Why Eritrea Vision 2030?

A Strategy for Inclusive & Sustainable Development This publication is a shortened popular summary of an in-depth proposal for a national economic policy for Eritrea. It shall serve as a basis for discussion for developing a shared vision of TABLE OF CONTENTS a macro-economic policy framework among Eritreans during the process of democratic transition. Once finalized through Why Eritrea Vision 2030? �� 04 further discussion and consultation, Vision 2030 would serve as an overview for all Eritreans and future investors outlining the Moving Eritrea Towards a Stable State �� 06 key pillars proposed for national development. Positioning Eritrea Smartly �� 10

Pending the establishment of a constitution and a legitimate The 7 pillars of Vision 2030 �� 12 democratic leadership, it is to be viewed as a recommendation for the people of Eritrea and as a beacon of hope: Eritrean Working Towards a Conducive Business Environment �� 28 professionals & industry experts have started the significant preparatory work for national prosperity. Implementing Organs �� 30

© Eritrean Peoples’ Sovereignty. Facilitated by: Eri- Platform. Marketing, PR and Diplomatic Liaison �� 31 Beyond Vision 2030 �� 32 April 2020. Vision 2030 is a proposal, by the Eritrea’s macro-policy was drafted in 1994 Eritrean People’s Sovereignty (EPS), for – but almost two decades later most goals a macroeconomic policy framework for have never been implemented and a lot of Eritrea’s rapid, inclusive and sustainable the early initiatives were undone. The time development during and beyond the has come, Eritrea is preparing a national transition to a democratic system of vision for rapid socio-economic recovery government. Its goal is to identify the key and sustainable growth during transition priorities for human resource development and beyond. and inclusive economic growth in the years ahead. It shall provide strategic direction Eritrea’s Vision 2030 recognizes that towards laying a strong foundation for economic growth alone is not sufficient There are 4 overarching themes that guide accelerated sustainable growth and to bring about the necessary rise in the Vision 2030. These are: shall further serve as a guiding tool for a standard of living and quality of life of the people at large. It is paramount that prosperous future benefiting all Eritreans. 1. Human Capital Development – Eritrea’s the path for development is participatory, people come first and are the country’s sustainable, and corruption-free - WHY Three decades of dictatorial domination; most important and valuable asset. gross, systematic and widespread abuse safeguarded by Eritrea’s constitution, of the people; harmful policies and international law, and good governance. 2. Inclusive Economic Growth – is crucial ERITREA mismanagement of national human when uplifting Eritrea out of poverty Vision 2030 hence aspires to be a framework and material resources have squandered into a healthy sustainable economy that towards the overall development of a opportunities for development and left serves every Eritrean equally. VISION Eritrea lagging far behind on all global strong and united nation. A nation that is development indicators. The regime’s proud of its fundamental cultural values, 3. Green Economy and Environmental policies and practices have shattered the its human capital, and natural resources Protection – Transforming Eritrea into 2030? country’s entire socio-economic fabric. while, at the same time, being determined a green economy is one of the best It will take strong and accountable to build a stable modern state that enables economic success strategies the country governance, concerted efforts, smart its citizens to live in dignity and upmost can adopt in order to tap into global strategies, and a shared national Vision respect. trends and safeguard Eritrean livelihoods 2030 to start the process of recovery and for generations to come. Vision 2030 shall serve as a torch of hope ERITREA VISION rebuilding. and a path towards the development of a 4. Constitutional Law and Respect Many countries in Africa have prepared just, inclusive, and prosperous society that for Human Rights – The dignity and and officially launched a national vision serves all Eritreans equally. The citizens of wellbeing of Eritrea’s citizens will be document just before or after the start Eritrea must be the primary beneficiaries safeguarded by constitutional law and of the millennium looking and planning of the Vision and its proposed strategic an upmost respect to the human rights often twenty or thirty years into the future. action points. of each citizen.

