A high-level delegation led by the World Bank Bank Vice President for People, Mamta Murthi visited the Hawassa Polytechnic College, one of the 16 Regional Flagship TVET Institute (RFTI) in Ethiopia under the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), funded by The World Bank.
She was accompanied by H.E Semereta Sewasew, State Minister, Ministry of Finance in Ethiopia and H.E Dr. Teshale Berecha, State Minister for TVET, Ministry of Labor and Skills, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Mamta described Ethiopia’s approach as “exemplary and well-aligned with the Skills for Jobs agenda,” underscoring its value for students, industries, and the wider economy. She reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives that strengthen the link between education and employment across Africa.
Dr. Berecha, State Minister of Technical and Vocational Education and Training at the Ministry of Labor and Skill, emphasised that Hawassa is unique in its focus on the textile industry, providing students with hands-on, industry-relevant training while also equipping them to create opportunities for self-employment.
Dr. Teshale highlighted the factory’s multifaceted benefits, stressing that it provides trainees with hands-on, industry-relevant experience while also equipping them with the skills to create self-employment opportunities.
Each Regional Flagship TVET Institute is designed to transform skills development, drive job creation, and support regional integration.
The World Bank Bank Vice President for People, Mamta Murthi (Right) with H.E Semereta Sewasew, State Minister, Ministry of Finance (Centre) and H.E Dr. Teshale Berecha, State Minister for TVET, Ministry of Labor and Skills (Left) during the visit to Hawassa Polytechnic College in Ethiopia.
Ato Eyoel, Deputy Dean of Hawassa Polytechnic College, explained that the college is strategically focusing on textiles and clothing, drawing on local talent and resources. He noted that the training factory will produce graduates who are not only competent and competitive but also well-positioned to strengthen intra-regional industrial connectivity.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Labour and Skills, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, representatives from the World Bank, and other invited guests.
By Communication Team, Hawassa Polytechnic College
