Blen Hailu

Marcus Samuelsson Expands Addis Footprint with Vibe BBQ Food Truck

Marcus Samuelsson is bringing his cooking from the 47th floor to the street. The celebrity chef has launched Vibe BBQ, a food-truck pop-up now operating near Mesqel Square in Addis Ababa.

In Ethiopia’s Homes, an Invisible Workforce Waits for the Law to Catch Up

In Addis Ababa, thousands of young women keep households running, yet remain outside Ethiopia’s labor law. No contracts. No minimum wage. Little protection.

Why Plastic Qetema Is Worrying Environmental Advocates

Supporters of the #SayNoToPlasticQetema campaign say the true cost of plastic Qetema, including environmental cleanup, health risks, and lost livelihoods, far outweighs the benefits of its low price.

How a TikTok Following Set the Stage for an E-Commerce Startup in Addis Ababa

In a city where many e-commerce startups have struggled to survive, a TikTok creator is testing a new model. Ananas blends product reviews, social media demand, and in-house delivery in Addis.

New Free Directory App Helps Ethiopians Find Essential Contacts Fast, Even Without Data

From ATM issues to urgent health needs, finding the right number can be a challenge. Meleket, a locally developed digital directory aims to change that.

Patchy Lenses: Ethiopia’s Film Industry Plays Catch Up to Streaming, Digital Distribution

Ethiopian filmmakers face a hybrid reality: theaters exist, but digital channels like streaming and YouTube allow new paths to audiences worldwide despite prevailing bottlenecks.