04 05 MOVING ERITREA Eritrea TOWARDS A

STABLE STATE 96.4 17th -0.8 0.9 6.1

FSI Score in 2019 FSI Ranking in Points Change Points Change Points Change from Over Five Years from (Maximum 120) 2019 (178 Countries) Last Year Ten Years

OVERALL TREND, 2006-2019: Eritrea Worsening

90 Improvement Total Country Score Total 85

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

06 07 They are: Pillar 1: Green Economy Putting Eritreans, their wellbeing, and the nation’s Pillar 2: Food Security economic development Pillar 3: Basic Infrastructure at the forefront of Vision Pillar 4: Priority Sectors (Agriculture & Forestry, Sustainable 2030 shall be achieved by Tourism, Trade, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Mining) focusing on the following seven strategic Pillar 5: Investing in the People Priority Pillars. Pillar 6: Land Ownership & City Masterplans Pillar 7: Peace & Security

All seven Priority Pillars will have an integrated outlook of the following key crosscutting objectives Role of government

ERITREA VISION The all-encompassing role of the Government shall be to serve the people of Eritrea. It Technology & Gender Equality Public health & will do so, by carrying out key functions Innovation Safety such as providing national leadership while adhering and safeguarding constitutional law, Environmental maintaining order, providing public services, Minority Equality Sustainablity protection & climate providing national security, and economic change mitigation assistance.

Role of the private sector

Key Objectives of Vision 2030 Eritrea’s private sector has a unique role to play: As it often bridges the gap between those in leadership and civil society, the Eritrea Vision 2030 aims to transform this challenging baseline by: private sector will be an important performer Ì Investing in Eritrea’s people and developing human capital to help recover, re-integrate, in advancing effective multi-stakeholder and build a healthy, stable, productive nation that strives for inclusive national growth. participation towards the development of standards and norms on economic recovery, Ì Opening up the private sector with a conducive regulatory environment for domestic re-integration, business, trade, and human businesses and FDI. Introducing privatization reforms for a large number of so far rights. Front-owned companies, entities, and assets including vast areas of land. Eritrea’s private sector will further drive Ì Diversifying Eritrea’s economy to one that is guided by a green economy framework. economic growth across industries forward: it will play a vital function in the recovery Ì Investing in infrastructure and all areas of the value chain; increasing local production of the country by providing vital jobs and through manufacturing, local value addition, technology inputs and exports with a economic incentives, in addition to products medium to long-term goal of creating jobs and a positive trade balance. and services to Eritrea’s civic society.

08 09 ERITREA VISION

Vision 2030 recommends to position Eritrea strategically in the following areas:

POSITIONING 1. As Africa’s leading nationwide green economy. ERITREA 2. As a leading conference hub in Africa attracting thousands of high-end visitors. 3. As an historic eco-tourism destination, African Heritage & UNESCO World Heritage hub. SMARTLY 4. As a science & technology hub in Africa for green technology, climate change response, and related service provision. Here is the bottom line: In order for Eritrea to win, it needs to be positioned 5. As Africa’s Cycling hub attracting sports events, tourist, while preparing & promoting smartly on the world map. The country is so critically underdeveloped that it a popular cyclist culture to boost our green economy and general public health has to embrace a clear visionary and strategic direction, in order to achieve meaningful accelerated growth and human capacity. All aspects of the Vision 2030 would be implemented under the umbrella of a smart market position that would lead to accelerated recognition, investment, and growth.

