Wired News have an article today about Ethiopean eCommerce site EthioGift. They provide a service where (I'm assuming here) Ethiopians abroad can buy gifts for family and friends back home.

One of the things that you can buy as a gift is Sheep, in 3 different sizes with prices between $41-$66. Other products offered are cakes, spirits and coffee (I love Ethiopean Coffee).

The Wired article also mentions the problems faced by the site, with the lack of credit cards and internet usage in Ethiopia. They have tried different kinds of payments but have focused on Credit Cards due to problems with other systems.

This is interesting. I've heard of similar sites in Pakistan and India, but this is the first ecommerce site Ive heard of in Ethiopia.

My guess is, that if payment systems can be sorted out. For example an alternative to credit cards such as e-gold or GoldMoney. They would hit it off. I'll try and contact Dawid Bekele the owner and see if I can be of any help. In any case it would be interesting to hear more.

(Writing from currently very sunny Madrid Barajas Airport)