Ethiopia

Demographic Profile

According to the figures available for the year 2002, Ethiopia has a total population of 67.2 million. Of this, 33.7 million are male and 33.5 million are female. 10.3 million people reside in urban areas whereas 56.9 million are in rural areas. Population growth rate is 2.9% per annum. Literacy rate is 42.4%. Major religions are Christians and Islam. Christians and Muslims constitute about 50% each of the population.

Economic profile

Ethiopia has a predominantly agricultural economy. Agriculture accounts for about 50% of the country’s GDP, 65% of total exports and 85% of employment. Several crops are grown seasonally in different parts of the country. The main crops are cereals like maize, sorghum, teff, wheat, barley and oats. The main cash and industrial crops are coffee, oil seeds, pulses, cotton, sisal, tobacco, fruits and sugarcane. Ethiopia does not have a highly developed manufacturing sector. Domestic market is heavily dependent on imports. About 11% of GDP comes from the industrial sector supplying consumer goods to the domestic and international markets. The industries include food processing and beverages, household and office furniture, metal works and printing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, tobacco, paper, plastic, tiles, leather and textile factories. 64% of the industries are situated in Addis Ababa.

Higher education system, including enrolments

There are several Universities and Institutes offering higher education in various subjects. Addis Ababa University is the most prestigious and attracts students not only from Ethiopia but some other African countries as well. Other universities are Alemaya University, Bahir Dar University, Dilla University, Mekelle University, Jimma University and Debub University. Institutes offering studies in specialized subjects are Arbaminch Water Technology Institute (AWTI), Nazareth College of Technical Teacher Education, Gondor College of Medical Sciences (GCMS) and Openo Technical School, Gambela. The Unity University College in Addis Ababa, a private institute, has also earned goods name in recents years. According to the available statistics, the number of university students in 2000-01 was about 46,000. This figure excludes those students who are enrolled in the extension (night classes) and postgraduate programmes, which could be around 20,000. The total number of enrolment would, therefore, be roughly about 66,000 students.

Number of students going abroad for higher education

No figures are available in this respect. However, it is estimated that the number would not exceed 1000 per year.

Popular countries of destination

India is the most popular country preferred by the students here for higher studies in different areas. Other countries are USA, Kenya, South Africa, Pakistan, France and Canada.

Popular programmes of study

Engineering, Business Management, IT, Accounts and other computer-related courses.

What is it that could attract students to Indian higher education institutions?

India is already the most favoured destination for higher studies for Ethiopian students. This is primarily because India offers excellent opportunities for higher studies in diverse fields including engineering, business management, IT, accounts and other computer-related programmes at costs which are a fraction of what is charged in USA and Europe. The Ethiopians, therefore, find it affordable to study in India. Many Ethiopians who studied in India are now occupying responsible positions. This includes some ministers, MPs, senior bureaucrats and executives. There are approximately 400 Indian lecturers/professors teaching in various Universities and Institutions here. The quality of Indian teachers is highly regarded. It is much easier to secure admission in Indian universities/institutions and obtain visas for study in India. Indian culture also plays an important role. Indian movies, songs and film stars are popular. In view of this, there is tremendous scope to attract more Ethiopian students for higher studies in India.

What is it that could restrain them form coming to India for higher education?

Some Ethiopian students may not have the required level of proficiency in English language to follow the higher studies. It will useful if such students are initially given a short intensive course in English before they start the actual studies.

What promotion strategy could be adopted?

FICCI has proposed to hold an India Education Fair jointly with UGC in Addis Ababa towards end of May or first week of June 2004. Advertisements in Ethiopian newspapers and TV, visits by some journalists to India to showcase India’s capabilities in quality higher education, organization of seminars etc. could be good promotional strategies.

General comments

Till a few years back, Pune was quite popular with the Ethiopian students, Pune University and various institutes of Symbiosis being their first choice. Presently, the preference seems to be for Hyderabad and Bangalore. It is understood that some Ethiopian students obtained forged degrees of Pune University, which was discovered here and brought anybody with a degree from Pune University under suspicion.

Name, designation and address (e-mail) of the officer of Embassy nominated for coordinating activities for promoting Indian higher education.

Sh. Ramesh Kumar
Second Secretary (Com/Cons)
Embassy of India
P.O. Box 528
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
Tel. : 00-2511-235538-41
(General); 235543 (D)
Fax : 00-25511-235547-48