75th Anniversary

75ኛ ዓመት ክብረ በዓል

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75th Anniversary

As history of nations shows, no country has evolved to a developed one without the development of institutions. Actually, it is fair to say that institutional development is a sine-qua-non for economic development.

Fortunately, as old as we are as a nation, we Ethiopians relatively have been capable of nurturing enduring institutions.

The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce in this case is a pioneer institution in our country. It is as old as Ethiopian Airlines, office of the Auditor general and the former School of Commerce and even older than the Ethiopian Shipping Lines (ESL).

Addis chamber was founded in 1947, in the aftermath of the Second World War. It came in to being even at a time when the business community was weak and troubled with various regulatory and policy predicaments resulting from the Italian occupying force.

The establishment and operation of the Chamber system was mainly the initiative of public authorities and principally by His Majesty emperor Haile Selassie I.

Following the restoration of independence after five years of Fascist occupation, post liberation economic crises surfaced in the country that necessitated business persons to form their own association and get together to tackle serious shortages of basic commodities.

The then ‘Hager Fikir Mahiber’ was the place it was born, in the down town of Addis.

To this end, the government adopted a charter to set up the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce as an autonomous body in 1947. This makes it the oldest, largest and strongest voluntary business membership organization in Ethiopia.

Of course It has been serving its business members for more than 75 years. It is now representing a wide spectrum of businesses with more than 16,000 business members in Addis Ababa.

The city Chamber believes that this is its essence – to be the igniting force behind unifying businesses in the metropolitan, ultimately leading to economic growth and vitality throughout the county.

Throughout its journey, the Chamber has contributed immensely to the private sector needs and growth by working closely with the policy makers and influential business leaders.

However, its contribution in different era is being curtailed mostly by challenges with various regimes to properly deliver its services to its members.

Chamber in different era and paths had an opportunity to know the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, often understand what gets in the way of success, and have first-hand knowledge of what it takes to deliver.

Addis Ababa Chamber of commerce strongly believes that Ethiopia’s robust economy can only be supported by a thriving business community and an entrepreneurial spirit.

In fact, over the years, the chamber has rigorously worked as an institutional platform for the private sector to echo concerns to government and policy makers and supported the competitiveness of Ethiopian businesses within and outside the country.

It is also now strongly believed that a strong relationship with pertinent stakeholders is essential to enable the private sector play its key role in building the country’s economy.

To make its dream a reality, the chamber call upon all stakeholders to march with it to a better Ethiopia that can afford inclusive economic opportunities that will create a skilled workforce– the engine to any economic development. Be part of its success and let’s build an even brighter future.

As it has been known, the Chamber’s solo efforts cannot yield the desired results. It needs to be augmented by the contributions of all stakeholders.

Addis Chamber is currently striving to make itself a place where all businesses, business associations and policy makers come together to debate, contemplate and formulate the economy that is sustainable and accessible to all actors of the private sector.

This special 75 years of anniversary on our hand is a series of many to come on the new face of Addis Chamber as all businesses can witness branding ourselves as a vanguard of the private sector.

In fact, historical evidences suggest that AACCSA has organized two jubilees in the past. Although little evidences are available today about the first 25th jubilee, ample print and pictorial evidences testimony the successful organization of the second 50th jubilee as taking place in the year 1998.

This 75th anniversary shall therefore, herald the continuation of that tradition at a scale far larger in form and content. The chamber has now finalizing its preparation to celebrate its 75th years of anniversary from June 28-30, 2022.

Important activities that are envisaged to be implemented during this third anniversary include:-

• a high-level ceremonial opening event,

• a recognition and award ceremony,

• High level panels, symposiums & workshops,

• a Book launching Ceremony that traverses all the major milestones and historical anecdotes the chamber has gone through during the past 75 years,

• Photo exhibition with AACCSA Publication display

• Production and broadcasting documentary video via mainstream media

• Caring out various corporate social responsibility activities and other colorful events.

This juncture gives the opportunity to thank and remember its past leaders that were instrumental in guiding the chamber to continued success. After all, the chamber would not be where it is today without the support of its members and its awesome business community.

75 years! New vibe! New color! Addis Chamber! We go forward! Happy anniversary!