Investment Forum Ethiopia - Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial

Government of Ethiopia
FIRST INTERNATIONAL AGRO-INDUSTRY
INVESTMENT FORUM
ETHIOPIA
UNLEASHING ETHIOPIA’S
INVESTMENT POTENTIAL
5 to 7 OCTOBER 2016
UNECA Building
ADDIS ABABA
ETHIOPIA
PROGRAMME
In partnership with:
United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa
Copyright © 2016 by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization
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The document may be freely quoted or reprinted but acknowledgement is requested.
DAY 1 – UNECA, CONFERENCE ROOM 1
B2B, B2G AND EXHIBITION ON THE GROUND FLOOR
8:30 am
Registration and welcoming coffee
9:45 am
Participants take their seats
10:00 am12:00 pm Opening session
Master of ceremony
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Shide, State Minister, Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Ethiopia
Welcoming remarks
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Abtew, Minister of Industry, Ethiopia
Statements
Mr. Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Mr. Gabriel Negatu, Regional Director, Eastern Africa, African Development Bank, Kenya
Ms. Laura Frigenti, Director, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Italy
Mr. Koen Doens, Director for Development Coordination for East and Southern Africa,
Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, European Commission Keynote speech
Mr. LI Yong, Director General, UNIDO
Keynote and official opening address
H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister, Ethiopia
Group photo
Official inauguration of exhibition
Short inauguration by H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister, Ethiopia, and
Mr. LI Yong, Director General, UNIDO.
12:00 pm
Lunch break
2:00-4:00 pm
Session 1: Investment climate and growth of the private sector in Ethiopia
The Government of Ethiopia launched the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II, 2015-2020), a
national development strategy aimed at boosting economic growth with manufacturing at its core. In order
to sustain Ethiopia’s high economic growth rate, recent government reforms and incentives have created
investment and business opportunities in the industrial sector. This session will discuss the overall business
environment and present key policy features that make Ethiopia an attractive destination for companies
interested in investing in agro-industries and allied sectors.
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Moderator
Mr. Henok Assefa, Chief Executive Officer, Precise Consult International, Ethiopia
Presentation
Investment in Ethiopia - Current status and future prospects
Mr. Fitsum Arega, Commissioner, Ethiopian Investment Commission
Panellists
Ms. Cristina Miranda Gozálvez, Deputy Head of Unit, African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of
States and Development Issues, European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and
Rural Development
Mr. Zemedeneh Negatu, Managing Partner, Ernst & Young, Ethiopia
Mr. Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General, Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, Ethiopia
Mr. Daniel Gad, Owner and General Manager, Omega Farms, Ethiopia
Discussion, Q&A
4:00-4:30 pm
Coffee break
4:30-5:30 pm
Session 2 (part 1): Integrated agro-industrial parks and rural industrialization
In an effort to offset regional infrastructure deficiencies and spur rural industrialization and agricultural
commercialization, the Government is establishing four pilot integrated agro-industrial parks (IAIPs). The
session will introduce the concept of IAIPs and provide an overview of the business plans and investment
opportunities in such parks. The development of IAIPs is a priority of Ethiopia’s national development
strategy and a core component of the GTP II. IAIPs are expected to boost private sector engagement,
of both foreign and domestic companies, and address constraints related to land access, infrastructure,
trade logistics, customs regulation and skills. The discussion will focus on how IAIPs can trigger rural
industrialization, and the commercialization of the agriculture and livestock sector through public and
private investment.
Moderator
Professor Tekalign Mamo, Senior Director, Agricultural Commercialization Clusters Initiative,
Agricultural Transformation Agency, Ethiopia
Presentation
Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks Feasibility Study and Business Plan
Mr. B. Suresh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mahindra Consulting Engineers Ltd., India
Discussion, Q&A
5:30 pm
Closing Day 1
6:30 pm
Welcoming dinner
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DAY 2 – UNECA, CONFERENCE ROOM 1
B2B, B2G AND EXHIBITION ON THE GROUND FLOOR
09:00-10:30 am Session 2 (part 2): Integrated agro-industrial parks and rural industrialization
Moderator
Professor Tekalign Mamo, Senior Director, Agricultural Commercialization Clusters Initiative,
Agricultural Transformation Agency, Ethiopia
Panellists
H.E. Dr. Mebrahtu Meles, State Minister, Ministry of Industry, Ethiopia
H.E. Mr. Wondirad Mandefro, State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
Ethiopia
H.E. Dr. Gebregziabher Gebreyohannes, State Minister, Ministry of Livestock and Fishery Resources, Ethiopia
Mr. Tesfalidet Hagos, Chief Executive Officer, Luna Meat Export Abattoir Plc., Ethiopia
Mr. Gao Lei, General Manager of CGCOC Ethiopia, Managing Director of CGCOC East Africa and
Assistant President of CGCOC GROUP Co., Ltd, China
Mr. Sana Jatta, Regional Director of East and Southern Africa, International Fund for Agricultural
Development, Italy
Discussion, Q&A
10:30-10:45 am Coffee break
10:45 am
-12:30 pm
Session 3: The Ethiopian textile and garment sector
An abundance of raw materials, low wages and low energy costs give the Ethiopian textile sector a
comparative advantage over other countries and regions. This includes processes from the spinning, weaving
and finishing of textile fabrics to the manufacturing of knitted and crocheted fabrics, carpets and sportswear.
