Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has been appointed the new Board Chair of TradeMark Africa, succeeding Ambassador Erastus Mwencha who concluded his eight-year term at the organisation.
Founded in 2010, TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an Aid-for-Trade organisation that works to grow intra-African trade and increase Africa’s share in global trade. Rwanda is one of the countries where this organisation operates.
In a statement announcing the appointment, TMA's CEO, David Beer said that Desalegn brings expertise and a wealth of experience to the organisation.
"Desalegn’s extensive experience and understanding of both the challenges and opportunities in intra-African trade make him an invaluable leader for TMA’s next phase.”
Remarking on his new appointment, Desalegn said, "It is a privilege to join an organisation that is at the forefront of transforming trade across Africa. I am thrilled at the opportunity to steer TMA towards impactful milestones and contribute to Africa’s trade success story. Following in the footsteps of Amb. Mwencha, I inherit a dynamic organisation with a solid foundation, and I am eager to build on this legacy to realise our continent’s vast trade potential.”
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According to the statement, Desalegn is expected to guide the organisation through the implementation of its new seven-year (2023-2030) strategy that focuses on the reduction of time and cost of transporting goods across borders and improving market access for SMEs, while addressing the trade-related challenges of the future for the continent.
These challenges include positioning Africa as a global pioneer in green trade, leveraging commercial capital for greater multiples of investment in trade infrastructure, and ensuring that trade benefits accrue to the poorest, in particular women and youth.
As he takes up the position, Desalegn’s in-tray is full.
"His first major engagement will be spearheading the upcoming Trade Development Forum (TMA-TDF) in Kigali Rwanda, scheduled for December 2-3, 2024. Hosted jointly by TMA and the Government of Rwanda, this forum will be a focal point for TMA’s agenda of Digital Trade in Africa under his leadership," part of the statement reads.
Desalegn holds a master’s degree in water and environmental engineering from Tampere University of Technology in Finland and a second Master’s in Organisational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University in California, USA.
He previously held the positions of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Social Affairs and Government Chief-Whip Minister in Ethiopia. He serves on several Boards of international organisations, including the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, (AGRA).