Oromia Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association, with the financial support from Initiative Africa, has conducted a Public Private Dialogue (PPD) on Thursday February 10, 2022, at Future Park Hotel.

Regional Government representatives from Oromia Revenue Authority, Oromia Investment & Industry Bureau, Oromia Transport Agency and Oromia Trade Bureau and members of the Oromia Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association (OCCSA) have attended the PPD.

During the PPD, Afro Universal Consult & General Trading PLC presented a research paper pinpointing the challenges of the business environment in Oromia Region. The presentation was followed by Q & A session where the business community forwarded its questions on good governance, illegal trade, access to land for investment, challenges of organizing trade exhibitions as well as its concerns over tax related issues. The respective concerned regional government officials responded to the questions and concerns raised by the business community. 

The participants from the business community reflected their frustration over the inability of the Oromia Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association to do follow up on challenges identified by studies saying, “There are many instances where funds were raised from different sources to conduct studies on the drawbacks and challenges of the business environment. On many occasions, irrespective of studying and identifying the issues and challenges, there has never been any actual measure taken from the government side or other stakeholders to alleviate the challenges and offer solutions to the issues.”  

Finally, the participants requested the Oromia Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association to take a responsibility to organize another workshop that will evaluate the actions taken over the issues identified from the PPD. The meeting adjourned with consensus from both sides (regional government and business community representatives) to continue with the discussion to improve the business environment. The Oromia Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association promised to do the follow up and come back with the solutions organizing a workshop.

Business for Peace Project

Duration: 6 months

We are looking for an energetic, motivated and diligent Intern with exceptional writing and communication skills to work alongside our Project Management Team on our Business for Peace project at Initiative Africa. We offer the opportunity to assist in coordination and management of a varied portfolio projects in a dynamic working environment with high professional standards.

Requirements:

• Excellent command of English and Amharic (both written and spoken)
• Knowledge of another local language is an advantage
• Graduate University degree( preferably MA) in International Relations, Political Science, International Business, Economics, peace and security, development ,  or related subjects
• Strong interest in  economic development, business and, peace and poverty reduction
• Modest experience in development or business /peace sector is a plus.
• Academic level writing and research skills
• High computer literacy (MS Office)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, self-directed environment under deadline pressures
• Ability to manage own workload independently, time, multi-task and prioritize effectively
• Detail oriented and proactive
• Team oriented and keen to collaborate

Main duties:

• The intern has a primary responsibility to assist in managing administrative, technical and financial aspects of assigned projects.
• Do advanced research work related to the project ( web search ,consult key publication etc)
• Assist in the drafting of  project reports ,working documents, concept notes etc
• Assist in organizing logistics related to travel, workshop and contracts of project participants
• Assist in the drafting TORs for experts , researchers and consultants
• Upon approval from management, communicate with relevant stakeholders about the project and expectations
• Upon approval from management  attend meetings and briefings related to the project
• Perform other duties as assigned by the program Manager and management team of IA

What we offer:

• 6 months internship trial period
• Monthly transportation and communication stipend
• Opportunity to rapidly learn and acquire skills in high demand in the world of international development
• Transition to full employment upon successful completion of a trial period
• Exceptionally good interns might be offered the opportunity to travel and gain more experience in the world of business and peace.

 If interested please send your CV and motivation statement to dalayaashenafi@gmail.com with the title “Internship opportunity with Initiative Africa”

• We strongly encourage women candidates to apply.

This quarter, Initiative Africa’s Active Citizen trainees have received British Council’s grants to increase the support towards their community with the work they have started after the AC training. These youth have worked towards COVID-19 and Environmental programs and activities which not only help the community and the glob but create jobs for others and engage others to take part in different actions using their skills and passion as well. IA and British council have been and continue to engage youth through different projects for youth to harness their talents and skillsets to better the community, their world and themselves.