EDI Equips Mekelle University Management with Public Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Mekelle, Ethiopia | September 20, 2026 — The Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) and Mekelle University successfully conducted a three-day Public Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem Building Workshop from September 17–19, 2026, bringing together 137 academic and administrative leaders of Mekelle University.

The training aimed to strengthen entrepreneurial mindsets, innovative leadership, institutional resilience, and practical approaches to building a more supportive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation within the University.

Designed to contribute to transformation at the individual, organizational, and ecosystem levels, the workshop strengthened participants’ capacity in entrepreneurial thinking, adaptive leadership, opportunity identification, innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving. It also encouraged participants to explore ways of improving institutional practices and creating an environment that supports entrepreneurship and innovation.

A key focus of the training was the importance of collaboration among universities, government institutions, the private sector, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, development partners, and other stakeholders in creating opportunities for innovation, enterprise development, and sustainable economic growth.

Dr. Fana Hagos, President of Mekelle University, emphasized the importance of innovative and forward-looking leadership as the University advances its institutional transformation and autonomy.

“The coming era marks a new chapter and a fresh path forward a truly promising journey for Mekelle University. As we transition to institutional autonomy, our success relies on building human capital grounded in innovative and forward-thinking mindsets.”

Dr. Fana highlighted the training as an opportunity for University leaders to exchange experiences, reflect on institutional challenges, and identify practical approaches to strengthening the University's future development.

Mr. Haftu Haile, EDI–Tigray Regional Coordinator, highlighted Mekelle University's longstanding contribution to developing scholars, professionals, and leaders, as well as its potential to further advance entrepreneurship and innovation in Tigray and Ethiopia.

He also highlighted the University's strong engagement with EDI, noting that more than 120 Mekelle University staff members have participated in EDI's flagship Entrepreneurship Training Workshop (ETW), while 20 of Tigray's 61 active certified Empretec trainers are from Mekelle University.

Mr. Haftu described the workshop as an opportunity for participants to think differently, challenge conventional approaches, and identify practical pathways toward a more innovative, resilient, and self-reliant institution. He encouraged participants to translate the knowledge and perspectives gained through the training into practical action.

The initiative marks another important milestone between EDI and Mekelle University to embed entrepreneurship and innovation across the University, empower the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, and contribute to sustainable institutional and regional development through innovation.