“Point  Four program” Legacy U.S. Embassy – Addis Ababa University joint event

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Toronto –  The U.S. Embassy and Addis Ababa University jointly celebrated the  “Points  Four program”   – U.S. development program introduced during the presidency of Harry S. Truman. 

It was a  Agreement for Technical Cooperation agreement between Ethiopia and the U.S. in  four areas.  Agricultural, public health, education, and infrastructure and lay the foundation for “modern development.” But in terms of Infrastructure development the Chinese seem to have left an enduring legacy in Ethiopia.  

The United States influence over Ethiopia has been noticeably growing over the past three decades especially after Abiy Ahmed became prime minister in 2018. 

In addition to the cultural influence, the reminisce of which is reflected in institutions,  the U.S. seems to have managed to influence economic policies in Ethiopia. Abiy Ahmed’s government is now deepening neoliberal economic policies in the country although they are packaged as “home grown economic reform.”  Recently,  Bill Gates, U.S. billionaire, was in Ethiopia where he seems to have interest in the agricultural sector. Abiy Ahmed, who took him on a trip to visit an agricultural site in the Oromia region, was hailing his presence. 

On Friday, The U.S. The Embassy in Addis Ababa and Addis Ababa University have co hosted a seminar on  “The Enduring Legacy and Impact of the U.S. Government’s Point Four Program in Ethiopia.” 

Borkena has received a press release from the U.S. Embassy about the celebration. It is featured below : 

“Celebrating the Enduring Legacy of the Point Four Program in Ethiopia: A Beacon of  Development and Partnership  

Addis Ababa, October 4, 2024 – In June 1952, the U.S. and Ethiopian governments  signed the Point Four Agreement for Technical Cooperation, which would support major  joint initiatives in Ethiopia’s development in agricultural, public health, education, and  infrastructure and lay the foundation for modern development cooperation between  Ethiopia and the United States. The Point Four program marked the beginning of a new  era in bilateral relations between the two countries and a high point in 120 years of  bilateral relations between the United States and Ethiopia.  

Addis Ababa University (AAU) and the U.S. Embassy jointly hosted the first AAU  Presidential Seminar for the new academic year on “The Enduring Legacy and Impact of  the U.S. Government’s Point Four Program in Ethiopia” on October 3 at Ras Mekonnen  Hall.  

Professor Gebisa Ejeta, an Ethiopian-American scientist, a 2009 World Food Prize  Laureate and winner of the 2023 U.S. National Medal of Science led the seminar,  highlighting the impact of the U.S. Government’s Point Four Program in Ethiopia.  

Professor Gebisa is a plant geneticist and executive director of the Center for Global  Food Security at Purdue University in Indiana, U.S.A. Born in 1950, Dr. Gebisa grew up  in rural Ethiopia near Jimma. Gebisa earned entrance to the secondary-level Jimma  Agricultural and Technical School, established by Oklahoma State University (OSU)  under the Point Four program. After graduating with distinction, he entered Alemaya  College of Agriculture (today Haramaya University). Alemaya was also established by  OSU under the Point Four program. 1974, Gebisa continued his graduate studies at Purdue University, where he completed his doctoral degree and continues to work  today.  

In an illustrious career, Professor Gebisa has served on many science and policy advisory  positions for the U.S. government, including as Special Advisor to USAID Administrator  Dr. Rajiv Shah and as Science Envoy for the U.S. State Department of State. He now  serves on the U.S. Board for International Food and Agricultural Development. 

Opening the Presidential Seminar, U.S. Ambassador Ervin Massinga said, “Professor  Gebisa’s story – and the stories of the other Point Four alumni who we are thrilled are  able to be with us today – illustrate so clearly the intended purpose of the American  experiment in development. ”  

Dr. Samuel Kifle, Interim President of the Addis Ababa University, on his part said,  “Professor Gebisa’s unique career and achievement is a testament to what a kid from a  small village can rise to when given the opportunity.”  

University presidents from Haramaya, Jimma, and Gondar Universities spoke about the  enduring impact that the Point Four program had on their institutions’ development  into some of Ethiopia’s leading research universities, while the president of Oklahoma  State University spoke via video message, commemorating OSU’s participation in the  development of Ethiopia’s higher education system and highlighting their continued  engagement in research and educational development in Ethiopia.  

Professor Gebisa is visiting Ethiopia at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy visit from  September 30- October 4 as part of a U.S. Speaker Program exchange. During his stay,  Professor Gebisa is participating in a series of public seminars for university and youth  audiences and meetings with government officials, university leaders, and agricultural  researchers.  

The United States and Ethiopia share deep people-to-people bonds that ground our 120  years of diplomatic relations in an enduring spirit of friendship, respect, partnership, and the shared aspirations for the well-being of the Ethiopian people. That spirit has  propelled cooperation in agriculture and food security, education and health, science  and the environment, and many other areas where the United States government and  the American people have made enduring investments to help improve the lives of all  Ethiopians.”

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