10 11 capacity, and loss of green and natural This is an economy that is defined as low spaces will not just diminish the standard carbon, resource efficient and socially THE 7 PILLARS OF of life for Eritrea’s urban population, but will inclusive. come at a huge cost to the society and the national economy. Herein lies a rare opportunity for Eritrea VISION 2030 and its people. A country that lags behind In a conventional economic scenario, in the world community in almost every growing public health expenses, food- socioeconomic indicator, now has a green PILLAR 1: GREEN ECONOMY insecure communities, extended waste long-term vision to lead by example. In a management system, and the import of world that is seeking strategies to transform crude oil and conventional power modes old economic systems, consumer habits, Building a green economy in Eritrea is not from the effects of land degradation and will cost the Eritrean economy millions of and modes of production, Eritrea can seize merely a commendable objective, but desertification. Dollars each year. a powerful advantage: a supreme winning strategy for Eritrea’s development. It will serve two imperative Climate change also severely impacts coastal The protection of Eritrea’s natural Starting from scratch will allow Eritrea to lay goals: livelihoods and artisanal fisheries threatening environment and its vast resources must green economic foundations and policies livelihoods and risking food security among hence be an utmost priority under Vision from the get-go. Positioning Eritrea as a 1. To protect local ecosystems, natural already vulnerable fishing communities 2030, cross-cutting through all economic and young ground-breaking green economy resources, and hence Eritrean livelihoods alongside Eritrea’s coasts. social pillars. With global climate reaching and green trade hub in Africa and the world and food security for the long-term by breaking point on our planet earth, more market leading to accelerated qualitative reducing the consequences of climate In the cities, rising prices of agricultural needs to happen in Eritrea than planting public relations and partnerships. This can change and environmental degradation produce, unreliable conventional power trees, banning plastic bags, or conducting further be achieved by tapping into specific dramatically. transmission, air pollution and smog, traffic, environmental impact assessment studies: trade agreements, innovative project funding, noise, hazardous industrial emissions, water Eritrea must build an ambitiously forward- and green foreign direct investments (GFDI), 2. To position Eritrea smartly as a leading and soil pollution, waste, dwindling water looking green economy. which are less competitive. green economy, related technology hub and service provider in Africa and in the world. This will propel public relations (PR), foreign direct investment, and qualitative international trade relations and in return accelerate job creation and national revenue.

Let’s look closer at the two: Climate change is the defining issue of our time. Africa in general, and Eritrea with its vast drylands and delicate ecosystems in particular, already suffer from the consequences of climate change, desertification and land degradation. According to scientists across the globe: Drylands will be hit the hardest and the worst is still to come.

Eritrea’s rural communities (over 80% of the population) are already suffering

12 13 PILLAR 2: FOOD SECURITY PILLAR 3: BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Every person needs to eat in order to live. The Build and developing a nation that upholds Water and Sanitation right to food, and its variations, is a human and enjoys human dignity, freedom, peace Water is the foundation of all life. It is required right protecting the right of people to feed and security while striving for prosperity for human consumption, livestock and animal themselves in dignity and to access and and economic development requires that consumption, recreation, and certain manu- afford enough quantities of nutritious food all citizens have sufficient nutritious food facturing processes. to be a healthy and productive members of available and have the means to access it. society. As such, food security is the most Vision 2030 aims to ensure that all people in fundamental pillar of Eritrea’s Vision 2030 One fundamental goal of Vision 2030 is to Eritrea have access to clean and safe water and beyond. safeguard the right of all nationals residing for household consumption throughout the in Eritrea to be free from hunger, food country. It includes those communities living insecurity and malnutrition. in remote areas and under arid conditions.

In cities and special economic zones (SEZ), water will further be available for manufac- Food security under Vision 2030 turing purposes. and beyond should be tackled on Power 3 levels: Access to power is a fundamental aspect of economic growth. It needs to be provided both at household level and at national level Level to allow human interaction and economic 1 Emergency and recovery production. Eritrea shall be smartly and uniquely positioned as Africa’s first and leading national Green Economy under Vision 2030. As such efforts to rebuild and expand a sustainable power structure for Eritrea shall be based on renewable energy. Level Household-based 2 Housing

The right to safe and adequate housing is a human right that is hence a key priority under Vision 2030. It is a key element when building Level a healthy and productive nation addressing 3 Nation-wide both urban and rural areas A detailed assessment study with conclusive data will need to be carried out to understand the alarming and fast accelerating housing shortages and needs across the country.

