Ambachew Mekonnen

The School was saddened to hear of the death of alumnus Dr Ambachew Mekonnen, Regional President of the Amhara region of Ethiopia, who was assassinated on 22 June 2019. Ambachew completed his PhD on the topic of ‘Economic Growth, Trade and Investment in Sub-Saharan Africa: Nexus and Determinants’ in 2011 following an MSc in International Finance and Economic Development in the School. His PhD supervisor, Professor Roger Vickerman commented ‘Ambachew was deeply committed to the economic growth and development of his home country Ethiopia. His PhD explored the many constraints on that development and he was determined to put his findings into practice when he returned. He served as Minister of Housing and Urban Development and Minister of Industry before becoming Regional President of Amhara in March 2019 and kept in regular contact after graduating.’ The School sends its condolences to his family and colleagues.