A Dinner in Berlin
Felix Matschie. When we reach the door of the residence of the Ethiopian Ambassador to the Republic of Germany, a feeling of excitement flares up, I was hoping for this opportunity to come through when my father first mentioned the possibility.
Especially with the Ethiopian election concluding just a few days beforehand, and even better, we were not a part of any official delegation or state visit meaning, no need for all the formal protocol and verbal manoeuvring an occasion like this normally commands. No, this would be an evening of open conversation.
After walking through the door, we are welcomed by Ambassador Mulu. Until then, for me, an unknown, all I heard was that she is an acclaimed entrepreneur and only recently took up the mantle of the diplomatic service.
I Immediately feel familiar with the situation since we are greeted by the trademark Ethiopian hospitality I had gotten used to when growing up in Addis Ababa. The atmosphere changed from visiting an Ambassador to be being welcomed into a dear friend's house.
It has been a while since I last ate Ethiopian food, so it was a rush of nostalgia tasting those all too familiar flavours. More interesting with the food also began the conversations. It was truly enlightening to her about the countries challenges from a senior diplomat and entrepreneur Ambassador Mulu. The other guests present also had a lot of information to share that reformed how I see the country and its challenges.
In many ways, I was made aware of problems I didn't even know of and had to learn that many problems are much more severe than I had known up until now. However, I left that evening with renewed optimism. I know to you this must sound paradoxical but let me explain why it is not.
Previously I still must admit I was still affected by the mindset burned into our minds. Africa is poor and underdeveloped because it is Africa, colonialism is over, and Africa should get back on its feet. And that if not, something must be intrinsically wrong with the continent. Even though I know better, sometimes those kinds of thoughts will creep in from time to time. Yet after listening to the Ambassador, I realized the problems plaguing the country might be severe, but all have implementable solutions. Just knowing there is a path to growth and prosperity gives me renewed energy.
Furthermore, it looks like the new government is genuinely interested in steering the country on a path to its full potential. And I am personally looking forward to contributing to that vision in a meaningful way with Green Academy.
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