The Government initiated several reforms aimed at improving the policy environment in the sector, from
cotton production to garment exports. In this session, government officials and private sector representatives
will discuss opportunities and challenges for the growth of the textile and garment sector.
Introduction video
Moderator
Mr. Zemedeneh Negatu, Managing Partner, Ernst & Young, Ethiopia
Panellists
H.E. Mr. Tadesse Haile, State Minister, Ministry of Industry, Ethiopia
Mr. Fasil Tadesse, Managing Director, President, Textile and Garment Manufacturers Association,
Ethiopia
Mr.Yusuf Aydeniz, Chief Executive Officer, AYKA Addis, Ethiopia
Dr. Worku Zewdie, Owner, Knit to Finish Plc., Ethiopia
Ms. Erica van Schaik, Managing Director, Velocity Apparelz Companies Plc.
Discussion, Q&A
12:30 pm
Lunch break
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1:30-3:00 pm
Session 4: The Ethiopian leather and leather products sector
With an annual production of 5 million tons of hides, 8.1 million tons of sheepskin and 7.5 million tons
of goatskin, Ethiopia has a comparative advantage in the leather industry. There are ample opportunities
for investment in tanning, up to the finishing and manufacturing of luggage items, handbags, saddlery and
harness, footwear, garments and other leather goods. Over the past few years, the Government of Ethiopia
has improved the policy environment for the livestock value chain, from skins and hides to leather products
for domestic and export markets. In this session, government officials and private sector representatives will
discuss the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Introduction video
Moderator
Mr. Michael Hailu, Director,Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation,The Netherlands
Panellists
H.E. Mr. Tadesse Haile, State Minister, Ministry of Industry, Ethiopia
Mr.Yigzaw Assefa, President, Leather and Leather Products Industry Association, Ethiopia
Mr. Reg Hankey, Chief Executive Officer, Pittards Plc., Ethiopia
Mr. Opender Kumar Kaul, General Manager, George Shoe Plc., Ethiopia
Ms. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Founder and Managing Director, soleRebels, Ethiopia
Mr. Mwinyikione Mwinyihija, Executive Director, Common Market for East and South Africa, Ethiopia
Discussion, Q&A
3:00-3:30 pm
Coffee break
3:30-5:30 pm
Session 5: Financing private investment in the manufacturing industry and allied activities
Access to finance for investment in the manufacturing industry has traditionally been a key constraint for
the private sector in Ethiopia. A panel discussion featuring representatives of multilateral development
banks, international financial institutions and national banks will elaborate on the possibilities for financing
private sector investment in Ethiopia.
Moderator
Mr. Admasu Nebebe, Director, United Nations Agencies and Regional Economic Cooperation
Directorate, Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Ethiopia
Panellists
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Shide, State Minister, Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Ethiopia
Mr. Muluneh Ayalew, Director, Monetary and Financial Analysis Directorate, National Bank of Ethiopia
Ms. Josephine Ngure, Country Director for Ethiopia, African Development Bank
Mr. Jiyang Shi, President and Chief Executive Officer, China-Africa Development Fund, China
Ms. Carolyn Turk, Country Director for Ethiopia, World Bank
Mr. Adamou Labara, Country Manager for the Horn of Africa, International Finance Corporation
Mr. Christophe Litt, Head of Representation Office to Ethiopia and the African Union, European
Investment Bank
Mr. Tadesse Hatiya, Vice-President, Development Bank of Ethiopia
Discussion, Q&A
5:30 pm
Closing session
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Key takeaways and the way ahead: Mr. LI Yong, Director General, UNIDO
Vote of thanks and official closing: H.E. Mr. Ahmed Abtew, Minister, Ministry of Industry, Ethiopia
6:00 pm
Reception
DAY 3 – B2B, B2G AND EXHIBITION ON THE GROUND FLOOR
9:00 am12:00 pm
B2B, B2G and exhibition
12:00-1:30 pm Lunch break
1:30-5:30 pm
Field visit (Dukem, Eastern Industrial Zone)
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BIOGRAPHIES OF MODERATORS, SPEAKERS AND PANELLISTS
Opening Session
H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister, Ethiopia
Hailemariam Desalegn has served as Prime Minister of Ethiopia since 2012. He previously served
as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Meles Zenawi,
from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Desalegn succeeded Mr. Zenawi in August 2012 as Prime Minister,
initially in an acting capacity. He was elected as Chair of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary
Democratic Front, the ruling party, on 15 September 2012. He also served as the Chairperson
of the African Union from 2013 to 2014. Mr. Desalegn obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Civil
Engineering from Addis Ababa University in 1988. He subsequently worked as a graduate
assistant at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. Shortly after, he obtained a scholarship to attend Tampere
University of Technology in Finland and completed a Master’s degree in Sanitation Engineering. Upon his return to
Ethiopia, he served in a number of academic and administrative positions, including as Dean of the Water Technology
Institute for over a decade.
