Borkena
Toronto – Befekadu Degfe (PhD), one of Ethiopia’s Prominent economist, passed away in Addis Ababa. The news came on Thursday.
Dr. Befekadu was among the founders of Ethiopian Economics Association., and has served as the fourth president of the Association.
“It is with profound sadness that the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) shares the news of the passing of Dr. Befekadu Degefe, on 9th January 2025, a founding member and an esteemed leader of our community. Dr. Befekadu’s unparalleled contributions to the field of economics, both in Ethiopia and beyond, have left an enduring legacy,” Ethiopian Economics Association wrote on Thursday.
The association highlighted the scholarly contributions and mentorship of Dr. Befekadu.
In its condolence message, it said “As the 4th President of the EEA, serving from 2000 to 2004, his vision and dedication helped shape the association into what it is today. His work as a scholar, mentor, and policy advisor has touched countless lives, inspiring future economists to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation.”
Dr Befekadu was one of the 43 Addis Ababa University lecturers who were dismissed after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) took power in Addis Ababa in 1991.
He took active part during the 1997 election. He was credited for developing an economic policy alternative for what was then a popular opposition party – Kinijit. Although the opposition won the election, the TPLF led government rigged it and arrested all the opposition leaders including Dr. Befekadu.
He took part in the last election representing Ethiopian Citizens For Social Justice Party (EZEMA) but did not join the parliament like the leader of the party – Berhanu Nega who is currently serving in Abiy Ahmed’s cabinet as Minister for Education.
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May he rest in eternal peace!
Befekadu Degefe, not Bekekadu Degfe. Please make corrections.