Ambassador Fitsum Arega: A Visionary Diplomat Shaping Ethiopian-Canadian Relations
Fitsum Arega Gebrekidan is presently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Canada. Following his appointment in December 2018, he served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to the United States for over three years. In his capacity, Ambassador Fitsum leveraged his background as a former Investment Head to promote trade and investment between the two countries.
From April 2018 to December 2018, Ambassador Fitsum served as Chief of Staff to the Ethiopian Prime Minister and steered the Office to a series of transformational economic and democratic reforms.
Since 2013 he served as a Director General of the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC). Under his leadership, the Commission played a catalytic role in Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth and has received broad accolades for his efforts as evidenced by the numerous international awards including from UNCTAD and The WB. He also promoted Ethiopia as an investment and sourcing destination, traveling to over 40 countries and meeting with businesses and brand leaders.
Before these appointments, he served as Head of the Addis Ababa Investment Agency, Head of the Addis Ababa Trade and Industry Bureau, and served in different public enterprises as board chairman and member.
Ambassador Fitsum is a Diplomat and a senior public sector leader who demonstrated capacity in communication and fundraising skills; also known for promoting and successfully engaging with diplomats, private sector, diaspora, academia, and community leaders with an emphasis on economic and social development.
Ambassador Fitsum has an MA in Development Economics and Policy Management from the University of Manchester, an MBA from the Open University Business School, a PGD in Local Government Systems and Management from the University of Birmingham, a Certificate in Leading Economic Growth (Executive Education) from Harvard University Kennedy School. Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ambassador Fitsum is married with three boys and a girl.