Mr. Li Yong, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Li Yong, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), has
an extensive career as a senior economic and financial policymaker. As Vice-Minister of Finance
of the People’s Republic of China and member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the
Central Bank for a decade, Mr. LI was involved in setting and harmonizing fiscal, monetary and
industrial policies, and in supporting economic growth in China. He pushed forward financial
sector reform, and prompted major financial institutions to establish corporate governance, deal with
toxic assets and strengthen risk management. Mr. Li has given great importance to fiscal and financial
measures in favour of agricultural development and small and medium-sized enterprises, the cornerstones for creating
economic opportunities, reducing poverty and promoting gender equality. He played a key role in China’s cooperation
with multilateral development organizations, such as the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank.
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Shide, State Minister, Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Ethiopia
Ahmed Shide is the State Minister of the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation.
Prior to that, he served in various roles for the Somali National Regional State, such as Deputy
Bureau Head of the Agricultural and Rural Development Bureau, Senior Development Advisor
to the President in 2008, Head of the Office of Civil Service Reform Bureau from 2004 to 2005,
and Head of the Office of the President and the Cabinet from 2003 to 2004. Mr. Shide was also
the Chairman for the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Pastoral and Rural Development in
the Somali Regional State Parliament in 2003, the Senior Advisor for the Somali Regional President
the following year, and Secretary General for the Somali People’s Democratic Party from 2005 to 2008.
Mr. Shide received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the Ethiopian Civil Service College, a postgraduate diploma in
Managing Rural Resources and Resource Conflicts from the International Institute of Social Studies at The Hague, and a
Master’s of Arts in Participation, Development and Social Change from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom.
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H.E. Mr. Ahmed Abtew, Minister of Industry, Ethiopia
Ahmed Abtew has 20 years of experience in high-level positions. He is the former Deputy
Governor of the Amhara Regional State and former Head of the Bureau of Industry and
Urban Development. For the last 16 years, he also worked as Head of Finance and Economic
Development, Trade Industry, Urban Development and other bureaus of the Ethiopian
Government.
Mr. Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Carlos
Lopes of Guinea-Bissau was selected as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon on 23 March 2012. He brings to the position more than 24 years of experience
at the United Nations, notably as the United Nations Development Programme Resident
Coordinator and Resident Representative in Brazil and Zimbabwe. A member of several African
academic networks, as well as a strategist and socio-economist, Mr. Lopes has vast experience in
capacity-building and technical cooperation, and intends to focus on consensus building among various stakeholders
to ensure that UNECA is a key player in the economic and social development agenda for Africa. Mr. Lopes was
most recently the Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and the Director of
the United Nations System Staff College.
Mr. Gabriel Negatu, Regional Director, Eastern Africa, African Development Bank, Kenya
Gabriel Negatu is the African Development Bank’s Regional Director for Eastern Africa, based
in Nairobi. In this capacity, Mr. Negatu has direct oversight responsibility for 13 countries in
the region, namely: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles,
Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. His responsibilities include managing an
active portfolio of over US $ 6 billion, mainly in infrastructure—power and transport. Mr.
Negatu manages the work of project structuring and lending in the public and private sectors. He
also oversees the Bank’s non-lending activities, including advisory services and analytical work. Prior
to his current position, he was Director of the Bank’s Governance, Economic and Financial Management Department;
with operations responsibility for Economic and Financial reforms and the promotion of good governance, in over
30 countries. Mr. Negatu regularly appears in print and electronic media and is a sought after speaker on Africa’s
development challenges and opportunities.
