HR Forum Ethiopia: Bridging the Talent Gap

Amid Ethiopia’s rapid economic expansion across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and services, the nation faces a critical imperative: cultivating a skilled and versatile workforce. This growth surge underscores the immediate need not only for a larger talent pool but also for professionals equipped with the precise skills and leadership acumen required to navigate a dynamic business landscape.

Recognizing these challenges, Strathmore University Business School (SBS), in collaboration with Capital Business School (CBS), Ethiopia, convened the HR Forum Ethiopia on June 6th, 2024. This strategic event aimed to tackle Ethiopia’s pressing HR challenges head-on, emphasizing the acceleration of talent development to match the escalating demand spurred by the country’s robust economic trajectory.

The event brought together a diverse group of participants from various sectors, reflecting the broad interest and critical importance of HR and talent development across Ethiopia. Some of the organizations represented included Heineken Ethiopia, Water and Land Resources, Holland Dairy, IE Network, MMCY TECH Ethiopia, Habesha Beer, Green Ethiopia East Africa Bottling, Communication and Tesla Service Ethiopia, as well as hospitality & travel companies, manufacturing firms, advertising agencies and Ethiopian labour and skill development NGOs.

Dr. Tigist Dessu, Director of Capital Business School, and Daisy Sana, Regional Director of Strathmore Global Institute kicked-off the event and in the opening remarks, highlighted the significance of the strategic partnership between CBS and SBS. They underscored their shared mission to support the development of Ethiopia’s leadership and business talent through a variety of executive development programs, both open and customized. This collaboration aims to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to future leaders who will drive the country’s economic progress.

The forum’s keynote address was delivered by Linda Van Der Colff, a renowned leadership strategist, leadership development expert, and talent strategy designer. Linda’s speech was a masterclass in understanding the intricacies of leadership and talent development. She provided profound insights into the challenges and opportunities that Ethiopia faces in this domain, setting an inspiring tone for the rest of the event.

The event also featured a panel discussion with distinguished experts. Chris Turnbull-Grimes, Co-Founder of 3BL Enterprises, brought his extensive experience in sustainable business practices and HR strategy. Ruth Yohannes, General Manager of The Talent Firm on the other hand shared her insights on talent acquisition and retention in Ethiopia’s unique market environment. Mihreteab Wellega, HR Director at Habesha Breweries, discussed practical challenges and solutions in managing human resources in one of Ethiopia’s leading beverage companies.

The three panelists engaged in a dynamic discussion, covering a wide range of topics crucial to the Ethiopian HR landscape. These included strategies for developing local talent, fostering leadership skills, and aligning HR practices with the rapid economic growth of the country. The dialogue was enriched by the interactive participation of the audience, who posed thought-provoking questions and shared valuable comments.

The HR Forum marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between SBS and CBS. It reinforced their commitment to fostering leadership and business talent in Ethiopia, aligning perfectly with the country’s dynamic economic growth. Both institutions are looking forward to hosting more forums and summits, providing platforms for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions in HR and leadership development.

This successful event is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared vision of nurturing the next generation of Ethiopian business leaders. It highlighted the importance of industry-academia partnerships in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ultimately contributing to the sustainable growth and development of Ethiopia’s economy.