Trade unions and civil society organizations are shut out of the government’s new ‘Privatisation Advisory Council’

Public services unions and civil society organizations are shut out of the government’s new ‘Privatisation Advisory Council’. “A look at the advisory council's list of members shows why we should be worried about conflicts of interest. Kassahun Kebede is the Managing Partner of Cepheus Growth Capital Fund, a private equity fund focused primarily on investments in Ethiopia. Eyesuswork Zafu and Aynalem Megersa are board members of two private banks that could potentially be involved in the privatization process. These kinds of banks often facilitate payments, provide loans or may have existing relationships with the enterprises. Abebe Aemirosellasie, another member, is a director of the International Monetary Fund's African Department. International financing institutions often provide loans, negotiate funding conditions and impose restrictions on governments. Their objectives are not always aligned with the government's aim and do not necessarily take into account the impacts of the structural adjustments they often advocate.” The government was tendering for advice from global business consultancies including McKinsey and PwC, the country’s information minister told Reuters in July. McKinsey is currently dealing with a major scandal in South Africa over its practices there, including charges of corruption for its alleged role in a “five year looting spree” of government structures. McKinsey is currently dealing with a major scandal in South Africa over its practices there, including charges of corruption for its alleged role in a “five year looting spree” of government structures.