Ethiopian Economics Association

07/08/2026

African Development Bank Launches Ethiopia Country Focus Report 2026 in Collaboration with the Ethiopian Economics Association

The African Development Bank (AfDB), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA), launched the Ethiopia Country Focus Report 2026 on 6 August 2026 at the Ethiopian Economics Association Conference Hall in Addis Ababa.

The report, titled “Mobilizing Ethiopia’s Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World,” examines Ethiopia’s development financing challenges and opportunities and presents policy recommendations to support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic transformation.

The launch brought together senior government officials, development partners, academics, private sector representatives, and policymakers. Opening remarks were delivered by Professor Kevin Chika Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management of the African Development Bank Group; Professor Mengistu Ketema, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Economics Association; and Mr. Nathaniel. Agola, Senior Economist at the AfDB Ethiopia Country Office. The event was officially opened by Professor Abebe Shimeles, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Finance.

The report was presented by Mr. Nathaniel Agola, Chief Country Economist for Ethiopia, and Mr. Admit Zerihun, Senior Macroeconomist at the African Development Bank. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring Mr. Samuel Mulugeta (World Bank), Professor Mengistu Ketema (Ethiopian Economics Association), and Professor Abebe Shimeles (Ministry of Finance), followed by an engaging plenary discussion with participants.

The event reaffirmed the African Development Bank’s commitment to supporting evidence-based policymaking and fostering informed policy dialogue in Ethiopia through its continued partnership with the Ethiopian Economics Association.

23/07/2026

EEA Research Team Holds Productive Discussion with International Researchers

The Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) research team held a productive discussion with visiting academics from the Growth Research Platform (GRP), organized by FCDO Ethiopia in collaboration with IGC Ethiopia. The meeting focused on Ethiopia's structural transformation and informality, providing a platform to exchange research perspectives and discuss opportunities for evidence-based policymaking and future research collaboration.

The discussion reaffirmed EEA's commitment to strengthening partnerships that advance high-quality research and support Ethiopia's economic transformation.

18/07/2026

Unlocking Africa's Economic Transformation: Innovation, Integration, and Inclusive Growth

The 23rd International Conference on the Ethiopian Economy continued with a high-level plenary session co-organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), bringing together policymakers, researchers, and development partners to discuss Africa's evolving economic landscape. The session featured presentations on the Economic Report on Africa 2026, Special Economic Zones, Regional Value Chains, Trade in Value Added, and the Africa Sustainable Development Report 2026. Discussions emphasized that innovation, frontier technologies, regional integration, and value addition are critical to accelerating Africa's structural transformation, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

18/07/2026

Day Two Highlights: Advancing Ethiopia's Reform Agenda

The second day of the 23rd International Conference on the Ethiopian Economy opened with a high-level plenary session co-organized by the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) and the Ministry of Finance. The session featured opening remarks by Prof. Abebe Shimelis, Senior Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Finance, and insightful presentations on Ethiopia's macroeconomic and structural reforms.

The plenary included an overview of the Macroeconomic and Structural Reform Report presented by Firehiwot Hindamo, and a short paper presentation on Assessing the Optimal Government Domestic Borrowing by Estubdink Sileshi followed by an engaging panel discussion moderated by Astewaye Bekele, Advisor, Ministry of Finance. The discussion brought together distinguished experts, Prof. Abebe Shimels, Tewodros Mekonnen, Mezgebu Amha, Daniel Tilahun, and Anteneh Geremew, who shared diverse perspectives on the progress, challenges, and future direction of Ethiopia's reform agenda.

17/07/2026

High-Level Policy Dialogue

Navigating the New Global Reality: Insights from Leading Economists
The Conference's High-Level Policy Dialogue brought together leading economists and policy experts to deliberate on "The New Global Reality: Rethinking Development, Resilience, and Economic Transformation."

Moderated by Prof. Belay Kassa, the panel featured: Prof. Abebe Shemele, Dr. Alemayehu Seyoum Taffesse, Kebour Ghenna, Dr. Selamawit G/egziabher
The discussion explored Ethiopia's development prospects amidst evolving global economic realities and emphasized evidence-based policy responses.

17/07/2026

Recognizing Excellence and Lasting Contributions

As part of the 23rd International Conference of the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA), the Association proudly honored two distinguished individuals whose dedication has significantly advanced economics and the EEA's mission.

Professor Berhanu Nega was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA), and Dr. Assefa Admassie was recognized for his outstanding contribution to Economics Teaching and Research.

The EEA extends its sincere appreciation for their remarkable leadership, scholarship, and commitment to strengthening economic research, education, and evidence-informed policymaking in Ethiopia.

Congratulations to both awardees!

17/07/2026

Opening Ceremony

The 23rd International Conference of the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) officially commenced with opening remarks by Prof. Tassew Woldehanna, President of the EEA, followed by an opening statement from H.E. Ahmed Shide, Minister, Ministry of Finance for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

17/07/2026

The 23rd International Conference of the Ethiopian Economics Association is officially underway!

Today marks the successful opening of the 23rd International Conference of the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) under the theme: "The New Global Reality: Rethinking Development, Resilience, and Economic Transformation."

The conference has brought together policymakers, academics, researchers, development partners, and practitioners to engage in evidence-based dialogue on Ethiopia's macroeconomic reforms, development challenges, and policy solutions. The opening featured a High-Level Policy Dialogue and insightful discussions on navigating an increasingly complex global economic landscape.

We look forward to two days of rich discussions, innovative research presentations, and collaborative learning that will contribute to shaping Ethiopia's development agenda.

17/07/2026