Ms. Laura Frigenti, Director, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Italy
Prior to her appointment as Director for the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation,
Ms. Frigenti served as Vice-President of the Global Development Practice, a United States
association of non-governmental organizations operating at the international level in the
spheres of emergency and humanitarian aid and development cooperation.
Ms. Frigenti previously spent nearly 20 years at the World Bank, which she joined in 1994 and
where she progressed to increasingly senior positions: lead specialist for social protection for
Africa (2000-2001); Country Programme Coordinator for Turkey (2001-2002); Sector Manager for
Human Development for Africa (2002-2007); Country Programme Director for Central American countries (20082010); Director of Strategy and Director of Operations for Latin America and the Caribbean (2010-2012) and Africa
(2012); and Chief of Staff and Director of the President’s office (2012-2013). She has been active in the development
cooperation sector since 1984.
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Mr.Koen Doens, Director for Development Coordination for East and Southern Africa, DirectorateGeneral for International Cooperation and Development, European Commission
Koen Doens is the Director for Development Coordination for East and Southern Africa in
the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development at the European
Commission. In 2004, he joined the European Commission as Deputy Head of the Cabinet
of Louis Michel, Commissioner in charge of Development and Humanitarian Aid. In 2007, he
became his Head of Cabinet. He continued as Head of Cabinet in 2009 when Karel De Gucht
took over as Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid. In 2010, he was nominated by
European Commission President Barroso as Head of the Spokespersons’ Service, a job he occupied until the end of
October 2014. Prior to his work at the Commission, Mr. Doens was in the Belgian diplomatic service, posted in Syria,
Iran and the Russian Federation. In Belgium, he joined the Cabinet of the Belgian Minister for Foreign Trade,
Annemie Neyts, and subsequently the Cabinet of the Belgian Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Louis Michel. Mr. Doens is also a philologist and a former Professor of Latin and Greek.
SESSION 1: INVESTMENT CLIMATE AND GROWTH OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN ETHIOPIA
Mr. Henok Assefa, Chief Executive Officer, Precise Consult International, Ethiopia
Henok Assefa is the Chief Executive Officer of Precise Consult International in Ethiopia, of
which he is also the founder and principal. Under his leadership, Precise Consult has led
more than 200 strategic engagements with investors, government agencies and development
partners. He has a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degrees in Economics from Fordham
University in New York City.
Mr. Fitsum Arega, Commissioner, Ethiopian Investment Commission
Fitsum Arega has over 20 years of experience serving in government offices, mostly in senior
positions. In the 13 years prior to his current role, Mr. Arega held positions in the Office of the
Prime Minister at different capacities: as Team Leader in the Economic Affairs Sector; Special
Assistant to the Head of Economic Affairs (to the Deputy Prime Minister); Assistant Bureau
Head of the Capital Budget Projects Bureau; and Head of Planning and Management. Before
his appointment as Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, he also served
as Head of the Addis Ababa Investment Agency, Head of the Addis Ababa Trade and Industry
Bureau, and served in different public enterprises as board chairman and member simultaneously.
Ms. Cristina Miranda Gozálvez, Deputy Head of Unit, African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of
States and Development Issues, European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture
and Rural Development
Cristina Miranda Gozálvez is currently the Deputy Head of Unit for the African, Caribbean
and Pacific Group of States and Development Issues at the European Commission in Belgium.
She graduated with honours in Agricultural Engineering, with a specialization in Agricultural
Economy and Rural Sociology, from the University of Cordoba, Spain. She holds a Master’s
degree in European Communities from the Diplomatic School of Madrid.
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Mr. Zemedeneh Negatu, Managing Partner, Ernst & Young, Ethiopia
Zemedeneh Negatu is the Managing Partner for Ernst & Young (E&Y) in Ethiopia and the Head
of the Transaction Advisory Services for Eastern Africa, which includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
and several other countries. He previously served on the firm’s Africa board and as a member
of the E&Y Global Partner Council. Mr. Negatu has extensive experience living and working
around the world including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Saudi Arabia. His
global clients have ranged from Fortune 500 companies to Latin American multinationals.
He has advised clients across Africa in various sectors, including financial services, airlines,
telecommunication, manufacturing and agro-industry. Previously, Mr. Negatu led the E&Y team
which helped transform Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s second biggest airline and more profitable than
all African airlines combined. He has a business degree from Howard University, Washington D.C., completed the LSE
program at the Harvard Business School, Boston, and is a U.S. C.P.A.
