Culture and Business Etiquette Presentation EthiopiaBy: Harryzon Gomez

Introduction Capital – Addis Ababa Ethiopia is east of the United States and

is in the mid-east of Africa, near Sudan. 82,101,998 people live in Ethiopia. They speak English and Amharic. Christian and Muslim religion is

practiced.

Interesting Fact About The Country Knowledge of a few words of Amharic

will be very useful and appreciated. Some of the more useful are Tena

Yistillign - 'Hello'; Ow - 'Yes'; Aydellem - 'No'; and Sintinew - 'How much is this?'.

Business Appearance Of Natives Businesspeople should wear suits and

ties for business visits.

Behavior In Business Since relationships are extremely

important, meetings start with extended social pleasantries.

The meeting will end when everyone has had their say and the most senior Ethiopians decide that there is nothing left to be discussed.

Performing favours indicates friendship.

Language And Business Greeting Mainly Speak English. Greetings are formal and courteous. Handshakes are somewhat prolonged

and not especially firm. Never rush greeting; enquire about

people’s families, health and work. Present and receive business cards with

the right hand only or with both hands.

Customs That Are Offensive In That Country Punctuality is not strictly adhered to

although considerable lateness is also unacceptable.

You may have to remove your shoes at the door.

You will always be offered a cup of coffee. It is considered impolite to refuse.

Only use the right hand for eating.