close proximity to global export markets, and access to the 1.2 billion African market via the AfCFTA, Ethiopia is well positioned to be the “China of Africa” manufacturing hub. The country has been amongst the 5 largest recipients of FDI in Africa for the last 5 years in a row (Number 2 in 2025) and most of the FDI has been in the manufacturing sector. Domestic investors too have been actively investing in the manufacturing sector including the investment by one of the country largest local companies (East Africa Holdings) which recently inaugurated Africa’s largest cement factory (Lemi). Another large local company (BKG) produces electric buses, vehicles and charging stations. Drones too are now produced locally. I was glad to meet at the exhibition two women who lead two very successful furniture manufacturers—Technostyle (Amelework) and Waryt (Tihitina). Very impressive high quality furniture locally manufactured for export and the domestic market. We at CBE Capital Investment Bank CBE Capital are already working with many Ethiopian manufacturers in capital raising (IPOs, Private Placements), M&A, JVs with international investors, etc. and look forward to supporting them in their future growth. Nigeria Kenya South Africa Tanzania Uganda Rwanda Melaku Alebel Addis Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia kassahun gofe Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) Eyob Tekalign Tolina(PhD) Fitsum Assefa Adela Ministry of Finance - Ethiopia 🇪🇹 Adanech Abiebie ብሩክ ታዬ Brook Taye Ethiopian Investment Holdings Abie Sano
Zemedeneh Negatu510,992 просмотров • 6 месяцев назад
For the first time ever, I rode in a fully autonomous driverless ride-hailing (Waymo) vehicle in San Fransciso. The vehicle navigated the busy streets just like any vehicle with a driver. But, I got to admit, it was surreal sitting in the back and riding without a driver (and no one to talk). The vehicle’s computer controlled everything including the music, the temperature, announcements such as how long the ride takes and arrival. Waymo and similar others could be the new norm in many cities around the world in the not distant future. The question is: What would happen to the jobs of millions of drivers of taxis and ride hailing services around the world? Waymo is owned by Alphabet (Google’s parent) and has expanded beyond its original base in San Francisco to other U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Dallas, etc.
Zemedeneh Negatu437,398 просмотров • 6 месяцев назад
Re-branding Africa in a new global order. The perception of risk is holding back FDI into Africa even though Africa is key to the global economy’s future from powering EVs, cellphones, microchips, etc. Full interview: Interview conducted a little while ago but a lot has changed globally the past few months so reposting it due to its timely relevancy. #Nigeria #Ghana #Kenya #Ethiopia #Southafrica
Zemedeneh Negatu830,940 просмотров • 1 год назад
There's a particular kind of quiet that only comes from being surrounded by forest, and it’s found at Kuriftu Forest Spa, tucked high in the Entoto Mountains on the outskirts of Addis. Recently, on a cool breezy Saturday afternoon, was sitting in the sauna, floor-to-ceiling glass all around, watching the trees, and it was amazing (watch video I took, with permission). Every detail, from the local materials to the care in how it's built, makes this one of the most beautiful spas anywhere in the world. The service too was excellent. If you're ever in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, go visit. A well-deserved shoutout to my good friend Tadiwos Belete, founder of the Kuriftu Group, for conceiving, building, and running such a magnificent place.
Zemedeneh Negatu93,231 просмотров • 1 месяц назад
Transforming and reinventing into a world-class city: Addis Abeba, Ethiopia’s capital. Case in point: Arada Park, a brand-new 40-hectare lush green public space in the heart of the city in the Piassa district. We visited the park late last night with a group of globally well-traveled friends and family from the U.S., and everyone was very impressed. Arada Park features extensive walkways, children’s playgrounds, water fountains, cafes, restaurants, and an adjacent modern conference center.
Zemedeneh Negatu116,740 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад
Ethiopian immigrants successfully assimilated in America and quietly built vast communities and businesses through discipline and hard work. Ethiopians came to Washington not to survive but to build. Build, we did! Highlight video below. Ethiopia Full video at Weird Earth YouTube channel.
Zemedeneh Negatu182,139 просмотров • 10 месяцев назад
Thank you Speed⭐️ for showing the spectacular night view of Addis Abeba from the roof top of the 47-story building of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and the headquarters of our Investment Bank CBE Capital. Addis’ skylight now looks like New York, Dubai & Shanghai!
