Ethiopian Economics Association

EEA and OPDC Hold Inception Report Workshop on Budget Allocation and Utilization Research Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – December 26, 2024 The Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) and the Oromia Planning and Development Commission (OPDC) hosted a workshop today to present the inception report for their joint research project, “Budget Allocation and Utilization in Oromia Region, Ethiopia.” The event, held at the EEA headquarters, gathered experts and leaders from various sectoral bureaus and stakeholders across the region. The workshop served as a platform for stakeholders to review and provide critical feedback on the research framework, ensuring the study’s comprehensiveness and alignment with regional priorities. In his address, Prof. Mengistu Ketema, CEO of the EEA, emphasized the pivotal role of collaboration in driving impactful research. “The expertise and insights shared today are invaluable in refining this study to ensure it addresses the region’s challenges and contributes effectively to evidence-based policymaking,” he said. Dr. Abdi Yuya Ahmad, OPDC Commissioner, lauded the engagement of sectoral leaders in shaping the study. “The inputs provided by experts from various bureaus enhance the scope and depth of the research, ensuring its relevance and practical application in policy formulation,” he said. Participants highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the research process and stressed the need for the study to consider the diverse socioeconomic contexts within Oromia. This collaborative approach is expected to enhance the quality and applicability of the research findings. The study aims to propose a more equitable and efficient budget allocation formula that aligns with the region’s development priorities. The finalized research outcomes are anticipated to play a critical role in shaping Oromia’s financial governance policies. Ethiopian Economics Association

Call for Expression of Interest The Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) is pleased to invite expressions of interest from qualified members of the Association for an upcoming training program aimed at developing expertise in Qualitative Data Analysis in Economics. This training will provide participants with the essential skills and techniques to analyze qualitative data collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and online and phone interviews. The training is specifically designed to enhance the capacity of EEA members in Qualitative Data Management and Analysis: Applying ATLAS.ti. Objectives The training aims to empower participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively conduct and manage qualitative research in economics. Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on practice, participants will: 1. To equip participants with the necessary skills to effectively manage and analyze qualitative data. 2. To provide hands-on experience using ATLAS.ti, a leading software tool for qualitative analysis. 3. To enhance participants’ understanding of qualitative research methodologies and their application in economic research. Venue The training will take place at EEA’s training hall, located at Lemi Kura, woreda 11, CMC area. Adjacent to St. Michael Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The exact date will be communicated to shortlisted participants. Participants should send their expression of interest and CV at: 👉 Google form (https://lnkd.in/epFsHjyK) (https://lnkd.in/eyvg3fDz) on or before December 31, 2024, 6:00PM (GMT+3) Note: The cost of the training will be covered by Volunteer Member, and lunch and refreshment will be provided by the Association. However, all other associated expenses will be covered by the applicant.

Dr. Wolday Amha’s Family Donates Valuable Book Collection to the Ethiopian Economics Association Library Addis Ababa, December 6, 2024: The family of the late Dr. Wolday Amha, a visionary economist and a key figure in shaping Ethiopia’s economic landscape, has made a momentous contribution to the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) Library. The generous donation of books, led by Mr. Amha Alemu and Ms. Haromen Asefa, reflects the family’s commitment to preserving Dr. Wolday’s legacy and supporting the advancement of economics in Ethiopia. The donation was celebrated at a special ceremony attended by members of the EEA Executive Committee and Management, including Dr. Addis Kassahun, Vice President of the EEA, Dr. Worku Gebeyehu, Editor in Chief of the Ethiopian Journal of Economics, and Prof. Mengistu Ketema CEO of the EEA. The speakers lauded the family’s thoughtful gesture and reflected on Dr. Wolday’s exceptional contributions to the EEA and the nation’s economic development. Dr. Wolday Amha, who served as the 5th President of the EEA from 2005 to 2012 and as a member of its Executive Committee from 2000 onward, was a pillar of the Association. His leadership during challenging times helped solidify the EEA’s reputation as an independent, non-partisan institution dedicated to fostering economic research, dialogue, and policy advocacy. Under his guidance, the EEA flourished, championing professionalism and integrity while influencing Ethiopia’s economic thought and policy framework. The donated collection, now housed in a dedicated section of the EEA Library called “Dr. Wolday’s Collection”, offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for students, researchers, and policymakers. The collection embodies Dr. Wolday’s passion for learning and his dedication to advancing economic scholarship. To further honor his legacy, the EEA has established the “Wolday Amha Best PhD Dissertation Award,” a year ago, recognizing outstanding doctoral research in economics and ensuring his contributions continue to inspire excellence among young economists. Speaking at the event, Dr. Addis emphasized the importance of the donation. “This contribution not only honors the memory of Dr. Wolday but also enriches our library, offering invaluable resources to those working to solve Ethiopia’s economic challenges,” he said. The EEA invites its members and the broader academic community to visit the library and engage with Dr. Wolday’s Collection. This remarkable donation exemplifies how the legacy of a visionary leader can serve as a cornerstone for intellectual growth and national progress. Ethiopian Economics Association

Ethiopian Economics Association Engages in Strategic Dialogue with Israeli Diplomats On December 2, 2024, the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) participated in a pivotal discussion with H.E. Dr. Avraham Neguise, Ambassador of the State of Israel to Ethiopia, and Ambassador Leo, Director of Economic Affairs for Africa and the Caribbean at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting, attended by representatives from the financial sector, the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce, Addis Ababa University, College of Business and Economics, and private sector stakeholders, focused on enhancing trade, investment, research, and fostering mutually beneficial collaboration between the two nations. In their remarks, H.E. Dr. Avraham Neguise and Ambassador Leo underscored the long-standing relationship between Ethiopia and Israel, emphasizing its foundation in mutual respect and shared aspirations. They highlighted the significant opportunities for collaboration, including trade expansion, investment in emerging industries, and knowledge exchange in key areas such as small and micro-level enterprises, aerospace, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The dialogue emphasized the importance of creating a win-win partnership that benefits both nations by driving innovation, promoting sustainable economic growth, and unlocking new investment opportunities. The Ethiopian Economics Association expressed strong enthusiasm for the proposed initiatives and stressed the need for practical mechanisms to implement the shared vision effectively. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and research, paving the way for a prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship between Ethiopia and Israel.

