The 9^th International Conference on African Development was held at Eshetu Chole Hall of AAU’s College of Business and Economics on May 27 & 28, 2016.

The conference was themed “Challenges and Opportunities for Good Governance and Leadership for sustainable Development of African States.” It was jointly organized by Western Michigan University, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Arsi University and Gondar University.

Aimed at bringing policy makers from different continents together, the conference featured various paper presentations on economic development strategy, good governance, federalism, justice, health, education, peace and conflict, tourism, and resource management.

Admasu Tsegaye (PhD.), President of the AAU, pointed out in his opening speech that the AAU has contributed a lot to the development of human resources in the history of the country and this conference is pertinent to foster dialogue, exchange experience and learn from one another.

The conference entertained various plenary and parallel sessions where different scholars from different corners of the world attended and interacted with audiences.

A book entitled ‘Made in Africa’ authored by Arkebe Equbay (PhD.), special advisor to the Prime Minister, was also launched on the first day of the conference.

In his hour long briefing of his overall work, Arkebe Equbay (PhD.), noted that policy instrument is a key priority in efforts to revamp our industrial development. He also explained that the core idea of the book is industrial policy and economic transformation for newly developing countries.

A copy of the book was presented to 20 public and private universities that attended the ceremony.