Abiye Yeshitila

Account Manager (Business Development) in Ericsson AB, Ethiopian office.

Abiye has earned his MSc degree in Computer Science, from University of Mysore India. He is a certified Project Manager (PMP)® and trainer. He has also received different specialized trainings in telecommunication business development and network deployment. Abiye has worked over 15 years in various professional capacities in telecommunication industry as Program, project and operation manger in different countries with different telecom operators.

Ameha Mekonnen

Human Right Lawyer @Network of Digital Rights in Ethiopia (NDRE)

Ameha Mekonnen is a Practicing Human Rights Lawyer/Defender based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He earned his first degree in law from AAU and did his master of laws on human rights from the University of Essex. Currently, he assumes multiple responsibilities at different CSOs including Director Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), Director Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), Board Chairperson Network of Digital Rights in Ethiopia (NDRE). He has extensively contributed to the law reform process with the specific task of coordination the Working Group on Anti-terrorism Proclamation.

Dr. Dawit Bekele

Regional Vice President-Africa @Internet Society

Dr. Dawit Bekele is the Regional Vice President-Africa of the Internet Society where he worked at various capacities since 2006. Dr. Dawit is an Ethiopian citizen living in Addis Ababa. He received undergraduate, Masters and Ph.D. degrees from Université Paul Sabatier in France, all degrees in Computer Science. He also holds a Master in Business leadership from University of South Africa.

Elsabet Samuel

Independent Media and Rights Consultant

Elsabet Samuel is a Doctoral Candidate at the Center for Human Rights, Addis Ababa University. Her Doctoral research scrutinizes Ethiopia’s experience, uncertainties, and opportunities in advancing freedom of expression in the digital era taking the case of the recent public protests in the country. She obtained her MA in Human Rights and a BA in Journalism and Communication from Addis Ababa University. Elsabet, a Knight International Journalism Fellow, spearheaded efforts to improve health coverage at major news organizations in Ethiopia. She is an independent media and rights consultant based in Addis Ababa. Her consultancy and research engagements mainly focus on freedom of expression, health information rights, migration, and gender equality. Elsabet worked for the International Center for Journalists, BBC World Service Trust, Panos Ethiopia, and Ethiopia Radio in different capacities. She also served as a Communication Consultant to the International Organization for Migration