On March 13, 2024, a delegation from the Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI) and the USAID Policy Link East Africa Regional Office visited the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA). The delegation, led by DAI Senior Portfolio Director Richard Rapier and consisting of USAID Policy Link East Africa Regional Director Robert Ouma, USAID/Policy LINK Project’s Technical Programs Director Mr. Amogne Diress, and Mr. Dereje Biruk, aimed to identify potential areas for collaboration and joint engagement.
Professor Mengistu Ketema, CEO of the EEA, welcomed the delegation and provided a concise overview of the organization’s expertise and experience. Productive discussions followed, focusing on shared objectives in areas such as evidence-based research, policy dialogue, capacity building for policymakers, and promoting community resilience. From EEA’s side, Dr. Degye Goshu, Director of Research and Policy Analysis, and Dr. Abule Mehare, Acting Director of Partnership and Communication, participated in the Discussion.
Both parties expressed strong mutual interest in collaboration. The discussions resulted in a consensus to develop a partnership that leverages the strengths of both organizations. This collaboration aims to influence policy decisions and contribute to improved well-being for Ethiopian communities.
