Precise partnered with Addis Ababa University to bring together university presidents, academicians, and the private sector to discuss industrial policy in Ethiopia with H.E. Dr. Arkebe Oqubay. The occasion also served as a book launch event for Dr. Arkebe’s critically acclaimed book “Made in Africa: Industrial Policy in Ethiopia”. 312 books worth over half a million birr were donated to 20 universities across Ethiopia by H. E. Dr. Arkebe himself, Precise Consult, Flintstone Engineering and Homes, Dow Agro Sciences, and Deloitte Ethiopia. Heated debate and exchange of ideas followed a thorough lecture on Industrial Policy delivered by Dr. Arkebe.
Opening
The e
vent was opened by a welcome note from Henok Assefa, Managing Partner at Precise Consult International, to all the guest speakers and invited guests. He emphasized the need for Universities in Ethiopia to produce young graduates fit to survive and thrive in a manufacturing led economy. For this, clear linkage of industry and universities must be made. He reiterated that today’s event is a first step for us, in the private sector, as represented by the Ethiopia CEOs forum, to start an engagement process with universities across Ethiopia.
Dr. Admasu Tsegaye, President of Addis Ababa University
The president of Addis Ababa University, Dr. Admasu Tsegaye, was also present at the event to express his gratitude for H. E. Dr. Arkebe, all those who donated his book and Precise Consult for taking the initiative to organize the event. He added that the book is quite useful to university students and will give them a vivid picture of when Ethiopia is heading in the years to come.
Professor Fantu Cheru
Introducing the author of the book Made in Africa: Industrial Policy in Ethiopia, H. E. Dr.Arkebe Oqubay, Professor Fantu said that the book is an academic product with a broad narrative that argues that industrial policy can work in Africa. He praised H. E. Dr.Arkebe and lauded the book as being most instrumental in the academic arena. Professor Fantu also added that he was one of the individuals who reviewed the book. Following that, he welcomed H. E. Dr.Arkebe to give a lecture on the book.
H.E. Dr.Arkebe Oqubay, Author of Made in Africa: Industrial Policy in Ethiopia and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister
H. E. Dr. Arkebe gave a lecture based on the book discussing the methodology used in presenting the findings of original field research. He went further in discussing the design, practice, and varied outcomes of industrial policy in the cement, leather and leather products, and floriculture sectors in Ethiopia. By looking into these sectors, he argued that success lies in the interactions among policy, specific industrial structures, and institutions.
After his lecture, Dr. Arkebe went on to answer questions that were forwarded by the audience. Finally, he presided over the book donation ceremony and signed personal copies for university leaders. Questions regarding state involvement in the manufacturing sector, tax benefits extended to local and foreign investors, land grabbing, and the like were asked.
