Tsedale Lemma — Profile, Impact & Significance
Who is Tsedale Lemma
Addis Standard’s founder and editor-in-chief, Tsedale Lemma, is a prominent Ethiopian journalist and media entrepreneur. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2 She graduated with a BA in Print Journalism from Addis Ababa University and earned a diploma in online journalism from Stockholm University. Wikipedia+1
Her career in journalism began around 2000, when she worked as a reporter and later became a senior reporter at Addis Tribune. Wikipedia+1 Before founding Addis Standard, she spent years (2005–2010) working at the embassy of Israel in Addis Ababa — first as public relations advisor, then as media and political-affairs advisor.
She founded Addis Standard (first as a monthly magazine) in February 2011 after leaving the embassy, laying the groundwork for one of Ethiopia’s most significant independent periodicals.
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What Addis Standard Represents & Her Editorial Vision
Independent Journalism: Under Lemma’s direction, Addis Standard became known for critical, outspoken reporting on political, social, and economic concerns in Ethiopia.
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Bridging Local and International Audiences: The journal publishes in many languages (English, Amharic, Afaan Oromo), enhancing accessibility both within Ethiopia and globally.
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Focus on Press Freedom & Democracy: Given the nation’s recent political upheaval, Lemma has continuously expressed support for press freedom, contending that independent media is necessary to hold those in positions of authority accountable.
Courage Under Pressure: Operating independent media in Ethiopia has often been risky. Yet under Lemma’s guidance, Addis Standard has persisted — even under government crackdowns.
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Risks, Resilience & Recent Challenges
In 2021, Ethiopia’s media regulator canceled Addis Standard’s license – a blow to independent journalism.
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Lemma strongly decried the suspension and committed to legally defend the station.
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More recently, in April 2025, plainclothes federal police searched Addis Standard’s newsroom and the residence of its IT manager. Senior workers were briefly held, and laptops, phones, and external drives were taken – generating major worries about press freedom and data security.
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Despite these pressures, Addis Standard continues to publish — demonstrating resilience and a commitment to independent reporting even under duress.
Why Tsedale Lemma Matters: Impact & Influence
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Voice of Independent Press: In a media landscape often dominated by state-aligned outlets, Lemma and Addis Standard provide a platform for critical and independent journalism.
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Accountability & Public Discourse: Their reporting has informed public debate on political reforms, human rights, conflict, and societal issues in Ethiopia.
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Inspiration for Journalists & Media Entrepreneurs: Lemma’s journey — from reporter to founder of a leading independent publication — serves as a model for aspiring journalists in Africa and beyond.
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Symbol of Press Freedom Struggle: Her work underscores the challenges and importance of maintaining media independence under political pressure, a broader struggle for many countries.
Important Lessons
Tsedale Lemma manages one of Ethiopia’s leading independent media outlets by fusing professional journalistic training with practical expertise (print media, embassy communications).
Through Addis Standard, she championed independent, critical journalism — linking local challenges with global knowledge.
She has persevered in the face of government crackdowns and attempts at censorship, showing bravery and dedication to the free press.
Lemma’s narrative is not only personal – it symbolizes the broader power and fragility of independent journalism in constrained contexts.