China, Ethiopia, and the Digital Silk Road

 Amsterdam University Press published in 2021 an open access book containing a chapter titled "Exploring the Political, Economic, and Social Implications of the Digital Silk Road into East Africa: The Case of Ethiopia" by Sanne van der Lugt, Leiden Asia Centre and Clingendael Institute.  Just agree to terms to access.

The chapter analyses the causal relations through which Ethiopian and Chinese actors interact in the context of China's Digital Silk Road initiative.  It identifies the actors involved and investigates their motives and levels of influence.  

Ethio Telecom, Privatization, Debt, and China

 Ethiopia Insight posted on 31 August 2020 a commentary titled "The Case for Partial Privatization of Ethio Telecom" by Fentaw Abitew, George Mason University.

Ethio telecom is not a cash cow as has often been claimed.  It is an indebted, malfunctioning liability holding back Ethiopia's economy.  Partial privatization will bring substantial opportunities for Ethiopia if supported by appropriate processes and public trust.  It should also help protect security interests by reducing debt exposure and reliance on Chinese infrastructure.