Bahir Dar University, in collaboration with the Institute of Foreign Affairs, successfully hosted the 3rd BRICS Think Tank Council (BTTC) Ethiopia Conference from 22–23 April 2026, under the theme “The Prospect of BRICS and Ethiopia’s Priorities.” The high-level forum brought together diplomats, university presidents, scholars, researchers, and policy experts for two days of rich dialogue and strategic reflection.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Zewdu Emiru, Vice President for Information and Strategic Communication at Bahir Dar University, emphasized that the conference aimed to provide vital platform for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and generating actionable recommendations on key global and national priorities, thereby strengthening economic, political, and diplomatic cooperation among BRICS member countries and partner nations. He underscored the importance of translating insights and recommendations from policymakers, scholars, and researchers into strategies that advance shared development goals.

H.E. Mr. Mohammedrafi Abaraya, Deputy Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs, in his opening remarks, highlighted the growing global significance of BRICS, noting that the bloc represents approximately half of the world’s population and over a quarter of global trade. He further emphasized Ethiopia’s emerging leadership role in Africa, particularly in areas such as technology and innovation, green development, agricultural transformation, and climate action.

In his address, H.E. Ambassador Minelik Alemu, Special Policy Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the conference as a vital platform for Ethiopia to expand its economic, research, and diplomatic engagement, while fostering meaningful knowledge exchange with new global partners.

Over the two days, participants engaged in substantive discussions across a range of critical global and national priorities. Parallel breakout sessions enabled deeper engagement, culminating in forward-looking recommendations that will be submitted to the 18th BRICS Academic Forum (2026) and subsequently to the XVIII BRICS Summit.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Mengesha Ayene, Bahir Dar University, reflected on the depth and quality of the discussions, noting that the conference successfully created a platform for critical reflection, knowledge exchange, and strategic alignment between Ethiopia and BRICS partners. He highlighted the importance of addressing global challenges, ranging from climate change and digital transformation to inclusive economic governance, through collaborative, research-driven, and policy-informed approaches.

Dr. Mengesha reaffirmed Bahir Dar University’s strong commitment to supporting such high-level intellectual engagements, positioning the University as a hub for policy dialogue, research collaboration, and international partnership. He further emphasized the University’s readiness to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and regional and global knowledge systems.

Following the conference, participants visited Bahir Dar University’s Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), where they were introduced to the University’s achievements in textile innovation, research, and industry linkage. The visit, complemented by a brief city tour of Bahir Dar, was met with highly positive reflections from participants, who praised the University’s academic excellence, innovation ecosystem, and the city’s unique cultural and natural appeal.