The Oromia EEA Regional Chapter was established in 2013 at Jimma University and held its first conference on June 18, 2022, at Central Jimma Hotel, Jimma. second conference was held on November 04, 2023 in Collaboration with Jimma University and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).
A total of 130 participants (19% female) gathered from Jimma, Wollega , Ambo , and Civil Service Universities, Banks, and research institutions participated on the conference.
The highlight of the conference was a panel discussion on Financial Liberalization in Ethiopia: Threats, Opportunities, and Policy Response. The panelists were Dr. Tewodros Makonnen, International Growth Centre, Dr. Atnafu Gebremeskel, Head of Economics Department at AAU, Dr. Yeshi Jima, Vice Head of the Oromia Finance Bureau and Mr. Ibrahim Miftah, a Private Consultant. The second major event was presentation of four regional specific papers by researchers from EEA and the Ethiopian Civil Service University. The two discussions were moderated by Prof. Mengistu Ketema and Dr. Leta Sera, respectively.
During the opening session, Dr. Amdissa Teshome, President of the EEA and Dr. Tadesse Habtamu, Academic Vice President of Jimma University welcomed the participants. Both expressed commitment to strengthening the regional chapter and closely work with the regional government in order to inform regional policy.
Susanne Stollreiter Resident Representative FES Ethiopia also made an inspirational remark. She was delighted to see the conference bringing together experts from academia, government, and the private sector to the conference. Susanne also committed to strengthen the EEA-FES collaboration and thanked the EEA for organizing this important conference.
The conference was also graced with the presence of H.E. Mr.Yusuf Shalo Vice Head of Jimma Zone Administration who delivered an opening speech. He thanked the EEA for choosing Jimma for organizing regional conference.
Finally, H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Dawud, Oromia planning and development commission commissionaire made concluding and closing remark. In this concluding remark, Dr. Abdulaziz made a brief presentation on the regional development planning and performances. He also emphasized strengthening the Jimma regional chapter, and jointly working with the EEA.
Dr. Abdulaziz Dawud also thanked Friedrich Evert Stiftung (FES) for sponsoring the conference.
Ethiopian Economics Association
