Under Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), citizens are entitled to an adequate standard of living, including sufficient food, clothing, and housing. However, Ethiopia’s current economic situation starkly contradicts these principles.
With an increasing inflation rate of around 35 per cent, in parallel with the stagnancy of the annual wage increment, which is at a mere four per cent, public sector employees, who play a crucial role in the nation’s development, cannot afford basic necessities.
The government’s failure to address these economic disparities not only undermines the dignity of its citizens but also violates its obligations under international law to ensure fair living standards.
Urgent reforms that prioritise affordable housing, encourage private investors to build affordable houses, and implement fair wage practices are needed to protect employees from this growing financial burden.
In recent times, the Ethiopian government announced a staggering increase in public service fees, raising costs by up to 700 per cent for essential services such as electricity, telecommunications, water, and crucial documents like passports and other identification certificates, which are fundamental for households.
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These rising service costs contribute to overall living expenses, placing a greater financial strain on households and making it increasingly difficult for many to afford housing.
To address the issue, the Ethiopian government should invest in affordable housing initiatives, such as subsidies and government-backed incentives, such as tax credits and subsidies for developers who build affordable houses, which will help alleviate the burden of high housing costs.
Complementing these efforts with social welfare programmes, like housing allowances and health support, can further ease financial strain and promote well-being. By tackling these root causes, the government can enhance the dignity and quality of life for its public servants, ultimately fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.
Ethiopian employees live in inhumane conditions. The Ethiopian government should lead housing initiatives by collaborating with private investors, African banks, nonprofits, and international partners to provide low-interest loans and subsidies for affordable housing projects. Establishing public-private partnerships would reduce housing costs by offering tax breaks or incentives to developers who build affordable units.
Using cooperative housing models, Ethiopia can adopt cooperative housing schemes, where public employees pool resources to build homes collectively. This initiative reduces costs and encourages community ownership of housing projects, ensuring affordability in the long term.
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Moreover, embracing local materials and labour to build affordable, sustainable housing is essential. Ethiopia can tap into Africa’s rich heritage of cost-effective, eco-friendly building techniques by using rammed earth and bamboo to reduce housing construction costs and improve access to dignified living spaces.
In Ethiopia, stagnant wages have eroded the dignity and living conditions of civil servants. Although public sector employees get a salary increment every three years, this increment is not enough to counter the impact of inflation.
Government employees are still unable to cover basic living expenses, including food, electricity, utilities, and transportation. The government should implement regular wage reviews based on the inflation rate. This will ensure that public employees receive fair compensation that reflects the rising cost of living. Alongside wage increases, housing and utility allowances, and food subsidies can offer immediate financial relief.
A comprehensive approach to housing and labour policy reforms is essential to maintaining citizens’ human rights. The government must prioritise affordable housing, enforce rent controls, and implement fair wage practices to ensure inclusive growth and equitable access to resources for all.
Tibeb Tafess is a writing fellow at African Liberty, a U.S.-based think tank focused on advancing individual freedom, peace, and prosperity in Africa. He can be reached at ttafess@studentsforliberty.org. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.
