How Ethiopia Can Save Africa [Again]

Washington DC is the capital city of the world’s biggest economy. It is also the place many countries come to make or break themselves. Some African countries have become the brunt of polite jokes and diplomatic politeness because of their own inability to articulate what they want; while others have managed to dust themselves and receive as much respect as is available. One of those latter countries is Ethiopia.

Although this country does not have as much freedom as would be expected for a progressive East African country, Ethiopia is currently receiving increased attention as a result of the strength of its Diaspora which has pushed through innovations like Diaspora Infrastructure bonds and also a growing powerhouse of coffee production. Rwanda – that small post genocide country – is also in the same fold. Despite its shenanigans, Kenya is still considered somewhat of an important player in the region [wait and see what will happen to its profile during an Obama Second Term] and Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Botswana and even Tanzania manage to receive a modicum of recognition for their respective efforts at governance, economic progress and political transitions. [By the way, countries on the other end of the continuum include Uganda, Nigeria and Zimbabwe].

Yes … Success in Africa is seen on different levels. Thus, although Ethiopia imprisons people for doing a few things it considers faux pas on Skype; and despite their murderous and intolerant regime, this country has been rewarded with co – chairmanship of the AGOA Forum. Yes … The most important legislation between the U.S. and Africa is being ‘overseen’ by a country that is, ostensibly, the ‘adversary’ of America’s economic and human rights freedoms.

But as one learns in line with the goings on of diplomacy and international relations, almost everyone has to deal with the devil they know. And in this case, Ethiopia might just have an excellent opportunity to do what Zambia did not do: Zambia did not, for its two years as previous co – chair – lead its African colleagues towards pushing for important aspects like the Third Country Fabric of the AGOA legislation. Simply, if Zambia had done its job, the Third Country Fabric provision would have received more attention that it currently does and there is a chance that U.S. Senators like Orrin Hatch [Republican from Utah] would not be blocking its simple passage in the Senate as he is doing right now.

Sen. Hatch may not know this: But many people in his beloved state of Utah are actually keen to see the development of Africa and will be very displeased to know that he and others at large were part of the reasons over 300,000 women lost their jobs and livelihoods in Africa. Yes … That is what will happen if the Third Country Fabric provision of the AGOA Legislation is not renewed by its September deadline.

Conversely, many in the know are absolutely sure that this provision will be passed by both the House and the Senate. The U.S. Congress – under the current polarized and extremely partisan atmosphere – likes to leave things down to the cliff and wire. Unfortunately, many lives and business deals are held in limbo simply from the games that U.S. legislators play. And that is why Zambia should have done a much, MUCH better job of corralling the Africans into action and advocacy for the earlier passage of the above mentioned provision. If only the Africans could be as proactive as the Jews! If only the African Diaspora was as engaged as the Armenian one! If only …

In failing in its leadership, Zambia joined the former hosts and past African chairs. And at the same time, it gave Ethiopia an excellent opportunity to be the differentiator. In simple reductionist terms, Ethiopia could be the country that saves the Third Country Fabric and also prepare for a more powerful, more proactive and even more mutually beneficial AGOA when it comes up for renewal in 2015.

The opportunity is actually an exhilarating one: Ethiopia can lead the other countries in making sure that the 113th Congress hears the need for an enhanced AGOA in January 2013. Ethiopia can be the country that draws consensus among its own brothers and sisters by getting the African Diaspora to call their respective representatives in Congress to act on an enhanced AGOA. After all, most of the major pan African institutions are headquartered in Addis Ababa. Additionally, the sheer number of Ethiopians and other Africans in Washington DC itself could get their voices heard through calls to Congress, through arranged marches and the engagement of lobbyists. What the new co – chair of the AGOA forum needs is a compelling message and a compelling strategy.

This strategy could make Ethiopia a ‘made’ country for the rest of her days in Washington DC. Many of those investors looking to invest in Africa will look to Ethiopia first. It will, in essence, get the first share of all the best potential ventures. Yes … Other Africans will be a little envious of its new position – however, they will collectively benefit from AGOA if only they can step up to the potential path Ethiopia can beat to their doorsteps.

Dennis Matanda,
Editor – editor@thehabarinetwork.com