Mr. Endalkachew Sime, General Secretary, Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, Ethiopia
Endalkachew Sime is the Secretary General of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral
Associations. For the past 17 years, Mr. Sime has held various positions in the Ethiopian private
sector, including in leadership of private sector organizations and cooperatives, covering areas such
as livestock, textiles and garments, and construction. Mr. Sime has represented the interests of
the Ethiopian private sector at various national business events, and has served as a panellist and
presenter on many regional and international events.This includes: the Global Cotton Summit in
Bangkok,Thailand; COMESA events on private sector strategy development; events of the African
Cotton and Textile Industries Federation on white paper development for the request of extension
under the African Growth and Opportunity Act; the Ethio-Japan Business Investment Forum in Tokyo;
the Ethio-German Business Forum in Munich and Hamburg; the Ethio-India Business Forum in India; and many more.
Mr. Sime has an academic background in Agro-Economics with a specialization in Business Administration.
Mr. Daniel Gad, Owner and General Manager, Omega Farms, Ethiopia
Daniel Gad is the Owner and General Manager Omega Farms Plc., a leading vegetable production
farm in Ethiopia. Prior to this role, Mr. Gad had worked in the telecom industry with AT&T for
18 years. In addition, he also led the venture capital funded IPO of Opus 360, which was later
acquired by a major software development company.
SESSION 2: INTEGRATED AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PARKS AND RURAL INDUSTRIALIZATION
Professor Tekalign Mamo, Senior Director, Agricultural Commercialization Clusters Initiative, Agricultural
Transformation Agency, Ethiopia
Professor Tekalign Mamo is the Senior Director of the Agricultural Commercialization Clusters
Initiative in Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA). He is the former State
Minister of Agriculture, and currently leads two flagship projects, namely the National Digital
Soil Fertility Mapping and the Agricultural Commercialization Clusters Initiative, both being
implemented through the coordination of the ATA. He is also a recipient of numerous national
and international awards, the latest being the African Green Revolution Laureate Prize in 2014
and the 2016 International Fertilizer Industry Association Norman Borlaug award. He holds a
PhD in Soil Chemistry and Soil Fertility from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.
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Mr. B. Suresh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mahindra Consulting Engineers Ltd., India
B. Suresh is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Mahindra Consulting Engineers
Ltd. (MACE) in India, which belongs to the US $17.8 billion Mahindra Group. He has over 29
years of experience in the engineering consultancy sector. He has held various leadership
positions in engineering and infrastructure consultancy companies, being responsible for overall
company management, business development, operations and day-to-day management, and
has spearheaded several successful and innovative infrastructure and industrial projects in India.
Mr. Suresh also has vast international experience and has authored several technical publications.
He holds a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay,
and graduated with distinction in Engineering from the Regional Engineering College in Bhopal, India.
H.E. Dr. Mebrahtu Meles, State Minister, Ministry of Industry, Ethiopia
Mebrahtu Meles has more than 15 years of management experience at both senior and
executive levels. He has extensive experience in managing and organizing various regional
and federal private sector-supporting institutions, and other private sector programmes and
projects. He holds a PhD in Research Private Sector Development and a Master’s of Science
degree in Economics and Management in the Agro-Industrial Complex.
H.E. Mr. Wondirad Mandefro, State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ethiopia
Wondirad Mandefro serves as State Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural
Resources of Ethiopia, a post he holds since 2010. He started his professional career in 1989
as a junior researcher in nematology at the Ambo Plant Protection Research Centre of the
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). For the following ten years, Mr. Mandefro
held various research positions at the EIAR until 2007. In November 2007, he joined the
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as Director of the Agricultural Extension
Directorate. Mr. Mandefro is an Ethiopian crop genetist with a Master’s of Science degree in
Applied Genetics from Addis Ababa University as well as a Master of Science degree in Mematology
from the University of Gent, Belgium.
H.E. Dr. Gebregziabher Gebreyohannes, State Minister, Ministry of Livestock and Fishery Resources, Ethiopia
Gebregziabher Gebreyohannes was appointed as State Minister for Livestock and Fishery Resources
in 2013. He has extensive experience in Ethiopia’s livestock sector and more than 25 years of
research experience. He served in the Oromia and Tigray agricultural research institutes in
different research and administrative positions, most recently as Director General of the Tigray
Agricultural Research Institute. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science
degree from Haramaya University where he was a graduate fellow in Animal Production at
the International Livestock Research Institute. He holds a PhD in Dairy Animal Breeding from
Kasetsart University, Thailand.
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Mr. Tesfalidet Hagos, Chief Executive Officer, Luna Meat Export Abattoir Plc., Ethiopia
Tesfalidet Hagos is the Chief Executive Officer of Luna Meat Export Abattoir Plc. Prior to that,
he acquired more than 20 years of experience as a Junior Economist in the North East Ethiopia
Regional Planning Office and then as Commercial Manager at Custom Computing Private
Company. He studied Economics and Information Science and holds a Bachelor’s degree and
Master’s Diploma from the University of Asmara and University of Bergen, Norway.
