Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest independent country and its fastest growing economy today. With a population of over 100 million and an annual economic growth rate of 10% over the past 15 years, it presents a unique opportunity. Currently preventing it from joining the global map of successful economies are several challenges: a low per-capita GDP of under $800 per year and poor internet and smartphone penetration, mainly due to the largely rural population and a government monopoly on the telecommunications market.

Here are five reasons global stakeholders should take a closer look at Ethiopia:

They go on to list five reasons: Greater social stability (than in previous years there), a very large youthful demographic (gee, the Western elites have always told us how bad a growing population is. Does this mean they are wrong?), Possible privatization of state-owned companies (I thought free enterprise was supposed to be bad.), an environment that encourages start up businesses (how do you start up when you have nothing but dirt to sell?), and it's location between Europe and Asia (even though they don't have any real sea access since Eritrea seceded from their country.) 

I think this is wishful thinking. But it's interesting to note that this appeared at World Economic Forum, a left wing site. Even THEY have to admit that free enterprise is the only source for economic growth.

How do you develop an economy when your people don't have enough to eat?  Japan realized this when they first decided to join the outside world, and they focused on agriculture first. Their lesson seems to be lost on most nations, particularly in Africa, where they expect to develop technology while their citizens are starving.

Good luck.

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