Experts Discuss Ethiopia’s Economic Future Focusing on Long-term Path toward Sustainable Dev't 

Addis Ababa November 21/2024 (ENA) Experts from various professional institutions gathered to share insights on Ethiopia’s economic transformation agenda, following a detailed presentation by  Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development. 

Following yesterday’s dialogue with development partners on Ethiopia’s long-term economic transformation, organized by the Ministry of Planning and Development, today's session focused on the vital contribution of academia and professional associations.

Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, delivered a powerful presentation tracing Ethiopia’s development policies and priorities over the past six decades. Her analysis highlighted the challenges encountered and the opportunities leveraged, especially in light of recent political reforms.

The discussion centered on the country's long-term path toward sustained growth and development.

Key contributions came from prominent figures in economic and policy research. 

Senior Country Economist at the International Growth Center (IGC), Dr. Tewodros Mekonnen emphasized the need for ongoing reevaluation of Ethiopia’s structural transformation efforts to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.

Dr. Alemayehu Seyoum, Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), highlighted the importance of bridging theory and practice to enhance economic knowledge, which is essential for effective policymaking.

 

Senior Advisor at The Tony Blair Institute (TBI), Dr. Taffere Tesfachew discussed trends in export items, underlining the crucial role of exports in driving Ethiopia’s economic development.

The discussion also covered a range of key topics, including capacity building, peace and security, market dynamics, investment in public goods, public-private partnerships, sectoral policy alignment, inflation, unemployment, and the impacts of climate change on agriculture.

Participants posed questions and reflections, prompting responses from Fitsum Assefa and Eyob Tekalign, State Minister of Finance. 

The dialogue underscored the essential role of professionals, researchers, policymakers, and academic institutions in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities for sustainable economic transformation.

The event highlighted a consensus on the importance of expert input in shaping Ethiopia’s future, reinforcing the collaborative effort needed to achieve long-term economic success.

The event brought together scholars, professional associations, higher education representatives, and government officials to discuss “The Role of Academia and Professional Associations in Supporting Long-Term Economic Transformation.”

The discussion emphasized the crucial role of professionals, researchers, and policymakers in overcoming barriers to growth and seizing opportunities for sustainable development and transformation.