Mr. Gao Lei, General Manager of CGCOC Ethiopia, Managing Director of CGCOC East Africa,
Assistant President of CGCOC Group and President of the Ethiopia Chinese Chamber of
Investment, Vice President of the Ethiopia Chinese Chamber of Commerce since 2014
Gao Lei is the General Manager of CGCOC Ethiopia, Managing Director of CGCOC East Africa,
Assistant President of CGCOC Group, President of the Ethiopia Chinese Chamber of Investment,
and Vice-President of the Ethiopia Chinese Chamber of Commerce since 2014.
Mr. Gao first came to Ethiopia in 2006 as an Engineer and Project Manager. He was then appointed as
the Manager of the Operation Department, Deputy General Manager of CGCOC Ethiopia and then General Manger.
In 2014, he was assigned as Managing Director of the whole CGCOC Eastern Africa region and Assistant President of
CGCOC Group. Under his leadership, CGCOC Ethiopia has expanded its business from infrastructure construction to real
estate, new energy, trade, industrial investment and agriculture development. Based on CGCOC’s economic achievements,
social influence and contribution, Mr. Gao was elected as President of the Ethiopia Chinese Chamber of Investment, VicePresident of the Ethiopia-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in 2014.
Mr. Gao holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Sichuan University, China, and a Master’s degree in Environmental
Engineering from the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Mr. Sana Jatta, Regional Director of East and Southern Africa, International Fund
for Agricultural Development, Italy
Sanna Jatta is the Regional Director of East and Southern Africa at the International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD) since April 2015.Prior to his present appointment,he was IFAD’s
Lead Portfolio Advisor for the Asia and Pacific region, in which he assisted the Regional Director in
strategic planning, business expansion, and day-to-day management of the Division. Mr. Jatta joined
IFAD in 1987 as the first African Associate Programme Officer of the Fund and has since worked
in various capacities including as Technical Advisor, Project Controller, Country Portfolio Manager,
and Country Programme Manager in fifteen countries.
Prior to joining IFAD, he worked for the Government of The Gambia, first as the Deputy Head of the Agricultural
Engineering Division of the Department of Agriculture, and subsequently as the Deputy Director of a large (2000
hectares) multi-donor funded irrigation development project co-funded by IFAD.
Mr. Jatta holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Cranfield University and a Master’s of Science
in Soil Science and Water Management from the Wageningen Agricultural University (Netherlands).
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SESSION 3: THE ETHIOPIAN TEXTILE AND GARMENT SECTOR
Mr. Zemedeneh Negatu, Managing Partner, Ernst & Young, Ethiopia (see page 11).
H.E. Mr. Taddese Haile, State Minister, Ministry of Industry, Ethiopia
Tadesse Haile is the State Minister for the Minister of Industry of Ethiopia. Prior to his current role,
he served as the State Minister of the Ministry of Trade and Industry from 2001 to 2010, as
General Manager of the Ethiopian Investment Agency from 1995 to 2001, and as Head of the
Tigray Regional Planning and Economic Development Bureau from 1992 to 1995. Before that, he
was Head of the Planning and Programming Department of the Ethiopian Valleys Development
Authority in 1992, Head of the Valleys Development Desk of the National Planning and Studies
Sector in the Council of Ministers from 1984 to 1992, and Planning Economist and Senior Economist
in the Water Resources Development Authority from 1979 to 1987.
Mr. Fasil Tadesse, Managing Director, President, Textile and Garment Manufacturers Association,
Ethiopia
Fasil Tadesse is President of the Ethiopian Textile and Garment Manufacturers Association as
well as Chief Executive Officer of Kebire Enterprises. Mr. Tadesse was previously Executive
Officer of Operations with MBMS and held roles with MIDROC Ethiopia and Coca-Cola.
From 1997 to 1998, Mr. Tadesse was Head of the Operation Bureau for Public Enterprises
within the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
Mr.Yusuf Aydeniz, Chief Executive Officer, AYKA Addis, Ethiopia
Yusuf Aydeniz is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Ayka Tekstil Istanbul and the AYKA Addis
Textile and Investment Group. He currently serves as the President of the Turkish - Ethiopia
Works Council in the Turkish Foreign Economic Relation Board. In 1987, Mr. Aydeniz graduated
from Istanbul University. An entrepreneur since high school, Mr. Aydeniz co-founded AYKA
Textile with his business partner Mr. Gurcay Kavlakli in 1988. Following the economic crisis
in Turkey, the founders reviewed their investments and expanded into Ethiopia. AYKA Addis is
one of the largest integrated textile factories in Africa and Europe and continues to grow.