14 15 Immediate and short term: Businesses rely on broadband Internet to • Innovation. • Port and transport-related job creation access information, tap into new markets, • Gender equality and women empower- • The free movement of people & goods Housing needs will immediately further arise and improve value chains. ment. Increased access to information from the following population segments. • Public-private partnerships and investment and market opportunities for Eritreans of Fast, free, and inexpensive access to broad- opportunities • Demobilized members of the military. band internet is hence a key priority under all backgrounds. Vision 2030 to accelerate economic growth, • Trade-opportunities and port services in a Released prisoners. • Development, improved productivity, in- • free market economy market access, and education for Eritrea’s dustry and GDP growth. The shortage shall be addressed as early as society. Vision 2030 strives towards the de- • Increased tourism and commerce possible with adequate projects that also mocratization of broadband Internet access. For that to happen Eritrea’s telecommuni- • Promotion of peace and mutually benefi- seek an integrated approach to a positive cation sector needs to be radically reformed re-integration into society. Flagship Projects: and developed. cial economic ties with Eritrea’s neighbours and other regional players. • Wireless public hotspots in schools, col- Vision 2030 proposes to open up telecom- Medium-term • As a safe & secured point of entry for vis- leges, universities, libraries, hotel lounges, munications and ICT infrastructure and ser- itors. • IDPs and returnees from refugee camps. and city parks vices to the private sector and the Eritrean Diaspora. The privatization and public offer- • Diaspora in exile. Environmental impact assessments are im- Telecommunication and ings of EriTel would be a first step. • Vulnerable women-lead households. ICT (Information and perative. Under an overarching vision for a Communication Technologies) Additional foreign investment in telecom sustainable green economy, it is paramount Long-term infrastructure such as renowned and well-ex- that CO2 emission and pollution reduction Making telecommunication and ICT easily perienced regional operators, as well as the solutions are integrated into a sustainable • Housing needs as a result of natural popu- accessible to all citizens, including those in regulated introduction of more competition, transport & infrastructure strategy for Eritrea. lation growth and continued immigration rural and remote areas, is a long-term goal will help transform what remains a virtually This can be achieved through clear green of Eritrean and non-Eritrean nationals into for Eritrea, with the fundamentals and stra- untapped market. policies, best practices, transportation alter- the country following increased economic tegic direction laid out under Vision 2030. natives, and the application of innovation development. The development and growth of Eritrea’s The foundation for this ambitious vision and technology. telecommunications and ICT sector should Broadband Cables needs to be built immediately so the journey focus on 3 stages outlined in National ICT can begin. Access to Internet in a free and global econ- Plans: omy is not only a right, but a necessity to Key benefits of the integration Plan 1 – Foundation and Setup boost GDP growth and advance the values of ICT at all levels of Eritrea’s Plan 2 – National expansion and services of democracy, social inclusion, and a free society include: society. In a prospering economy of the 21st Plan 3 – World-class Competitiveness century, access to Internet is vital for govern- • Government transparency, accountability, The transport sector in the country shall be ment, commerce, research, and learning. and efficient service delivery. based on an effective infrastructure network Key industries like tourism and banking are • Research, statistics, information, analysis of roads, railroad, seaports, and airport. The heavily dependent on connectivity. Health- and hence the formulation of competent network serves as the engine for the free care and education sectors follow: They can measurable outputs. movement of citizens, visitors, the trade of serve more citizens, save cost, and generally • Human resource development, education, commercial goods, and GDP growth. increase efficiency both by using and pro- and job-creation. viding online solutions. Eritrea’s two sea ports and its international • FDI attraction, foreign and financial market airport shall be developed to serve the peo- access, competitiveness. ple of Eritrea directly through:

16 17 Health Care

How well the state takes care of our most vulnerable and ill citizens is a direct reflection of how much the state respects Eritrean lives.

