Exploring the Contribution of Businesses to sustainable peace in Ethiopia

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A case study of the Role of Business in promoting social cohesion, economic development, and political stability in Ethiopia.


Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and Initiative Africa (IA) jointly commissioned an extensive study aimed at exploring the vital role played by businesses in fostering sustainable peace in Ethiopia. This groundbreaking research delves into the multifaceted contributions of businesses in promoting social cohesion, driving economic development, and establishing political stability throughout the past decade.


To kick-start this crucial investigation, a half-day methodology workshop was conducted. The workshop served as a platform for engaging discussions, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge exchange to capture the diverse ways in which businesses have actively participated in peace-building efforts. This research seeks to magnify their impact and uncover hidden narratives of success, highlighting both the challenges faced and the solutions implemented by businesses across various sectors.


The pioneering study also aims to provide valuable insights into how Ethiopian businesses have cumulatively contributed to social cohesion, economic development, and political stability. By showcasing these success stories and best practices, ISS and IA endeavor to inspire other companies and stakeholders to prioritize sustainable peace-building strategies within their operations.


The findings of this comprehensive research will be unveiled during a high-profile event scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa later this year. Business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, academics, and civil society representatives will gather to discuss the implications of the research, fostering cross-sector collaboration to further advance peace-building efforts.


The team at ISS and IA express their gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and collaborators involved in this research endeavor.


For further information and press inquiries, please contact us with this email address info@initiativeafrica.net or call +251-11-662-2640/41

Business for Peace Fellowship

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The second round of the Business for Peace Fellowship was launched on May 26 in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. The two partners, Initiative Africa (IA) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) expressed their delight in convening business owners who are committed to promoting peacebuilding in their communities. The Business for Peace Fellowship project is aimed at providing training and support to business leaders who want to play an active role in fostering peace in conflict-affected areas. The second round of fellows consists of a diverse group of individuals, including bankers, artists, importers, and exporters, media owners and managers, real estate and manufacturing owners and managers, as well as representatives from railway transport and chambers of commerce.

The two-day courses that were conducted focused on enhancing the participants’ understanding of conflict dynamics, conflict analysis, exploring conflict resolution mechanisms, learning about national dialogues, post-conflict reconstruction and economic recovery, reconciliation, and ways to build peace. The training was designed to provide fellows with practical knowledge and skills that they can use to promote peace in their businesses and communities. The Business for Peace project relies on the generous support of the Swedish government. With their assistance, the project has been able to successfully identify and support a group of exceptional business owners who are passionate about using their businesses as agents for change.

The partners of the Business for Peace Fellowship expressed their gratitude towards all those who have contributed to the project’s success. The collaboration between the IA and ISS has been instrumental in providing the necessary support and guidance to the fellows. The Business for Peace Fellowship is an essential initiative that brings together the worlds of business and peacebuilding. It creates a unique platform for business owners to work towards building peaceful communities and promoting economic growth. The successes witnessed by the first-round participants have already demonstrated that it is possible to have a positive impact on peacebuilding through business.