Addis Ababa, January 24, 2025 – The International Conference on the Flotation of the Ethiopian Birr and Its Economic Implications, held at Skylight Hotel from January 23–24, 2025, concluded today with a powerful session focused on Africa’s economic governance and the implementation of the Abuja Treaty’s six-stage integration framework.
The final day featured a high-level panel discussion titled “Africa Economic Governance and the Implementation of the Six Stages of the Abuja Treaty,” moderated by Dr. Seife Tadelle Kidane, Director of CGIATS. Distinguished panelists included:
- Ambassador Williams Wallace, Head of Afrocacy Association,
- Dr. Constantinos Berhutesfa, governance and development expert,
- Dr. Thomas Bwire, Representative from COMESA.
The panel underscored the urgency of harmonizing fiscal policies, enhancing cross-border trade, and accelerating institutional reforms to achieve the Abuja Treaty’s vision of a unified African Economic Community by 2034. Dr. Kidane emphasized CGIATS’ pivotal role in advancing research and policy frameworks to support Ethiopia’s currency reforms and continental integration.
An interactive dialogue with participants addressed challenges such as currency volatility, infrastructure gaps, and the need for robust continental financial institutions. Ambassador Wallace highlighted “the power of collective African agency in reshaping global economic narratives,” while Dr. Bwire outlined COMESA’s strategies to align regional blocs with the Abuja Treaty’s milestones.
The conference closed with remarks by H.E. Teferi Tiyaru, Deputy Director of the Policy Studies Institute (PSI), who hailed the gathering as a “watershed moment for Ethiopia and Africa’s sovereign economic future.” He praised CGIATS for spearheading inclusive dialogue and translating academic rigor into actionable reforms.
CGIATS reaffirmed its commitment to driving evidence-based policy innovation, announcing the launch of the African Economic Governance Forum (AEGF). This permanent platform will convene governments, academia, and multilateral partners to monitor progress on the Abuja Treaty and address systemic barriers to integration.
The conference has set a bold precedent for Ethiopia’s monetary transition and amplified Africa’s resolve to harness unity for prosperity. As CGIATS leads follow-up initiatives, stakeholders expressed optimism that the seeds of collaboration planted in Addis Ababa will yield transformative outcomes for the continent.
