In a significant development for the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA), Zahara Mohammed has been elected as the new president following the conclusion of the Chamber’s 18th regular general meeting. This marks a historic moment as Zahara becomes the second female president to lead the council since its establishment in 2018.
The election, held on January 17, 2025, saw Zahara Mohammed secure her position with an impressive 355 votes. She will serve a two-year term, succeeding Mesenbet Shenkute, who has held the presidency for six years. Mesenbet was first elected during the 14th General Assembly in October 2018 and was re-elected in subsequent years. However, at this latest assembly, she stepped down, paving the way for Zahara’s leadership.
Alongside Zahara, Abebe Gurmesa was elected as Vice President, further solidifying the leadership team for the next term. The newly elected board members include Sarah Solomon, Addisu Getaneh, Damte Dagne, Zahara Ahmed, Mesfin Gared, Girumnesh Yimer, Habtamu Hailu, and Aycheluhem Kebede.
This election is particularly noteworthy as it represents a shift towards greater inclusivity within the AACCSA. For the first time, the entire community participated in electing its leadership. Previously, board members were selected by a smaller group of insiders, leading to calls for reform and transparency within the organization. The recent changes come after months of discussions and an audit aimed at addressing internal issues within the Chamber.
Habiba Siraj, Head of the Trade Bureau of the Addis Ababa City Administration, highlighted that there are currently 483,000 licensed traders in Addis Ababa and emphasized the importance of strong organizations to support these traders. Buzena Siraj, Speaker of the House of the Addis Ababa City Administration Council, echoed this sentiment by stressing that a robust private sector is essential for sustaining economic growth.
The AACCSA’s leadership transition is seen as an opportunity for revitalization and reform within Ethiopia’s business community. As Zahara Mohammed takes on her new role, there is hope that her presidency will stimulate positive changes and foster a more dynamic environment for commerce and trade in Addis Ababa and beyond.