Ethiopia’s Exchange Rate Reform: New Study Reveals Risks and Opportunities The Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) has released a new working paper, WP 26, authored by Yetsedaw Emagne and Tadele Ferede, offering insights into Ethiopia’s transition to a market-determined foreign exchange rate policy aimed at reunifying official and parallel market rates. The paper highlights that the adoption of a floating exchange rate regime has significantly reduced the gap between the two rates, with the margin dropping to less than 10% by the third week of August 2024, compared to 98% before the policy’s announcement. Using a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model, the authors evaluate two exchange rate adjustment scenarios: gradual adjustment and full reunification. Both scenarios are associated with economic contraction and inflation spikes, but the reunification scenario is deemed riskier, leading to more severe disruptions and slower recovery. The findings emphasize the need for careful and pragmatic management of the reform to mitigate potential economic challenges, providing valuable guidance for policymakers navigating Ethiopia's exchange rate reforms. https://lnkd.in/e2tN87m8

All interested EEA members are invited to attend!

Validation Workshop on Multidimensional Poverty in Urban Oromia Held at EEA Headquarters November 21, 2024 – The Ethiopian Economic Association (EEA) hosted the Final Validation Workshop on “Multidimensional Poverty in Urban Oromia, Ethiopia” at its conference room in Addis Ababa. The workshop brought together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to validate findings and discuss actionable strategies for addressing poverty in the region. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Abdi Yuya Ahmad, OPDC Commissioner, and Prof. Mengistu Ketema, CEO of EEA, emphasizing the critical role of evidence-based research in informing policy. Key presentations by Dr. Mekonnen Bersisa highlighted the complexities of multidimensional poverty, sparking a robust discussion among participants. The event concluded with a forward-looking session where Dr. Abdi Yuya Ahmad and Prof. Mengistu Ketema outlined opportunities for future collaboration and research. Participants appreciated the depth of analysis and the practical implications of the findings, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts to tackle poverty in urban Oromia. The workshop served as a platform for fostering dialogue, validating research, and strengthening partnerships, ensuring that the insights gained will contribute to impactful policies and programs in the region.

EEA and OPDC Sign Agreement for Groundbreaking Research on Budget Allocation in Oromia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – November 21, 2024 – The Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) and Oromia Planning and Development Commission (OPDC) have officially signed a contract to collaborate on a critical research project aimed at improving budget allocation and utilization in the Oromia National Regional State. The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdi Yuya Ahmad, OPDC Commissioner, and Prof. Mengistu Ketema, CEO of EEA, during a formal ceremony held at the EEA headquarters. The study, titled "Budget Allocation and Utilization in Oromia Region, Ethiopia," will investigate public budget trends, allocation criteria, and spending efficiency across the region. With a focus on equity and alignment with government priorities, the research aims to propose an alternative budget allocation formula to address existing challenges. Key objectives include analyzing budget allocation by districts and sectors, evaluating the relevance of allocation criteria, and assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to fostering evidence-based policymaking that ensures sustainable development and equitable resource distribution in Oromia. The findings of the study are expected to provide valuable insights for enhancing financial governance and promoting balanced regional development. The partnership marks a significant step forward in addressing budgetary challenges in Oromia, with the EEA bringing its technical expertise and the OPDC facilitating access to critical data and stakeholder engagement. Both parties expressed optimism about the study’s potential to inform impactful policy reforms. Ethiopian Economics Association

Call for Expression of Interest: Associate Researcher The Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) is excited to announce an opportunity for an Associate Researcher to join a short-term research project titled “Land Policy, Sustainable Land Management, and Agricultural Land Consolidation in Ethiopia: Evidence for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Commercialization.” This research aims to explore how land policy, sustainable land management (SLM), and agricultural land consolidation (ALC) through cluster farming can drive agricultural transformation in Ethiopia. Therefore, we encourage members of the association who hold a PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or related fields, and who have demonstrated expertise and a successful track record in similar projects, to submit their expression of interest and a short CV by December 3, 2024. Submission Link: call@eea-et.org Professionalism and Economic Thinking for Development!

Ethiopian Journal of Economics Achieves Renewed Accreditation Addis Ababa, 6 November 2024 – The Ethiopian Journal of Economics (EJE) has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence by successfully passing the Ministry of Education’s accreditation evaluation. With this recent evaluation, EJE has renewed its official accreditation, which is now valid for an additional three years. This achievement reflects the journal’s longstanding dedication to publishing and disseminating high-quality, innovative, and original research in the field of economics. Currently on its 33rd volume, EJE has been an integral part of the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) since the Association’s establishment. Over the years, the journal has maintained a strong reputation for academic rigor, integrity, and relevance in its publications. This achievement further underscores EEA’s mission to contribute to Ethiopia’s economic knowledge and research base. The Ethiopian Economics Association extends its warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks to the authors, reviewers, and editorial board members of EJE. Their dedication and commitment to producing top-tier research continue to be the backbone of the journal’s success. EEA looks forward to seeing EJE uphold and expand upon this legacy in the coming years. Ethiopian Economics Association visit: https://lnkd.in/epBrzQEA