Dr. Worku Zewdie, Owner, Knit to Finish Plc., Ethiopia
Worku Zewde is an Ethiopian American physician licensed by the state of California, owner and manager of Knit to
Finish Garment Factory, the first exporter to the United States through the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
Prior this role, he served as Chairman of the Ethiopian Textile and Garment Manufacturers’ Association and member
of the board of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. He was also a member of the armed struggle from late seventies
to early eighties, and served two years of free medical service in the Ethio-Eritrean conflict.
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SESSION 4: THE ETHIOPIAN LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS SECTOR
Mr. Michael Hailu, Director,Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation,The Netherlands
Michael Hailu is the Director of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation
(CTA), a role he has held since May 2010. Prior to joining the CTA, he held senior leadership
positions at the World Agroforestry Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, and at the Center for International
Forestry Research in Indonesia. He has degrees from the Universities of Pittsburgh and Addis
Ababa, and was trained in strategic leadership at the Stanford University Graduate School of
Business, United States.
H.E. Mr. Tadesse Haile, State Minister, Ministry of Industry, Ethiopia (see page 14).
Mr.Yigzaw Assefa, President, Leather and Leather Products Industry Association, Ethiopia
Yigzaw Assefa is the President of the Leather and Leather Products Industry Association of
Ethiopia. He has more than 20 years of work experience as an administration department
Head and as Manager of the Awash, Addis and Modjo tanneries. He holds a Bachelor’s of
Science in Business Management from the Kaplan University, United States.
Mr. Reg Hankey, Chief Executive Officer, Pittards Plc., Ethiopia
Reg Hankey is Chief Executive Officer of Pittards Plc., a United Kingdom-based company which
manufactures leather for the shoe, glove, leather goods and aviation markets, together with
finished leather goods and gloves. Mr. Hankey has been in the leather manufacturing industry
for 42 years and first visited Ethiopia in 1991.
Mr. Opender Kumar Kaul, General Manager, George Shoe Plc., Ethiopia
Opender Kumar Kaul is the General Manager of George Shoe Plc., Ethiopia. Prior to this role,
he was General Manager and Chief Executive Officer for Ethiopian operations at George
Shoe Corporation Taiwan in 2013. From 2008 to 2012, he worked in international trading
operations of Tata International, for steel, minerals, chemicals, construction machinery, etc.
He retired in 2012 as Executive Director of Tata International. He holds a Master’s degree in
Leather Technology from Madras University, India.
Ms. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Founder and Managing Director, soleRebels, Ethiopia
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is Founder and Managing Director of soleRebels, the world’s fastestgrowing African footwear brand and world’s first Fair Trade-certified footwear company.
Growing up in a poor suburb of Addis Ababa, Bethlehem decided that there was only one way
to defeat poverty – use local craftsmanship to make products that can compete in the global
marketplace. She decided on footwear and today 70,000 pairs of shoes leave her factory every
year. soleRebels has been expanding rapidly and has 18 stores around the world, including in
Silicon Valley (USA), Japan, Singapore, Austria, Greece, Spain and Switzerland. It expects to open
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another 50 to 60 stores in next 18 to 36 months. In 2015, Bethlehem launched a new venture, Republic of Leather,
offering bespoke, hand crafted leather wear and accessories.
Bethlehem has received numerous international honours and awards. In 2013, she placed 4th on CNN’s list of
Top 12 Women Entrepreneurs of the last century, was named as one of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women
to watch by FORBES Magazine in 2012, and was the first female African entrepreneur to address the Clinton
Global Initiative (2010). Bethlehem was also appointed as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for Entrepreneurship. She
studied Accounting at Unity University, has a PhD in Commerce from Jimma University, Ethiopia, and a degree in
Organizational Leadership from Harvard University, United States.
SESSION 5: FINANCING PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND
ALLIED ACTIVITIES
Mr. Admasu Nebebe, Director, United Nations Agencies and Regional Economic Cooperation
Directorate and Head of the Climate Resilient Green Economy Facility, Ethiopia
Admasu Nebebe is Director of the UN Agencies and Regional Economic Cooperation
Directorate of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation in Ethiopia. His tasks
include mobilizing external funding for the country’s development programmes, monitoring
and evaluating programme implementation, and ensuring the achievement of intended
development results. He is also a focal person on aid coordination in Ethiopia. In this context, he
leads the establishment of the aid architecture in the country, serves as Chair of the Harmonization
Taskforce established by the Development Assistance Group and the Government of Ethiopia High-Level Forum,
and is the focal person and assumes the Secretariat of the Forum. He was also tasked to represent Ethiopia in the
negotiation process of global and UN climate financing.
