Stakeholders say the main obstacle facing Ethiopia's cultural and creative industries is the sector's exclusion from the national investment code rather than a lack of government funding.
Stakeholders in Ethiopia's cultural and creative industries have identified the sector's exclusion from the national investment code as its main obstacle. They argue that this prevents the industry from emerging as a driver of foreign exchange and jobs despite its potential.
Selam Ethiopia handed over a five-year study under the Connect for Culture Africa project to a government body. The study supports an African commitment for member states to allocate at least 1 percent of annual budgets to culture and the arts.
Sisay Mengiste, program director of Selam Ethiopia, said the organization has worked with federal and regional stakeholders for 21 years. Hirut Kassa, head of the Addis Ababa Culture and Arts Bureau, said applying the same rules as commodity trade has slowed growth.
Nafisa Al-Mahdi, state minister at the Ministry of Culture and Sports, said culture and the arts are pillars of the economy. She noted that the government is preparing and implementing policy frameworks.
