Ethiopia's 'cupcake divide' in Addis Ababa

Add caption

Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing non-oil economies in Africa, but while a growing middle class aspire to symbols of modernity - such as cupcakes - for most, this new Africa is not a reflection of real life.

Red Velvet. Caribbean Breeze. Vanilla Fever. Brunette. The choice was overwhelming.

I was standing at the counter of a cafe in Addis Ababa and I was looking at cupcakes. Piled high with icing in unnatural shades of turquoise, lime green and a devastating pink.

The Cupcake Delights Bakery, as it is called, was full.

Smartly dressed Ethiopians sipped tea and nibbled on the colourful cakes.

An Indian woman swept in and placed a large order. Chinese men in business suits asked the waitress to bring them fresh fruit cocktails.

Across the road, a place named The Beer Garden was also popular with the Chinese.