Speakers
Dr. Asrat Mulatu
Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of Addis Ababa Science and Technology University
Dr. Asrat Mulatu has an educational background in the area of Electrical Engineering, specializing in Computer Engineering, both in the first and second degrees. He got his PhD in Wireless Communications Systems from the IT Doctoral Program of AAU. Currently, Dr. Asrat is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of Addis Ababa Science and Technology… Read more about Dr. Asrat Mulatu
Dawit Bekele
Regional Vice President - Africa
I am a Regional Vice President for Africa at the Internet Society. I have more than two decades of experience in Internet development in Africa and around the world. At the Internet Society, I worked at various positions to support Africa around Internet policy and technology. Before joining the Internet Society in 2006, I worked at Addis Ababa University as… Read more about Dawit Bekele
Waleed Hamdi
Head of the Information Society Division at the African Union
Mr. Waleed Hamdi serves as the Head of the Information Society Division at the African Union. Specializing in GovTech and emerging technologies, Mr. Hamdi leverages digital innovation to drive economic transformation and enhance digital services across the continent. With over 20 years of experience in planning and executing digital transformation initiatives within the public and private sectors, he's certified in… Read more about Waleed Hamdi
Beza Mamo
Director, Payment Application at Ethswitch
Beza Mamo is serving Ethswitch in the capacity of Director, Payment Application. Beza has a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Computer Science from Addis Ababa University and an MBA in Industrial Technology from Addis Ababa Science and Technology University. He has over 15 years of experience in the IT and payment industries. Prior to joining EthSwitch, he worked in Kifiya Financial Technology as… Read more about Beza Mamo
Dr. Abiyot Bayou Tehone
Senior Advisor to the Minister of Innovation and Technology in Ethiopia
Abiyot Bayou Tehone, PhD, is a distinguished Senior Advisor to the Minister of Innovation and Technology in Ethiopia. In addition to his advisory role, he serves as a Data and Governance System Advisor for the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. He earned his PhD in ICT Management from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and has completed… Read more about Dr. Abiyot Bayou Tehone
Dr. Emmanuel C. Manasseh
Acting Regional Director, ITU Regional Office for Africa
Dr. Emmanuel C. Manasseh, Acting Regional Director of the ITU Regional Office for Africa, has over 17 years of experience in telecommunications. A skilled public policy expert, he has advised on domestic and international telecommunications priorities. Previously, he held leadership roles at TCRA and taught at NM-AIST and Hiroshima University. Dr. Manasseh holds a Doctor of Engineering from Hiroshima University… Read more about Dr. Emmanuel C. Manasseh
Balcha Reba
Director General, Ethiopian Communications Authority
Engineer Balcha Reba is a distinguished electrical engineer with deep expertise in telecommunications and regulatory frameworks. He has held key leadership roles, including Head of Standardization at the Ethiopian Telecommunications Agency and Director of Regulation at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology. Currently serving as Director General of the Ethiopian Communications Authority, he spearheads Ethiopia's telecom liberalization, overseeing reforms, sector… Read more about Balcha Reba
Million Hailemichael
Expert, Information Technology and Telecommunications Law
Million Hailemichael is a seasoned expert in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law with over 15 years of experience in policy, strategy, and regulatory affairs. Holding a Master of Science in IT and Telecommunications Law from the University of Southampton, UK, and a Master of Laws from Haramaya University, he specializes in telecommunications law, Internet regulation, personal data protection, cybersecurity law,… Read more about Million Hailemichael
Tigist Damtie
CEO, Cloud 251
Tigest is the CEO of Cloud 251, Ethiopia's leading cloud service provider, driving the country's digital transformation. Under her leadership, Cloud 251 delivers localized, efficient, and secure cloud solutions that comply with Ethiopia's data protection laws. With over eight years of experience managing IT projects, including the establishment of the Orange Digital Center, Tigest combines technical expertise and strategic vision.… Read more about Tigist Damtie
Meshingo Jack
Digital and Technology Transformation Advisor, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
Ms. Meshingo Jack is the Digital and Technology Transformation Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, where she leads initiatives supporting Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy. With expertise in policy and regulation, she has advanced digital transformation in Botswana, including leading SmartBots and the National Broadband Strategy. Holding an MSc from KAIST and a BA from the University… Read more about Meshingo Jack
Dr. Tesfa Tegegne
Associate Professor of Computer Science, Bahir Dar University
Dr. Tesfa Tegegne is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Bahir Dar University, where he has over 20 years of experience in academia, focusing on teaching, research, and community service. He founded the ICT for Development Research Center at the university and contributed to the Abichikili Community Network initiative. His research interests include artificial intelligence, networking, and data science,… Read more about Dr. Tesfa Tegegne
Solomon Damtew Birhanu
Director, Payment and Settlement Systems Directorate, National Bank of Ethiopia
Mr. Solomon Damtew Birhanu is the Director of the Payment and Settlement Systems Directorate at the National Bank of Ethiopia. With over 14 years of experience, he oversees the national payment system, including the Real-Time Gross Settlement system. Solomon led the design and implementation of the National Digital Payment Strategy (2021–2024), transforming Ethiopia's digital payment ecosystem. He also developed regulatory… Read more about Solomon Damtew Birhanu