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22nd International Conference of Ethiopian Studies (ICES22)

Hawassa University, Ethiopia

‘Ethiopia in Transition: Heritage, Innovation, and Future Pathways’

29 Sep-03 Oct 2025

Time Left:

Keynote Speakers at 22ICES

Professor Belay Kassa

Professor of Agricultural Economics and Current

President of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS)

Professor Zinabu Geberemariam

Professor of Fresh Water Ecology, Hawassa University

Founding President of Hawassa University

Ethiopia

Local Organizing Committee of the 22nd International Conference on Ethiopian Studies (22ICES) holds its bi-monthly Meeting

August 22, 2025

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 22nd International Conference on Ethiopian Studies (22ICES) held its bi-monthly meeting to assess preparation progresses at Hawassa University.

Led by the Vice President for Research & Collaboration at HU, Dr. Tafesse Matewos, the session brought together leaders of the LOC subcommittees to review progress, align strategies, and finalize key preparations for the upcoming international conference schedule for 29 September to 03 October 2025.

After Chairs of the main committee and sub-committees briefly presented reports on major activities performed, challenges faced and actions taken, intense discussion was made especially focusing on ways forward.

The discussion underscored the need to intensify preparation efforts and working more closely with all federal and regional government as well as private stakeholders to host this historic and phenomenal international Conference.

Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to 29 September 2025!

Hawassa University

Ever to Excel!

About Hawassa University

Hawassa University (HU) is the hosting university for the 22nd International Conference of Ethiopian Studies (CES22). It is one of the first-generation public universities in Ethiopia. It is located in Hawassa City, Sidama Region. Established in 1976 as Awassa College of Agriculture (ACA), it was upgraded to a full-fledged University in 2000 with the merger of Wondogenet College of Forestry and Natural Resources (Est. in 1978), and Dilla College of Teachers’ Education and Health Sciences (Est. in 1996). HU has grown significantly that now it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs including agriculture, business, education, law, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. The university is committed to providing quality education, conducting impactful research, and undertaking community engagement programs. With a diverse student body and a dedicated faculty, it plays a vital role in the academic and social development of the region and the country.

Hawassa City, located on the shores of Lake Hawassa in the Great Rift Valley, is about 273 km (170 miles) south of Addis Ababa. It is one of the fast-growing cities in Ethiopia and is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community that provides an ideal setting for any important gathering.

Hawassa City Attraction Areas

Lake Hawassa

With its mountainous backdrop, Lake Hawassa is a lovely sight. You could easily spend a few pleasant hours strolling the lakeshore trail at the end of town, watching men fishing from papyrus rafts.

Tabor Mountain

Tabor Mountain is a hilltop in the middle of Hawassa City which is commonly known for hiking the place. It is also very ideal for its bird view of the entire city.

Saint Gabriel Church

St. Gabriel Church in Hawassa is a prominent Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It is located east of the main roundabout in Hawassa. The church is known for its beauty and its role in the religious life of the community, attracting both local and tourist visitors.

Fiche Chembelala (Sidama New Year)

The Sidama peoples New Year celebration is one of the most distinguished festivities of the Sidama people and it has been registered by UNESCO.

Fish Market

Lake Hawassa’s fishermen head out inther little wooden boat in the afternoon and return in the next morning laden with tilapia and catfish. These men are amazingly skillful at gutting, scaling, skinning and flicking the eyes out of their catches.

Local Market

Visitors who enjoy shopping for authentic goods Mondays and Thursdays in Hawassa markets are well-suited. In the colorful & crowded markets, traditional pottery, dresses, bags and baskets are found in abundance.