Free Societies Inspire Engagement

Photo: Dawn Colquitt-Anderson/EGI

By: Bethel Tsehai, M.P.H. (@bethel_tsehai)

October 30, 2011

A week ago, on Saturday, October 22, I attended the Ethiopian Global Initiative’s 2011 BuildEthiopia Conference at Harvard University. BuildEthiopia provided a platform for participants and attendees to actively engage in exploring current issues facing Ethiopia and to seek solutions for those challenges. Students, professionals, educators, policy makers, activists, and community organizers came together to collaborative and mutually inspire.

Topics covered include social entrepreneurship and economic development, civic engagement, and exploring the millennium development goals in relation to Ethiopia. Mr. Tesfaye Yilma, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Ethiopia to the United States, spoke on the various threats Ethiopia faces in the future, in particular, poverty as the country’s top national security threat. On the positive side, the government is making efforts to ensure a transfer of knowledge and technology.

Mr. David Rice, Executive Director of New York University’s Development Research Institute, emphasized the need for and benefits of economic freedom in Ethiopia. Often times, international development issues stem from issues in leadership. In light of this statement, he asked some thought provoking and profound questions. In particular, he asked, “Can you have economic freedom and growth without criticizing the current government?” It’s imperative to realize that only in a free society does a country have complete economic freedom. He asked, “Could Steve Jobs do what he did in Ethiopia?” Think about it! In a free society, citizens are not only empowered, but entitled to pursue their dreams without hindrance. Failure or success of the individual is based on their own efforts and abilities and not dictated or controlled by the government.

On the bright side, Ethiopia’s GDP is growing at a progressive double-digit rate. In light of this growth, it is vital for donor countries to partner with the African Diaspora. It is clear that Africa needs an African solution! Frankly, the African Diaspora needs to step and think outside the box and develop new and innovative ways to approach the difficulties of Ethiopia and Africa in general.

Through capacity building, enhancing social media and technology, and engaging in social entrepreneurship, Ethiopia will become a self-sustaining and successful country. There is hope and it begins with one word: ENGAGEMENT!

Bethel Tsehai, M.P.H., is Project Manager of the Midwives Scholarship Fund at the Ethiopian Global Initiative.

BuildEthiopia: Technology and Reaspora

Moderator Elizabeth N. Ngonzi discussing with speaker
Teddy Ruge at the 2011 BuildEthiopia Conference.
(Photo: Dawn Colquitt-Anderson/EGI)

By: Emily Weinstein (@emyli_rose)
October 25, 2011

The 2011 BuildEthiopia Conference held this past Saturday, October 22 at Harvard University was a tremendous success. BuildEthiopia is described as “an international gathering of students, educators, professionals, community organizers and policy makers designed to seek solutions for the challenges Ethiopia faces in the 21st Century.” During BuildEthiopia, EGI’s President Samuel Gebru stressed the six pillars of the conference, illustrating the ways in which one can contribute to Ethiopia's prosperity:

• Network with other like-minded individuals who are passionate about making Ethiopia a better place to live and work.
• Share your ideas on how to help Ethiopia grow and how to promote unity amongst students and professionals in the diaspora.
• Learn from speakers who share their experiences, successes and mistakes and also answer your important questions.
• Collaborate with participants to seek practical solutions to some of the issues facing Ethiopia and the Ethiopian diaspora.
• Build a global network of individuals like you and connect with them to continue sharing your ideas and solutions.
• Motivate your friends to turn your ideas into action through the resources and networks of the Ethiopian Global Initiative.

Throughout the day, the conference also adopted another theme: the impact of social media, the availability of technology, and other methods of individual and creative representation on the African continent. The Co-founder of Project Diaspora, Teddy Ruge, presented thought-provoking insights on the technological advancements sweeping across Africa, explaining how the mobile phone revolution is connecting the continent with the statement, “mobile is the pencil rewriting Africa's story.” In response Samuel Gebru tweeted, “Social media can be a solution to help the Ethiopian diaspora connect, volunteer and build a sense of community.”

The concept of “Africa 3.0” discussed at BuildEthiopia applies not only to the technology rapidly making its mark on the African continent, but also the return of the African diaspora to their native countries and the subsequent reversal of the “brain drain.” Affectionately termed “reaspora,” these educated Africans once left their homes in Uganda, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, etc. and relocated to the U.S. and Europe seeking to further their education. These concerned Africans are now returning to their countries of birth seeking solutions to socioeconomic issues.

When reflecting on the events of the day, everyone agreed that one of the most important conclusions was that Africa needs an African solution. The most effective way to create transformation in Africa is to commission the knowledge and experience of those who know the ways in which their home countries function.

I am proud that the 2011 BuildEthiopia Conference was another success for the Ethiopian Global Initiative; it will certainly not be the last. Thanks to all the participants and organizers who made BuildEthiopia possible. I hope to see everyone at next year's conference from October 6-8, 2012.

Emily Weinstein is an Event Manager at the Ethiopian Global Initiative.

Update on Keynote Address by Ethiopian Airlines CEO

EGI regrets to inform participants of the upcoming 2011 BuildEthiopia Conference that Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, will not be able to deliver the keynote address.

Attributing his absence to urgent issues, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines expressed his regrets. "I feel very disappointed to miss the opportunity," said Mr. Gebremariam, adding, "It would have been a special privilege and honor for me to address such worthwhile event."

Mr. Kagnew F. Asfaw, North America Regional Director of Ethiopian Airlines, will deliver the keynote address on behalf of Ethiopia's national flag carrier. Online registration deadline is October 19 at 11:59pm EST. Read more here.

Conference Preparation is Building Up!

Preparation for the 2011 BuildEthiopia Conference is fully underway. We are especially grateful for the support we are receiving from the Harvard University African Students Association, our Venue Sponsor.

Today we confirmed our conference rooms and venue for October 22. We will be using Maxwell Dworkin Hall, Harvard University's home for the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as the conference venue. 

Maxwell Dworkin Hall was built in honor of the mothers of Microsoft Chairman William H. Gates, III and Microsoft President Steven A. Ballmer. As home of engineering and applied sciences, Maxwell Dworkin Hall symbolizes the importance of building Ethiopia though not only engineering but also envisioneering ideas for the future.

Click here for more information on the conference and to register online for free!