In a significant development, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) has elected a new president and leadership team during its general meeting held on July 18, 2024. The meeting was convened at the directive of the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
Sebsebe Abafira, who previously served as the President of the Oromia Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, was elected as the new President of the ECCSA. He will lead the organization for the next two years.
The General Assembly also elected Aynalem Abayeh (PhD) as the Vice President, along with nine members for the Management Board. This marks the first time the ECCSA has held elections and a general assembly in the past seven years, as the previous leadership has been replaced.
In addition to Sebsebe Abafira, two other candidates were vying for the ECCSA presidency – Mesebenbet Shenqute, the President of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, and Assefa Alamrew, the President of the Amhara Regional Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations.
The General Assembly elected a total of three candidates for the presidency, four for the Vice President positions, and 16 for the Board of Directors. This decision came after the council dismissed the previous board members who had led the organization for the past six years, which included representatives from the Southern Region, the Southwest Ethiopia region, and the Sidama and Central Ethiopia regions.
The ECCSA was established by Proclamation No. 341/1995, and according to Article 10 of the Proclamation, the term of office for board members and the president is two years.
This change in leadership has generated significant outrage within the Ethiopian business community, prompting the government to intervene in the matter.
The ECCSA is responsible for various duties, including business and investment promotion, capacity building, and completing its research and advocacy mission. According to Article 3 of Proclamation 341/2003, the objectives of the Council of Ethiopian Trade and Sectoral Associations are to protect the general rights and interests of its members, provide various services to the business community, and promote the country’s products and services.
The organization has 21 members, including regional chambers of commerce and sectoral associations, urban chambers of commerce and sectoral associations, the national council of sectoral associations, and six nationally organized sectoral associations.