Mr. Nebebe has a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague (The
Netherlands) and a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Public Administration from Addis Ababa University
(Ethiopia).
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Shide, State Minister, Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Ethiopia (see page 8)
Mr. Muluneh Ayalew, Director, Monetary and Financial Analysis Directorate, National Bank
of Ethiopia
Muluneh Ayalew joined the National Bank of Ethiopia in 2003, right after completing his
undergraduate studies in Economics from Mekelle University, Ethiopia. He has a Master’s
degree from Columbia University, New York City. Currently, he is Director of the Monetary
and Financial Analysis Directorate of the National Bank of Ethiopia..
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Ms. Josephine Ngure, Country Director for Ethiopia, African Development Bank
Josephine Ngure serves as the Resident Representative and Country Manager for the African
Development Bank Group in Ethiopia. She has held this role since December 2013. In her
current job, she manages the Bank’s operations in the country, including a multi-sector portfolio
of over USD 1.7 billion comprising of national as well as regional operations. She leads the
preparation of the Bank’s strategy for engagement with Ethiopia, business development, policy
dialogue, and coordination of Bank activities with the Government and other development
partners.
Ms. Ngure joined the African Development Bank Group in 1997 and has held various senior positions, including as
Adviser to the First Vice-President, and Chief Operating Officer and Adviser to the Vice- President for Infrastructure,
Private Sector and Regional Integration. She has worked extensively on both public and private sector operations
across Africa. Ms. Ngure holds a PhD and an Master’s degree from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. She
also holds a Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Honours) from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and is a Certified
Public Accountant (CPA, Kenya).
Mr. Jiyang Shi, President and Chief Executive Officer, China-Africa Development Fund, China
Jiyang Shi is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the China-Africa Development Fund.
A Chinese national, he has worked for the China Institute of Banking and Finance, the Bureau
of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Foreign Financial Supervision Administration and the
International Department of the People’s Bank of China, the Economic Department of the
Xinhua News Agency Hong Kong Branch, and the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association.
Mr. Shi also held positions at the China Development Bank, including as Representative of the
Hong Kong Representative Office, Deputy General Manager of the Shenzhen Branch, Deputy
General Manager of the Hebei Branch, and as a Deputy Director-General of the Global Cooperation Department.
Mr. Shi is experienced in international finance and holds a PhD in Economics.
Ms. Carolyn Turk, Country Director for Ethiopia, World Bank
Carolyn Turk joined the World Bank in 1998. She has held positions in the East Asia and Pacific
region as a Senior Poverty Economist based in Viet Nam, and in the Eastern Europe and
Central Asia region where she managed the Social Development team. Most recently, Ms.
Turk was Country Manager of Rwanda. Prior to joining the World Bank, she worked with the
United Kingdom (UK) Department for International Development. A UK national, Ms.Turk has
authored numerous publications on poverty and inequality, including a book based on research
into gender inequality across 20 countries.
Mr. Adamou Labara, Country Manager for the Horn of Africa, International Finance Corporation
Adamou Labara is the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Resident Representative for
Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia based in Addis Ababa since April 2011. He is responsible
for all of IFC’s activities in those countries. Mr. Labara joined the IFC in 1998 as an Investment
Officer for the Central Africa region based in Douala. He later moved to the Abidjan office,
then Johannesburg and Dakar in various positions and sectors, including financial markets,
general manufacturing and services, and infrastructure. He was Resident Representative for
the Democratic Republic of Congo, based in Kinshasa, before moving to his current position. He
continues to monitor IFC’s activities for the DRC. Mr. Labara holds a Master of Business Administration degree from
Henley Management College, United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in Economic Sciences from the University of
Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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Mr. Christophe Litt, Head of the European Investment Bank Representation Office
to Ethiopia and the African Union, European Investment Bank
Christophe Litt has been the Head of the Ethiopia Office of the European Investment Bank
since July 2015. He is a qualified lawyer and has many years of professional experience managing
investment in new hospitals, microfinance and infrastructure projects in both Europe and the
Middle East. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the London Business School as well as
a Master’s of Law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, United States.
Mr. Tadesse Hatiya, Vice-President, Development Bank of Ethiopia
Tadesse Hatiya is the current Vice-President of the Development Bank of Ethiopia. He has over
23 years of experience in the banking sector and holds a Master of Business Administration
in International Business.
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