The Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) and Cooperative Bank of Oromia (CBO) announced a strategic partnership on May 13, 2024, through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the EEA headquarters in Addis Ababa. This collaboration focuses on research, training, and event organization, with the primary goal of fostering development within Ethiopia’s financial sector.
The partnership leverages the complementary strengths of both institutions. The EEA brings a wealth of expertise in economic research and policy engagement, while CBO boasts an extensive network and a deep commitment to customer experience, particularly within the cooperative and agricultural sectors.
Professor Mengistu Ketema, CEO of the EEA, emphasized the timeliness of this partnership. He stated, “Collaboration with financial institutions is not a luxury but a necessity as Ethiopia undergoes its ongoing financial sector reforms.” Getaneh Girma, Diaspora and Institution Banking Director at CBO, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of joint efforts to drive meaningful change in financial service provision.
The MoU is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, improved communication, and a more collaborative environment. By combining their expertise, the EEA and CBO aim to generate valuable insights that will contribute significantly to the development of Ethiopia’s financial sector.