Affordable and accessible health care for all Eritreans will be another priority under Vision 2030, with a long-term vision to provide free basic health care to all underprivileged Eritreans who cannot afford treatment.

This means that Eritrea’s health sector shall be reformed from the ground up: The nation shall receive a universal health care system, albeit decentralized in nature, following standardized national norms and international benchmarks. The range of facilities shall include preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative services lead by public, private, and religious institutions across the country. ERITREA VISION

One of the first steps under Vision 2030 is to invite all private health practitioners back who were forced to close their general practices and hospitals and who had their Specially funded health care programs & tion, dwindling natural resources, and food • Safeguarding Eritrea’s sovereignty and licences revoked, so they can re-open their nation-wide initiatives shall be carried out for: insecurity on public health and individual regional peace practices and serve the people. This imme- wellbeing. Which means that both human • Leading a policy of national dialogue, diate step during early national recovery • Pregnant women lives and money will be saved at a significant tolerance, reconciliation, and respect in shall go hand in hand with an immediate level in the long-run, while living standards • HIV / AIDS treatment & prevention the country. preparation and ratification of a provisional increase dramatically. national health care policy and standardized • Malaria and TB treatment & prevention • Respecting, upholding, and safe-guarding guidelines. • FGM & fistula treatment & prevention Security & safety women’s rights with a zero tolerance for domestic violence & public abuse. Improved accessibility to healthcare is key in • Mental and physical health among former Eritrea’s citizens need to enjoy security and • Respecting & safeguarding labour rights our nation, where the majority of people live prisoners and war veterans safety at all levels –national, household-based, to avoid abuse and exploitation. in small towns and villages. Vision 2030 seeks • Ambulance services & road accidents and on an individual basis. A healthy, pro- to deploy community health workers (CHWs) ductive, and truly prosperous nation is only • Training and equipping the military and in all sub-zobas and some larger villages. It is envisaged, that the overarching green one that feels safe and that is secure from police as part and parcel of the people in economy policy in Eritrea under Vision 2030 harm. This includes: order to respect & protect our citizens and The increased incorporation of mobile tech- will safeguard livelihoods in a sustainable fighting crime. • Safeguarding every citizen’s right and his nology and ICT based health care manage- way: Eritrea’s green economy will consider- • Training & strengthening our courts or hers human rights by upholding Eritrea’s ment solutions across the country will further ably decrease the harmful impact of stress, constitution at all levels of our political, • Many other initiatives. increase effectiveness and save lives. pollution, carbon emissions, contamina- economic, and social spheres. 18 19 PILLAR 4: PRIORITY SECTORS entertainment, infrastructure and related tourism services creates ample of opportunity for the private sector. The government shall take a key role in putting the important infrastructure in place and promoting Eritrea as an attractive tourism destination world-wide. This will help the sector kickstart, grow, and strive.

Manufacturing: value addition chain

The manufacturing sector is yet another priority under Vision 2030. The development and growth of this sector has the following key objectives:

