Nairobi, Feb. 19 -- So, Ethiopian Airlines, being an enduring international carrier, isn't an accident! As reported on January 30, the Ethiopians had already made their own airplane by 1935, nine decades ago!

The two-seater bird, which the invading Italians grabbed and only returned to its rightful owners last month, was made by Ethiopian technicians with a German pilot at the Emperor's command. Aviation is part of Ethiopian culture, after all!

The plane was named Tsehay, after the Emperor's daughter. Beautiful motivation for innovation. Suppose the eight presidents of the East African Community each bequeathed the region a daring, darling project named after their favourite daughters, so by the time Ethiopia joins EAC they find us with...