Ethiopia is recognized by UNESCO as one of the leading African countries by registering different tangible and intangible heritages. In addition to the more than dozens of tangible heritages, the country occupies the most conspicuous place for registering various intangible world heritages at UNESCO including Meskel, Finding of the true Cross, Fichee Chambalala, the New Year celebration of the Sidama people, the Gada System, Oromo indigenous democratic socio-political system, Timket or Ethiopian Epiphany, and the Shuwal Eid Festival. These world intangible cultural heritages represent the rich diversity and cultural identity of Ethiopia and its various ethnic groups. They play a significant role in preserving traditional knowledge, promoting social cohesion, and fostering intergenerational transmission of cultural practices and values besides their economic benefits as tourist attractions. Shuwal Eid is one of these precious gifts that Ethiopia contributed the world. Shuwal Eid Shuwal is the tenth month in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It comes after the holy month of Ramadan, which Muslims worldwide are required to observe by fasting and other religious activities. The faithful will continue their six-day fast in the month of Shuwal following the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The voluntary fasting of Shuwal provides the faithful to have a chance to reap significant rewards to compensate the wrongdoings they might have committed during the holy month of Ramadan. Though Muslims across Ethiopia also fasts during Shuwal, the people of Harari, one of the regional States in Ethiopia, celebrate the end of the six day fasting on the 8th day of Shuwal with unique cultural festivities in a mammoth cultural and religious extravaganza. The celebration is observed in Harar for three days. Shewal Zikr, or the recollection and glorification of GOD (Allah), is held for three nights in different locations to start the celebrations. On the last day, there is a 24-hour ongoing celebrity event that draws large crowds of individuals dressed in vibrant costumes. Hararis congregate in the city from all directions and neighborhoods, usually taking part as spectators. Shuwal Eid, which has been inscribed by UNESCO in 2023, brings together people from all age groups and genders in the society. The streets of Harar will be crowded with people celebrating Shuwal Eid, including girls and boys who are exquisitely dressed in vibrant traditional clothing that captivates onlookers. The festival includes prayers and spiritual music, as well as scripture readings, dancing, music, and blessings of the almighty Allah. More than any other holiday, Shuwal Eid is adored by the teenagers of Harari as the platform is assumed conducive venue where youngsters throw eyes to each other, for marriage. The event also provides an opportunity for elders to bless the future generation and share their wisdom, while also teaching young people about cultural values, norms, customs and traditions. Shuwal Eid is transmitted within families and by participating in the celebration, as well as through formal educational and safeguarding measures in the sites where the festival takes place. It is a platform for the transmission of performing arts, oral traditions, traditional dress and other cultural elements. Shuwal Eid promotes social cohesion and a sense of identity. It also contributes to cultural exchange and supports the local community and artisans. Shuwal Eid was inscribed at UNESCO in November 2023 as a world intangible world heritage. This year, the Festival is being colorfully celebrated with multiple shows at Harar City this year for the first time after being inscribed at UNESCO last year. In addition to being a unique platform for marketing Ethiopia's tourism sector, the festival provides global sociologists and anthropologists with a study subject. The Ministry of Tourism could exploit this excellent opportunity for tourism development and image building for the country while media outlets are expected to document the entire process of the festival and prepare it to be used for tourist consumption. Harar is one of Ethiopia’s attractions as it is a museum of world heritages. The old city of Harar is a custodian of various cultural heritages which are being visited by tourists here and across the world. Squeezed into a mere 1 square kilometer, Harar boasts 368 passageways, making it the fourth holiest city in the world after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. The fortified city contained 102 shrines and 82 mosques, making it the biggest concentration of mosques in the world. It was renowned for being a hub for Muslim learning and trade, and it had its own currency at one point. Harar was the most significant commercial hub in the Horn of Africa for many centuries, connecting the ports of the Somali coast to the lush interior of Ethiopia, as evidenced by the vibrant markets and distinctive gey gar (city houses) of the city. In 2006, UNESCO designated Harar Jugol as a World Heritage Site. Shuwal Eid and other tangible and intangible cultural heritages found in the city need to be preserved and developed to enhance their contribution to the tourism sector. In this regard, four museums in Harar City have already been selected to introduce Shuwal Eid to local visitors and tourists with various cultural shows. The Ethiopian Heritage Authority is working