• To create jobs for Eritreans nation-wide The country is further very safe for travellers Agriculture Fisheries and Aquaculture • To provide fast-moving consumer goods, and most destinations can be reached in a such as processed food, to its citizens Over 80% of Eritrea’s population depends on Eritrea has a total coastline of 1,720 km along few hours. These conditions make Eritrea an agriculture. In the wider context, this includes the Red Sea, comprising 1,155 km of conti- attractive yet largely undiscovered tourism • To add value to raw products that can herding, nomadism, and fisheries. The sector nental shore and roughly 565 km around the destination. hence be sold and exported at higher price is the most important for safeguarding food numerous islands. Artisan fishery shall play a resulting in foreign currency Vision 2030 promotes the fast development security in the country, both at national and key role in the socioeconomic recovery and • To aid the growth of other key sectors in of the tourism sector as a key source of household levels. Eritrea’s rural communities rehabilitation of local communities. the country. at large, and hence, the majority of Eritrea’s job creation for Eritreans nation-wide and citizens, heavily depend on agricultural Vision 2030 seeks to transform these com- GDP growth. Instead of featuring for mass production for their livelihoods. munities into largely food-secure households tourism, Eritrea shall focus on local, regional, where sustainable local fishery thrives, and and international high-end travel including: The revival of the agricultural sector and its commercial production and supply of fish is subsectors, along with job creation across extended to the rest of the country. • Highly diversified eco-tourism across the industries, is hence the single most import- country ant sector to safeguard and increase food Tourism • Conference tourism and business travel security in the country. Eritrea is endowed with diverse beauty • Agricultural tourism Visions 2030 further seeks the development spread over a relatively small territory: Ma- • Historic and UNESCO heritage related of a striving livestock sector at large, which jestic highlands, endless beaches and corrals, tourism shall serve as a powerful source of income mist forests, wide valleys surrounded by in Eritrea’s drought stricken Eastern and doum palm woods, wild animals, and a rich, • African cycling hub Western Lowlands. unique historic & cultural heritage. The need for a wide range of accommo- dation, restaurants, tours, tour transport,

20 21 In order to achieve these objectives, prior- country is covered by the greenstone belt of ity and incentives should be given to the Eritrea that has deposits of precious metals following: and volcanic massive sulphide (VMS). How- ever, so far, 1 product (mineral) accounted • Value chain training & skill development for around 97% of exports: Gold. • Food & drink processing Going forward, mining needs to adapt a new • Safe, local construction material phase, image, and national strategy. A miner may have plenty of riches in the ground, but • Green technology ultimately the way they do business is just as • Recycling important as the underlying asset. • Small, environmentally friendly household The key objective in developing Eritrea’s goods mining sector is Eritrea’s economic advance- • Basic health equipment and pharmaceu- ment: job creation, value addition, and ticals foreign currency earnings that should be re-invested in infrastructure projects, health, Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and industrial and education. PILLAR 5: INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE parks shall be developed by the government Environmental sustainability is as important that are fully serviced – largely with green Job Creation Hence, one of the key objectives of Vision power and technology. to protect livelihoods and natural ecosys- 2030 during the early stages of transition is to tems. These goals go hand in hand with a Job creation is key for a country’s economic put short-term, medium-term, and long-term growing trend among global consumers Mining development. The outline of opportunities strategies into effect that will reverse the and stakeholders of mining stocks who are in key sectors and related investments have immense damages caused during dictatorial Eritrea has a significant amount of mineral looking increasingly towards mining com- one significant objective: job creation and rule. Job creation is key in that process. deposits, including natural gas, gold, copper, panies that act with an ethical, social and income generation for the people of Eritrea. oil, zinc and potash. Almost 70% of the governance (ESG) perspective. Return and Reintegration of Demobilization Refugees and IDPs

An estimated 50,000 Eritrean nationals have It is estimated that 500,000 Eritrean refugees been deployed in the so-called ‘national are currently living outside of the country, while a small number of internally displaced service’, but the total number of those persons (IDPs) and former returnees are living forced into national service, low-paid labour, in refugee-like conditions inside Eritrea. In military, and military reserve is estimated to reality, the number may be much higher. be close to 250,000. Due to the large number of refugees and po- The damaging socioeconomic impact of tential returnees, it will be difficult to create the destructive ‘national service’ agenda efficient work opportunities for all of them has reached far beyond those in active in less than a decade. However, given that deployment: Families have been torn apart many of those refugees have a rural back- leaving them destitute and dysfunctional ground, attractive resettlement programmes and rural communities faced inadequate and rural opportunities, e.g., in agriculture numbers of able men and women who take or local infrastructure developments, need care of vital farming and livelihood chores. to be designed and rolled out.

