This week, a high-level Ethiopian delegation led by the State Minister of Education, Mr. Kora Tushune Godana, arrived in the Netherlands as part of a strategic study visit aimed at strengthening international cooperation in research and academic development.
The delegation comprises senior representatives from three of Ethiopia’s leading research universities - Jimma, Bahir Dar, and Mekelle - each spearheading a national Center of Excellence dedicated to advancing innovation in critical sectors. The delegation was accompanied by Esther den Hartog of the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.
During their visit, the group toured our campus, with a particular focus on our Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation. They engaged with Dutch counterparts to explore avenues for collaboration and to exchange insights on best practices in research and innovation. The visit placed a particular emphasis on Ethiopia’s Centers of Excellence (CoE), which act as national hubs for thematic research and capacity building:
- Jimma University leads the CoE for Energy, Water, and Agriculture, supporting interdisciplinary research and offering advanced academic programs such as a PhD in Sustainable Energy Engineering.
- Bahir Dar University hosts the CoE for Fashion and Technology through its Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), a key player in modernizing Ethiopia’s textile sector.
- Mekelle University oversees the CoE for Wind and Solar Energy (WiSE), driving forward sustainable energy research and implementation.
This visit marks a significant step toward deepening academic ties between Ethiopia and the Netherlands. Both sides expressed a strong interest in developing joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, and co-developed curricula. The collaboration aims to foster innovation, enhance research capabilities, and contribute to sustainable development in both countries.
The University of Twente is proud to host such impactful international engagements, reinforcing its commitment to global academic partnerships and excellence in research.
