In a significant development, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) elected a new president and leadership team during its general meeting on July 18, 2024. The meeting was held under the directive of the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.

Sebsebe Abafira, former President of the Oromia Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, was elected as the new President of the ECCSA, set to lead for the next two years. Aynalem Abayneh (PhD) was elected as Vice President, and nine members were appointed to the Management Board. This marks the first ECCSA elections in seven years, replacing the previous leadership.

The election saw three candidates for the presidency, including Mesebenbet Shenqute, President of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, and Assefa Alamrew, President of the Amhara Regional Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations. The General Assembly elected four Vice Presidents and 16 Board of Directors members following the dismissal of the previous board, which included representatives from various regions.

Established by Proclamation No. 341/1995, the ECCSA operates under a two-year term for board members and the president. The leadership change has stirred controversy within the Ethiopian business community, prompting government intervention. The ECCSA focuses on business and investment promotion, capacity building, and advocacy, as outlined in Proclamation 341/2003. The organization includes 21 members, such as regional and urban chambers of commerce and national sectoral associations.

Source: Capital Ethiopia