with pertinent players to exploit the tourism potential of Shuwal. Deputy Director of Ethiopian Heritage Authority, Elias Shukur told ENA that various activities are being conducted to introduce the festival both at the national and international level. He added that efforts are being made to further develop the festival with its original cultural assets and values. The old city of Harar is a custodian of various cultural heritages including Shuwal Eid which are being visited by tourists here and across the world. Elias stressed that Shuwal Eid and other intangible and tangible cultural heritages found in the city need to be preserved and developed to enhance their contribution to the tourism sector mentioning that four museums in Harar City have already been selected to introduce Shuwal Eid to local visitors and tourists with various cultural shows. Harar is indeed a living museum that should be preserved to generation as it depicts ancient wisdom vital to our future. (By Solomon Dibaba )              

A startup business is an entrepreneurial venture in the early stages of operations, typically created for resolving real life problems. It often focuses on developing innovative products, services, and solutions to address market needs and societal challenges. As startups solve society's needs, they attract investors and funders because of the tremendous growth opportunities. In recent years, Ethiopia has emerged as a beacon of opportunity in the global startup landscape. The country's commitment, both from the government and the private sector side, has set the stage for a remarkable transformation. During a recent panel discussion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the need to foster a strong startup ecosystem in Ethiopia. He pointed out the country's unique potential, citing the huge number of youth with a strong technological aptitude — over 60 percent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at university level. These factors, the premier argued, could be instrumental in tackling Ethiopia's challenges, including high unemployment, low Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and limited tax collection. According to the premier, startups in Ethiopia range across all sectors. A very good thing is that international financiers are making commitment to finance Ethiopian startups. For example, Master Card Foundation has promised to invest about 700 million USD for startups, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also extends a lot of support in this regard. The PM further recalled that Khalifa Foundation has announced the launch of a 100-million-USD fund for startups, small and medium scale businesses in Ethiopia. There are many interests from outside to support Ethiopian startups. Moreover, the premier reiterated the government's commitment to supporting startups, primarily driven by the private sector. This support will encompass policy frameworks, administrative assistance, and the creation of a favorable ecosystem for innovation. Noting the several key government initiatives taken to support the startup ecosystem, Abiy pointed out that the government's Ten-Year Development Plan positions technology as one of the five pillars for achieving prosperity – a critical policy move for startups. Above and beyond the supports, a National Steering Committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has been established to oversee the overall functions of startups. The recent legalization of Fintech, which the government previously deemed illegal, demonstrates its commitment to embracing new technologies. Additionally, intellectual property rights are now recognized to address investor concerns. Artificial intelligence is also actively explored and adopted. The prime minister revealed that universities across the country have various incubation centers to nurture startups. "By implementing all these initiatives, we are laying the groundwork for a flourishing of robust startups ecosystem, offering a roadmap for sustainable growth and success,” Abiy pointed out. Furthermore, the premier noted the common practice of previous governments were banning new technologies due to lack of understanding and fear of potential risks. However, he emphasized that such a stance has detrimental effects, often leading to illegal activities. The new approach is to assess both the benefits and risks of emerging technologies. By taking calculated risks and learning from experience, the government aims to decree laws that minimize risks while maximizing the potential benefits. Prime Minister Abiy underscored that this commitment to continuous learning represents a significant leap forward in strengthening the startup ecosystem. While much work remains to be done to support the initiative, Ethiopia is poised to reap the rewards, potentially nurturing homegrown tech giants in the years to come. Encouraging startups in sectors like technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and consumer goods can intensify Ethiopia's resilience to economic shocks and global market fluctuations. Ethiopia's journey towards becoming a startup hub has been fueled by an unwavering commitment from both the government and private entities. This commitment is not just a paper work but a tangible investment in the future. Government initiatives, coupled with the enthusiasm of private enterprises, have created an ecosystem where startups can thrive.