In the Ethiopian political arena there is a discussion on the accuracy the figure and statistics of
economic growth rate. My opinion is that the discussion should instead focus on the sources
of the economic growth. Employment generation and productivity levels play key role in
achieving high rates of growth and reduction of poverty. Where are most jobs created: in
agriculture, the service and/or manufacturing sector? How fast is employment created in the
given sectors? What are the sources of unemployment and under-employment? Do we have
the right strategy and policy in expanding employment opportunity for a growing labour force
in the country? This article tries to address these challenges very briefly. The data sources
used in the study include Central Statistic Authority (CSA) Statistical Abstracts 1969-2007,
CSA labor force surveys of 1999 and 2005 and CSA Agricultural Sample Survey of 2006/07
(see references).