22 23 Reintegration programmes for Tech Hubs ex-prisoners A Tech Hub, a physical space or office, shall To reintegrate prisoners into society is vital, serve as a centre for local tech start-ups. but on such a large scale, this can only hap- Bringing bright tech experts and entre- pen as a national effort: prisoners need to preneurs into one space will allow for new receive both psychological and economic ideas to form. Eritrea’s tech hub shall be support, and national reintegration and promoted and developed as a place of skill reconciliation programmes will be needed development, innovation, and above all a as a matter of priority. space where bright youth will find tech- based solutions to local problems. Higher Education The tech hub shall work closely with Eritrean participation, equality, and progress in fundamental to Eritrea’s path towards de- Vision 2030 will put a proud national empha- universities, colleges, and Eritrea’s ICT Eritrea needs to be reinvented: Accelerated mocracy, justice, national security, economic sis on higher education and its institutions. 3 Authority. economic development, democracy, and development, and long-term peace. The two national universities shall be initially built in nationwide peace implore an approach, must therefore be treated as a crosscutting Asmara and two other cities based on study. Gender equality and where women participate and lead at the objective of national interest. marginalized groups forefront at all levels of Eritrea’s society: As a symbol of a new path towards economic Political, economic, social, cultural. Innovation & Technology development and a unique landmark, a Vision 2030 strives towards a nation that is modern, state-of-the art National Library of free, productive, prosperous, and just. This Women quotas need to be established in all Eritrea will harness science, technology, and Eritrea shall be built in the capital city, in- can only be achieved when women are corners of society and across all industries, innovation to hasten achieving the objectives cluding reading and study rooms, computer regarded and treated equal on the nation’s including key leadership positions. of Vision 2030. Innovation and technology and public spaces, as well as meeting and path towards a bright future. will help Eritrea leapfrog from a vulnerable conference facilities for income generation. The same is true for other marginalized aid-dependent state to a stable and produc- This effort needs to reach far beyond giving groups, especially those marginalized due tive economy and, in the long-run, from an Technical and Vocational women a voice for the sake of gender to their ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, agrarian to a knowledge-based economy Education, entrepreneurship equality programmes. Instead, women or geographical location. Both are absolutely thriving on inclusive green growth. programs

Vision 2030 envisages an Eritrea driven by a new wave of entrepreneurship and start-ups. It is paramount that such an initiative would not merely be viewed as a youth campaign programme, but as one of national signifi- cance: Entrepreneurship at large will create opportunities, employment, and aid Eritrea’s socio-economic recovery.

The youth in particular should be viewed not only as those who need jobs, but also as the engine to create them. Entrepreneurship programmes and start-up incubators must therefore be pursued as a quintessential national strategy.

24 25 PILLAR 6: LAND OWNERSHIP AND PILLAR 7: PEACE AND SECURITY CITY MASTERPLANS

Eritrea shall strive towards privatisation of economy based secondary cities across the Inclusive economic development and healthy trade land in the medium-term and in the long- country to increase decentralization, equal relations will increase peace & security. But vice ERITREA VISION versa: the vision for economic development cannot term. Carefully planned ownership reforms opportunity, and inclusion. Secondary cities take place without peace & security at national and shall be carried out where not the state but shall further serve to reduce the pressure regional level. Vision 2030 hence aims at integrating the people of Eritrea and communal entities on Asmara, as the need for services and ‘peace & security‘ in all aspects of the macro-policy own the land. products will grow among the country’s population. plan to safeguard the wellbeing of the Eritrean Privatisation encompasses the transfer of people. ownership of property or businesses from the Government of Eritrea to a privately-owned entity.

City Masterplans

City Masterplans shall be developed for all cities and major towns in Eritrea. The careful planning for Asmara as the capital city, as well as Massawa and Assab for port logistics and tourism ought to be key priority during transition.

