Ethiopia’s commitment to preserving its rich and diverse indigenous cultures is facing significant challenges due to low budget allocations for the cultural sector, according to a recent study. Despite the country’s vibrant cultural landscape, the financial resources dedicated to this sector have been insufficient, hindering its effectiveness in promoting and safeguarding cultural heritage.
The study highlights that investment in Ethiopia’s cultural sector is critically low and often underestimated. Although there have been ongoing policy reforms, the cultural sector continues to grapple with daunting challenges. In response to these issues, Selam Ethiopia has launched a new initiative called Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) in partnership with the African Union. This initiative aims to mobilize coordinated efforts to secure adequate financial resources for the cultural sector.
Findings from the study indicate that the cultural sector is considered a priority in the upcoming federal budget, which is expected to increase support for this area. However, the allocation remains alarmingly low, with only approximately 0.11% of the national budget designated for cultural initiatives—far below the 1% target specified in the African Union agreement.
With only five years remaining to meet commitments made by 2030, experts stress that increasing traditional budget allocations is essential. This move would help mitigate risks of sudden budget overruns and mismanagement by strengthening the structural capacity of public institutions within the sector.
The recently released “Baseline Study and Actor Mapping for Public Investment in Ethiopia’s Culture Sector” examines the challenges facing the Connect for Culture Africa movement and provides recommendations for addressing these obstacles. Dr. Yitsema Tsege Shaw, the lead researcher, emphasized the urgent need for greater investment support in the cultural sector. “Although the cultural sector is at the forefront of Ethiopia’s 10-year plan, the budget allocated to it is significantly less than what is outlined in the African Union’s plan,” he stated.
The study also revealed that the utilization rate of funds within the cultural sector accounts for 75-80% of the total budget, which directly influences future budget allocations. A senior budget expert from the Ministry of Finance noted that key factors determining budget amounts include development priorities outlined in national plans, financial performance, physical performance, and strong justifications presented during budget hearings.
Despite efforts to raise awareness about increasing the share of the federal budget allocated to culture to 1%, communication regarding this campaign has been inadequate among senior officials and experts at the Ministry of Finance. Consequently, awareness has not sufficiently influenced budget allocations for the sector.
Historical data shows that from fiscal years 2020 to 2023, allocations for the cultural sector remained relatively low: 0.127%, 0.118%, and 0.144%, respectively. This trend underscores both a need for greater commitment to funding and coordinated action from all stakeholders to ensure sustainable cultural development by 2023.
The research conducted as part of Connect for Culture Africa—a five-year initiative led jointly by Selam Ethiopia and the African Union—aims to encourage African countries to allocate 1% of their national budgets to arts and culture sectors by 2030.
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