Dire Dawa University, Business Chambers Seek Closer Ties to Bridge Private Sector Skills Gap

August 21, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Dire Dawa University and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations have discussed closer collaboration aimed at addressing skills and knowledge gaps in the private sector, aligning university training with industry needs and expanding support for businesses.

The discussions brought together Dr Kenenisa Lemi, secretary-general of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, and senior officials of Dire Dawa University, alongside representatives of the Dire Dawa city administration.

Dr Kenenisa said stronger links between universities and chambers of commerce could help narrow the gap between academic training and the skills required by businesses. He said such collaboration could enable universities to work with the private sector in designing and revising curricula to respond to current and future labour market needs.

The partnership could also promote entrepreneurship among students, support micro and small enterprises through research and technology transfer, and encourage applied research focused on solving problems facing private businesses, he said.

Dire Dawa University said it plans to widen its engagement with the business community. Dr Temam Awol, vice-president for research and technology transfer, said the university had already been working with the city administration's Trade, Industry and Investment Bureau, although much of the cooperation had focused on industry.

The university now intends to extend its engagement to the wider business community and is committed to providing free business advisory services, following the discussions initiated by the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, he said.

Officials from the Dire Dawa city administration said the university was expected to play a greater role in strengthening the capacity of private businesses, particularly the trading community, to compete in continental and international markets.

The meeting was also attended by Assistant Professor Eyuel Idosa, dean of the College of Economics and Business at Dire Dawa University; Dr Eshetu Mekonnen, director of the university's Industry Linkage Directorate; Amino Teha, head of the trade sector at the Dire Dawa Trade, Industry and Investment Bureau; and Aynalem Tezera, chair of the Budget, Economy, Trade and Industry Affairs Standing Committee of the Dire Dawa City Council.

Source: FSX Business News