Zemedeneh Negatu165,369 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад
Urban redevelopment at its best! The Kazanchis area in #Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Abeba. My family lived in Kazanchis a long time ago before we moved to the U.S. It has now been beautifully redeveloped beyond recognition. Congratulations PM Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹. Also like to congratulate Mayor Adanech Abiebie, other city officials/ professionals and the residents of Addis. 👏 👏 👏 INSIGHT & ANALYSIS The re-birth of Addis has huge longterm economic & societal benefits for Ethiopia. Those who knew the old streets and neighborhoods of Addis now have to rely on Google Map and GPS since everything has changed dramatically for the better: New roads and highways, modern residential and commercial buildings, utility cables buried underground (no more ugly eyesores), standardized building and street signages, well-lit clean green streets, absolutely beautiful functional parks (my favorite is Friendship), museums (the magnificently restored National Palace and the newly built Adwa Museum are world-class must visits), cafes and restaurants everywhere, EV charging stations, etc. The redeveloped palm-tree lined 3.5 mile drive from Bole Airport to Meskel Square, especially at night, has an incredible “Wow” factor unparalleled by any major African capital city. The newly installed giant LCD screens everywhere, including the flyover bypasses, make it feel like Times Square in New York, the Ginza district in Tokyo or Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. The old fashioned ugly static billboards have been banned and removed. The Addis we wished when traveling or living aboard is visible now (albeit it’s a work in progress). And, as Ethiopia positions itself as a major African regional economic hub (it’s consistently ranked amongst the 5 top FDI destinations in Africa and already hosts the largest number of diplomatic missions in Africa and 3rd largest in the world), it’s absolutely essential for Addis to be transformed, as is happening now. Of course improving the quality of life of its 130+ million citizens (amongst the 10 most populous countries in the world) is the priority goal. Addis accounts for about 30% of the country’s GDP and is forecast by “The Economist” to achieve an average annual GDP growth of 10.6% in the next 10 years, the fastest growth of any African city. I grew up in Washington DC and recall the redevelopment of the city starting in the mid-1980s. Washington, at the time, was rundown and neglected especially the downtown area. Today, it’s one of the most beautiful livable cities in the world. Of course it took more than 30+ years to transform DC even with the deployment of enormous resources by the U.S and DC government and investments by American private companies. I see many similarities between DC and the redevelopment of Addis, but it’s being achieved in a much shorter period with much less resources. This shows that Ethiopians can think BIG and achieve BIG! Let’s keep it up👍 👍 👍
Zemedeneh Negatu173,852 просмотров • 1 год назад
Ethiopia loses $1.0 billion a year to medical care abroad, even routine check-ups. Thousands of Ethiopians travel abroad every year for medical care, even for routine annual check-ups. It's great to see Dr. Akeza Teame, whom I know very well, and his team, keep investing to reverse this trend. I've watched his steady progress since he returned from the U.S. two decades ago and opened a small clinic in the basement of an old building. Hats off to Dr. Akeza and his partner and wife, Melat.