City Plans shall be designed on 3 levels:

1. A Concept Plan – to outline the vision and key areas of the city.

2. Zoning Plan – shaping the various land use zones within the city including building regulations

3. City Masterplan – Translate the concept and zoning plans into a detailed land use and land development plan including numbered plots.

Secondary Cities

Beyond the development of Asmara, and the two port cities of Massawa and Assab, Vision 2030 promotes the development of 8 green

26 27 WORKING TOWARDS A CONDUCIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Ease of Doing Business Ranking: Eritrea is 189 out of 190 Ranking on Doing Business topics (1-190) - Eritrea

107

153 168 178 185 186 187 186 185 188

Starting a Dealing with Getting Registering Getting Protecting Paying Trading Enforcing Resolving Business Construction Electricity Property Credit Minority Taxes Across Contracts Insolvency Permits Investors Borders

28 29 IMPLEMENTING MARKETING, ORGANS PR AND DIPLOMATIC LIAISON

Eritrea lags decades behind in development. Vision 2030 has the objective to lead Eritrea towards peace, freedom and economic development in accordance with its constitution, and accelerate that journey.

There will be a wide range of implementing EBIB would join the many Investment Pro- This can only be achieved by implementing visionary strategies alongside with marketing, entities, both public and private, to bring a motion Centres across Africa but would PR, and diplomatic Liaison including the following: grand national economic vision to fruition. In stand out among only a handful in regard this shortened popular version, the following to exponential effectiveness, as the CEO • Active participation of Eritrea’s public and private sector representatives at diplomatic implementing body among other is relevant and board shall have executive powers. This missions, trade missions, and economic summits. for the preparatory phase. means that EBIB would serve as a de facto • Active participation of Eritrea’s public and private sector representatives at regional and Ministry of Development, working closely international expos and conferences with all state ministries. Eritrea Business and • Engagements of international PR agencies Investment Board (EBIB): It is recommended that a preliminary version • Increasing visibility through a powerful media strategy that introduces the transformation, One Stop Shop of EBIB shall be formed prior to Eritrea’s beauty, opportunity, and green economy of Eritrea to the world. post-dictatorship transition – as a civic associ- An Eritrea Business and Investment Board ation lead by professionals. This is paramount (EBIB) would serve as a One-Stop-Shop to speed up the complex process of incep- during transition with the aim to fast- tion, including preparatory frameworks and track Eritrea’s economic development initiation of feasibility studies, groundwork, by streamlining business and investment organization, and policy work. related processes and enabling accelerated private sector growth.

30 31 BEYOND VISION 2030

Vision 2030 aims to mark a change of first popular shortened version (1) of Vision Eritrea is endowed with rich natural direction for all Eritreans. It is meant to 2030 put together under the auspices resources, advantageous geographical ERITREA VISION serve as a national guideline towards sus- of the Movement for Eritrean People’s position and, most importantly, blessed tainable, inclusive economic development, Sovereignty by Eritrean professionals and with a diverse, patriotic, and hard-working and a visionary beacon of hope. experts is an essential development and human capital - its people. very much work in progress, as detailed Eritrea is not poor. It has only been driven assessments and policy papers need to be Vision 2030 is a powerful visualization of into poverty, destruction, and economic drafted on a wide range of socio-economic a national concept in which all Eritreans starvation as a result of dictatorship, topics. But these crucial preparatory efforts - regardless of their background and affiliation - will be free and prosper in a foreign agendas, and their few enablers. have started to avoid more delays. The immense engagements of committed sovereign and democratically lead nation It is time that the people of Eritrea and, in Eritreans, professionals, and activists across state. particular, Eritrea’s new and young gen- the world demonstrate that the torch of eration take back the steering wheel.This hope shines brighter than ever.

32 33 ERITREA VISION

Eritrea Business and Investment Board www.eritreabib.com [email protected]

Eritrean People’s Sovereignty (EPS) [email protected]