For Immediate Release
U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa
By U.S. Embassy Spokesperson
Addis Ababa, September 18, 2026 – The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa convened 120 Ethiopian alumni of U.S. exchange programs for the Freedom 250 U.S. Embassy Alumni Summit, “Connecting Alumni, Growing U.S. Business Partnerships,” held September 15-16, 2026, at the Hilton Hotel Addis Ababa. The Summit concluded with the presentation of the inaugural Alumni Impact Award to five recipients whose achievements demonstrate the lasting impact of U.S. exchange programs.
“This work advances a clear priority for the United States: refocusing U.S.-Africa engagement on trade, expanding opportunities for American businesses, and building mutually beneficial economic partnerships,” said Chargé d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez in her closing remarks. “This Summit puts those ideas into practice by connecting U.S. companies with alumni who understand the Ethiopian market, have trusted local networks, and can help identify real commercial opportunities.”
Representatives of U.S. companies, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia (AmCham Ethiopia), the Ethiopian Investment Commission, the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce, the Ethiopian Securities Exchange, and other Ethiopian government and private-sector leaders discussed practical ways to use local knowledge, professional networks, and sector expertise to engage with U.S. companies in the Ethiopian market. The Summit drew participants from Ethiopia’s network of more than 6,000 U.S. exchange alumni, including business leaders from regional economic hubs across the country.
Day One focused on the U.S.-Ethiopia business environment, fair trade and U.S. commercial priorities, market access, regulatory challenges, and the role alumni can play as trusted local advisors to U.S. companies. Discussions also connected regional alumni with U.S. companies and AmCham Ethiopia members to identify commercial opportunities and market-entry needs.
On Day Two, alumni worked in four sector-specific groups focused on agribusiness and export growth, technology and digital market access, higher education and university-industry commercialization, and digital health. The groups translated their discussions into practical 90-day action plans identifying specific activities, responsible parties, milestones, and expected commercial outcomes.
The Alumni Summit forms a central part of the Embassy’s alumni-focused Freedom 250 initiatives, highlighting 250 years of American exceptionalism and dynamism and inspiring the next generation of economic leadership and innovation in Ethiopia. Alumni of U.S. exchange programs, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the Fulbright Program, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, the International Visitor Leadership Program, and other U.S. exchange programs, are building networks, businesses, and partnerships that strengthen economic ties between Ethiopia and the United States.
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