Zemedeneh Negatu14,634 просмотров • 1 месяц назад
This video got lots of views and comments on X because it dispels the stereotypical image of “shabby” African cities. Just to be clear: The video is of Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. It’s not Park Avenue, New York or Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C., although I’m certain the leadership that transformed Addis and Ethiopians appreciate the comparison. The video shows the President of Turkey driven around during his state visit to Ethiopia this week. Today’s Addis is modern, clean and green (if not more) like other major modern global cities in the U.S., Europe (London, Paris), Middle East (Dubai) and Asia (Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo). Nigeria Kenya South Africa Uganda Tanzania Rwanda
Zemedeneh Negatu62,274 просмотров • 8 месяцев назад
The U.S. and China’s latest battleground: Ethiopia’s $12.5 billion, 110 million-passengers Bishoftu Int’l Airport. Source: Firstpost Watch this video of my interview with Firstpost. My take is optimistic: there’s room enough for everyone to participate despite the airport becoming a microcosm of a much larger geopolitical contest for influence. Prime Minister Abiy has positioned Ethiopia in the middle without taking sides and is turning the competition between the two superpowers into an opportunity to benefit the country. For the U.S., the stakes are high: Ethiopian Airlines, which owns the airport, has billions of dollars in Boeing jets on order, powered by American-made GE engines. That gives Washington a direct commercial incentive to deepen its involvement and it aligns with President Trump’s new policy of prioritizing “trade and investment instead of aid”, especially in African countries that are strategically important to the U.S. China, meanwhile, won’t be ceding ground. Beijing can rightly highlight twenty-five years of infrastructure projects its done in Ethiopia and billions of dollars in FDI. The relationship is further reinforced by Ethiopia becoming a full member of BRICS, in 2024, the bloc China helped found. And, more recently, Ethiopia decided to join the New Development Bank (aka BRICS Bank) based in Shanghai. Full broadcast: alyson le grange Nigeria Kenya Tanzania Uganda Rwanda Ghana
Zemedeneh Negatu27,157 просмотров • 3 месяцев назад
Only a fraction of the trillions of dollars of global investable capital comes to Africa - My interview with CNBC TV conducted after I spoke at the UN’s “Africa Business Forum 2026” (ABF). Video below. My recommendations: 1. Invest in young Africans. That’s how “Asian Tigers” such as South Korea developed. 2. African countries must collaborate and have common stands. Small fragmented markets do not attract large capital. Implement the AfCFTA asap. 3. Africa has to address the perception of risk which is deterring FDI and forcing African countries to pay “prejudicial premium” on sovereign and corporate borrowings. 4. Invest in transformational sectors such as domestic manufacturing including resource benefaction in Africa, agriculture, infrastructure and technology. 5. The African Union (AU) needs to have a sense of urgency and prepare the continent for the impact of the dismantling of the global order, dramatic changes in geopolitics, shifting global trade & investment policies and rapid technological (especially AI) changes. The AU has to move beyond slogans. Full interview: Kenya Nigeria South Africa Ethiopia Ghana
Zemedeneh Negatu47,834 просмотров • 8 месяцев назад
The world is in chaos, what next? Watch this video of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s very insightful response to a question I posed to him at a finance forum last week. This week at World Economic Forum in Davos global leaders expressed views similar to PM Abiy’s.
Zemedeneh Negatu47,447 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад
I was interviewed by BBC News about the #Ethiopia-#Somaliland agreement which gives Ethiopia direct sea access of 20 KM (12 miles) for 50 years. Ethiopia is SSA’s 3rd largest GDP (US$156b) & Africa’s 2nd most populous (127m). #Kenya #Djibouti #Somalia #Eritrea #Sudan BBC News Africa
Zemedeneh Negatu110,140 просмотров • 2 лет назад
Ethiopian Airlines’s CEO’s great interview with the BBC. #Ethiopia #Nigeria #Kenya #SouthAfrica Highlights from the interview: *$8.0 billion revenue by June, ahead of its orginal plan under “vision 2025” (ET is amongst the 30 largest airlines in the world and by far Africa’s largest. It’s bigger than Africa’s four largest flag carriers - Egypt Air, Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc and South African Airways - COMBINED). *110 million passengers airport starts construction this year (will be amongst the 5 largest in the world and cost $10 billion when completed). *ET has ordered approximately 70 new Boeing aircrafts, firm & options, which will be delivered over the next few years. *ET manufactures sophisticated parts in Ethiopia for Boeing aircrafts. Comments above in parenthesis ( ) added by me. Additional insight about the strong and decades-long relationship between ET and Boeing: *ET is by far Boeing’s largest customer in Africa. The airline currently flies 162 aircrafts and the vast majority are Boeings including 777s, 787s and 737s. The ~70 new Boeing aircrafts on order, worth billions of dollars, will create/maintain thousands of high paying American jobs. *Yesterday Boeing inaugurated its new Africa headquarters in Addis Abeba, further strengthening the U.S-Ethiopia investment and trade relationships. This aligns with President Trump’s policy of prioritizing trade and investments globally including with African countries. Ethiopia too is prioritizing even more trade and investments with the U.S. The U.S. has been running a trade surplus with Ethiopia for many years primarily because of the billions of dollars of Boeing sales to ET. Furthermore, ET is the largest customer in Africa of the U.S. government’s EXIM Bank based in Washington. Note: ET is on track to have 260+ aircrafts in the next several years, the vast majority will be Boeings but will also include Airbus aircrafts and others. Full interview at BBC News Africa
Zemedeneh Negatu61,015 просмотров • 1 год назад