The Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) convened a Validation Workshop on Budget Allocation and Utilization in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia, on January 5, 2026, at the EEA Conference Room. The workshop brought together senior officials, researchers, and stakeholders to review research findings and deliberate on policy-relevant insights aimed at strengthening public finance management in the region.

The program opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Mengistu Ketema, Chief Executive Officer of the EEA, and Dr. Mekonnen Bersisa, Deputy Commissioner of the Oromia Planning and Development Commission (OPDC). The opening session underscored the importance of evidence-based budgeting and effective utilization of public resources to support inclusive and sustainable development in Oromia.

A central feature of the workshop was the presentation of the research report by Dr. Arega Shumetie, followed by an in-depth discussion of Participants engaged in substantive dialogue, providing technical feedback and policy-oriented recommendations to refine the study and enhance its practical relevance.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Mengistu Ketema, who emphasized the value of collaborative validation processes in improving research quality and informing policymaking. The event reaffirmed EEA’s commitment to supporting data-driven decision-making and fostering constructive engagement between researchers and policymakers.