Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office has announced high-level appointments across key government institutions. The sweeping changes impact Ethiopia’s investment promotion apparatus, capital markets regulation, immigration services, and diaspora engagement, signaling a renewed strategy to accelerate economic reform and bolster institutional efficiency.
At the center of the economic realignment is the appointment of Hana Teklu as the new Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC). She replaces Zeleke Temesgen, bringing extensive experience from her previous role as Director General of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA).
During her tenure at ECMA, Hana played a foundational role in laying the legal and operational groundwork for the country’s capital market. Her background is expected to introduce fresh momentum to the EIC as Ethiopia seeks to attract foreign direct investment across manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.
Zeleke Temesgen, who previously headed the EIC, transitions to the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH). EIH functions as Ethiopia’s sovereign wealth fund, managing commercial and strategic assets across major state-owned enterprises. In his new position, he will focus on optimizing national asset management, boosting profitability, and enhancing the sovereign fund’s overall contribution to the national economy.
To fill the top spot at ECMA, Dagmawit Shiferaw has been named Director General, tasked with operationalizing the capital market framework as part of the broader financial sector modernization. She will be supported by Yirgalem Assefa, who was named Deputy Director General.
The reshuffle also extends to diplomatic and public service bodies. Ambassador Fitsum Arega, former Ambassador to the United States and former EIC Commissioner, has been appointed Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Service, with Yitagesu Desalegn serving as Deputy. Meanwhile, Ambassador Lencho Bati takes over as Director General of the Ethiopian Diaspora Service to deepen engagement and investment from Ethiopians living abroad.
Additionally, Mohammed Rafi has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the African Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX) to oversee continental leadership development.
