“If geography is the mother of history, then Africa is the mother of humanity.” This is a quote that is often used to described the motherland of Africa – the place from which all humans derive. Our ancestors and predecessors were all evolutionary descents of Prime Apes found in Africa. Africa, particularly Ethiopia, is thus a place  of great cultural significance, not only to humanity, but also to the history of the world. If you want to visit a place that is as important to humanity as the very oxygen in the atmosphere that we breathe, be sure to visit Ethiopia. Here, the people are friendly, the culture is immense, and the food is great. In Ethiopia, hospitality means everything to its people. For example, if you are a fan of ‘Bizarre Foods’ hosted by Andrew Zimmern, you would know that in his visit to Ethiopia, he experienced hospitality first hand. After buying a chunk of meat from a seller, the seller himself ate half of what Zimmern bought. Why, you might ask? Because it’s hospitable. Ethiopians are even kind-hearted toward animals. In the country, there is a person called the hyena man, who buys meat to feed the hyenas in the night. Out of hospitality,however, he tends to go very close to them to feed them – it’s also a matter of respect. Further, with cultures such as story telling and the birth of humanity fresh on the tongues of the Ethiopians, it’s hard to miss culture when you’re in such a cultural place. In addition the foods there are amazing. Raw meat with a red, brownish sauce that – what else is better than food in its original state – not messed with by any means of cooking, and it’s safe to eat! So, if you plan to visit the motherland of humanity, visit Africa and Ethiopia!

When total imports exceed exports for a certain country, an economic problem is identified. More imports than exports mean that more money is leaving the country than coming in. Less money moving around domestically is the root of a weak economy. If the difference between imports and exports is too great, then the gross domestic product (GDP) within the respective nation will fall too. In Rwanda, it is the case where imports exceed exports. In 2003, approximately USD 245,800,000 left the country while only USD 73,330,000 went into the country. Although money is usually exchanged for goods in trading, the major commodity imported into Rwanda is food, which is consumed by humans. Once consumed, the asset is worth nothing in the country’s net worth. Yet, Rwanda’s gross domestic product (GDP) is still growing. Therefore, even though Rwanda relies on imports more than exports, it’s still making money and the economy is still gradually growing.

Whereas in the United States of America, our amount in imports exceed exports by approximately USD 250,000,000,000! That is why the United States Dollar is currently worth less compared to other currencies like the Euro, a monetary unit used in the European Union.

However, as of 2003, an estimated 60% of the population is still in poverty and it is a problem that must be resolved in a timely manner. Although industrial and GDP growth is present in Rwanda, we believe that the economy in Rwanda could still grow quicker. There are two primary methods to a quicker growing economy. Firstly, foreign investment can be a solution for economic growth, but it isn’t feasible in Rwanda as discussed in the Introduction. Another method for economic growth is to bring money in the country, but not from exports. Rwandans could find higher paying jobs outside of the country and bring the money home. With enough people doing so, the economy will grow quickly. But with strict immigration laws in most developed nations, it seems impossible to get jobs elsewhere. However, it’s not! There are many occupations coming out of places like Panama and Liberia especially in the cruise line industry. Cruise lines employ most of its crew from under developed countries to keep costs down. And it is allowed to do so, as ships aren’t registered in a developed country like the United States of America with many pro-labor laws. In conclusion, even with Rwanda’s trade problems, there are many solutions for economic growth.