Haramaya University participated in the National Entrepreneurship Research Conference
Haramaya University made a notable impact at the inaugural National Entrepreneurship Research Conference, contributing valuable insights during Global Entrepreneurship Week. The conference, held on November 27, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was organized by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute.
The event attracted a distinguished audience, including H.E. Mrs. Muferiat Kamil, Minister of Labor and Skills; diplomats and ambassadors; members of the House of People’s Representatives; entrepreneurs; researchers; and educators. This high-profile gathering provided Haramaya University with a platform to highlight its innovative entrepreneurship research within the larger framework of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW).
Ethiopia has gained international recognition during GEW by hosting over a thousand entrepreneurial activities designed to inspire and support new initiatives nationwide. At the conference, Haramaya University’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Ibsa Aliyi Usmane, presented research emphasizing tourism’s pivotal role in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. His work focused on three key locations: Harar, Gara Muleta, and Lake Haramaya.
Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage city, offers rich cultural and historical assets that serve as a foundation for community-based tourism. This sector not only attracts both domestic and international visitors but also supports local artisans and small businesses by promoting crafts, culinary traditions, and cultural exchanges, thereby stimulating economic growth while preserving heritage.
Gara Muleta, a relatively unexplored area, holds significant potential for tourism-driven entrepreneurship. Ibsa highlighted opportunities such as eco-lodges, guided cultural tours, and agricultural tourism that engage residents in sustainable tourism ventures, benefiting both the economy and community decision-making.
Lake Haramaya, celebrated for its scenic beauty, is ideal for eco-tourism projects that prioritize environmental conservation and community empowerment. Initiatives proposed include birdwatching, hiking, and environmental education, all designed to provide employment and training for locals while promoting sustainable management of natural resources.
Through these research-backed initiatives, Haramaya University aims to create lasting economic and social benefits that empower youth and women. By integrating tourism with entrepreneurship, the university envisions building a resilient ecosystem that nurtures local culture and supports sustainable development.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations
Tags: academic research, Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Ethiopia, Haramaya University, higher education, Innovation, National Entrepreneurship Research Conference, Research Conference, University Participation