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Ethiopia

Omo River in 2012, before the completion of the Gibe III Dam. Credit: The Oakland Institute

Publications

Land Deal Brief: The Myth of Job Creation

The promise of job creation has been put forward by investors, governments, and international institutions to convince local communities of the benefits of foreign investment in agriculture. For instance, the Sierra Leonean president, claimed in March 2011, “Huge investments in the [agricultural] sector will definitely translate into hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities for our youths.” Several countries studied by the Oakland...

Land Deal Brief: Half a Million Lives Threatened by Land Development for Sugar Plantations in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley

Since 2003, Ethiopia’s Lower Omo Valley, one of the most culturally and ecologically unique areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, has been thrust into the international spotlight due to the launch of the controversial Gibe III hydroelectric project. Unfortunately, the massive commercial agriculture developments and resulting state-sponsored human rights violations – all made possible by Gibe III – have escaped international attention.

Understanding Land Investment Deals in Africa: Ethiopia

For decades, Ethiopia has been known to the outside world as a country of famine, food shortages, endemic hunger, and chronic dependency on foreign aid. Despite receiving billions of dollars in aid, Ethiopians remain among the poorest in the world. Our research shows that at least 3,619,509 ha of land have been transferred to investors, although the actual number may be higher.

Land Deal Brief: Saudi Star in Ethiopia

Saudi Star Agriculture Development PLC, owned by Saudi-Ethiopian billionaire Mohammed Al-Amoudi, acquired 10,000 hectares of land along the Alwero River in the Gambella region of Ethiopia.

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Press Releases and Public Statements

New Report from State Department Details Widespread Human Rights Abuses in Ethiopia

Nine-Year Jail Term for Human Rights Defender

Human Rights in Ethiopia - An Update

World Bank Accountability on Forced Resettlements Must be a Priority at Its Spring Meetings

With Support from the US Treasury, World Bank Reinvents Tainted Aid Program for Ethiopia

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Media

Calls to End Africa's 'Horrific' Land Deals After Indian Firm's Fallout

Thomson Reuters Foundation

The Numbers Say the Ethiopian Economy Is Doing Very Well. Reality Says Many Ethiopian Citizens Are Not

Atlanta Black Star

Las Mentiras del Milagro Económico de Etiopía

El Pais

Foreign-owned Enterprises Targeted in Ethiopia's Oromia Region

VOA

La Unión Europea Complice de la Violación de Derechos Humanos en Etiopía

El Pais

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Documentation and Contracts

Mela Agreement (Amharic)

Rahwa Agreement (Amharic)

Reta Agreement (Amharic)

Ruchi Agri PLC Agreement (English)

Sannati Agro Farm Enterprises Pvt, Ltd. Agreement (English)

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