The governance and leadership structure of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations is organized as follows.
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the highest governing body of AACCSA.
Its responsibilities include:
• Electing the President and Board of Directors.
• Approving the Chamber Constitution.
• Approving strategic plans, annual plans, and major policies.
• Approving annual reports and audited financial statements.
• Representing the interests of all members.
Board of Directors (BoD)
The Board of Directors is elected by the General Assembly for a two year term.
Key responsibilities:
• Provides strategic leadership and governance.
• Approves policies and strategic direction.
• Approves the Secretariat’s annual work plan and budget.
• Oversees financial and organizational performance.
• Establishes sectoral committees.
• Appoints the Secretary General.
• Monitors implementation of Chamber policies.
President
The President is elected by the General Assembly for two years.
Responsibilities include:
• Chairs Board meetings.
• Chairs the General Assembly.
• Represents AACCSA nationally and internationally.
• Provides strategic leadership.
• Works closely with the Secretary General on implementation.
Secretariat
The Secretariat is the executive management arm responsible for daily operations.
Current structure includes:
• Secretary General
• Two Deputy Secretary Generals
• Three specialized institutes
• 4 Support Service
• Five service units
• Total 14 departments
Primary responsibilities:
• Execute Board decisions.
• Deliver member services.
• Manage: finance, HR, procurement, IT and digitalization, and administration.
• Coordinate projects and donor programs.
• Organize training, exhibitions, and trade missions.
• Operate the Arbitration Institute, Business Innovation Center, and Institute of Directors.
• Manage communication, advocacy, and partnerships.
Leadership Governance Model
Governance follows a clear separation of responsibilities.
Governance Level
Main Responsibility
General Assembly
Supreme decision making
Board of Directors
Governance, strategy, policy, oversight
President
Board leadership and representation
Secretary General
Chief Executive of the Secretariat
Deputy Secretary Generals
Operational leadership
Directors and Managers
Departmental management
Staff
Service delivery and operations
Branches
AACCSA delivers services through its headquarters and a network connected with Addis Ababa’s business community.
Its structure includes:
• Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
• Business representation across Addis Ababa’s Sub City business communities and sectoral associations.
• Sector specific committees.
• Specialized institutes including:
• Arbitration Institute
• Training Institute
• Institute of Directors
• Business Innovation Center / BIC
Governance Principles
AACCSA promotes governance based on:
• Transparency
• Accountability
• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Teamwork
• Partnership
• Member representation/ Bridge / Voice of Business community
• Ethical business conduct
• Strategic oversight
The governance hierarchy can be summarized as:
General Assembly
↓
Board of Directors
↓
President
↓
Secretary General
↓
Deputy Secretary Generals
↓
Directors and Department Heads
↓
Managers
↓
Professional Staff
↓
Members and Business Community
