Haramaya University and Ethiopian Statistical Association Host Key Training on Python for Machine Learning
The Workshop empowers academic staff from four universities with data-driven research tools.
In a significant step towards advancing data science capabilities within Ethiopian higher education, Haramaya University’s College of Computing and Informatics, Department of Statistics, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Statistical Association (ESA), successfully conducted a two-day intensive training workshop on ‘Python for Machine Learning’. The event took place on April 16-17, 2025, at the university’s Main Campus.
The workshop aimed to equip academic staff from Haramaya University, Dire Dawa University, Oda Bultum University, and Jigjiga University with the modern tools and knowledge essential for leading data-driven research and innovation.
Dr. Kasahun Takele, Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics at Haramaya University, opened the session, emphasizing the training’s role in strengthening academicians’ skills. “In a world where data drives decisions, Python has emerged as the key to unlocking insights, automating solutions, and shaping industries from agriculture to healthcare, here in Ethiopia and beyond,” stated Dr. Kasahun. He noted the training was crucial for skill enhancement, potential career transitions, and exploring the vital field of machine learning.
Contributing via an online opening speech, Dr. Zeytu Gashaw, President of the Ethiopian Statistical Association, highlighted the ESA’s long-standing commitment since 1990 to promoting the appropriate use of statistical methods through research, conferences, and publications. He underscored the ESA’s efforts in enhancing the National Statistical System (NSS) and improving research quality through collaborations with governmental and non-governmental entities.
Dr. Zeytu specifically acknowledged Haramaya University’s commitment, stating, “Haramaya University was the first university to pay the yearly membership fee. We appreciate your initiative very much.” He expressed hope that the workshop would “initiate awareness of the need for innovative statistical methodologies and advanced data science applications in Ethiopia, particularly for population mapping and sustainable development.”
Mrs. Eskedar Girma, Head of the Department of Statistics at Haramaya University and the training coordinator, reiterated the main objective: “to empower academic staff with modern tools and knowledge required to lead data-driven research and innovation in their respective institutions.”
Led by Dr. Gaddisa Olani, an expert in AI and machine learning from Dire Dawa University, the training covered Python fundamentals, data processing, exploratory data analysis, advanced machine learning methods, and neural network basics, including hands-on implementation sessions.
Participants expressed strong appreciation for the practical nature of the workshop. Mr. Dereje Tafese (Dire Dawa University), Mr. Jemal Abdulahi (Jigjiga University), and Mr. Tesfaye Abera (Haramaya University) collectively noted the training’s significant potential impact. They stated, “The training has a wide-ranging impact on our research work and teaching… By leveraging these improvements, we can elevate the quality and effectiveness of our work and teaching practices.”
The workshop marks a collaborative effort to bolster Ethiopia’s capacity in the critical field of data science and machine learning within its academic institutions.
Reporter: Shemsedin Mohammad
Photographer: Tewodros Lishan
Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate