Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation

Semereta Sewasew is the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation. In this role, she leads the Ministry of Finance’s international economic cooperation policies and operations, with a focus on ensuring external resources are effectively managed and mobilized to provide maximum benefit and results for the people of Ethiopia. She also oversees the Ministry’s public-private partnership (PPP) policies and operations to deepen private sector engagement in Ethiopia’s projects and infrastructure. Prior to her service as State Minister, Semereta served in several roles within the Ministry of Finance, including Director of Public Affairs, where she managed public communications and outreach on the Ministry of Finance’s activities. She also served as a senior communication advisor for the economic reforms and Privatization Secretariat Coordinator where she managed a range of initiatives and technical work.

Semereta began her career over 20 years ago in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where for seven years she provided guidance on strategic and diplomatic partnerships, economic and trade relationships, and related issues for countries in Asia and the Middle East. Semereta’s passion for improving the lives of disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including children, led her to work in senior leadership positions and on the governing boards of several civil society and international development organizations, including the Jerusalem Children and Community Development Organization (2007-2009) and the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (2009-2019).

Semereta holds a master’s degree in journalism and communications and a bachelor’s degree in political science and international Relations both from Addis Ababa University