In a major spring for Ethiopia’s scientific and academic landscape, Debre Markos University (DMU) has finalized a tripartite partnership with the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) and the Ethiopian Meteorology Institute (EMI).
The collaboration, solidified through a series of signing ceremonies in January 2026, establishes a formal framework for a highly specialized PhD program in Applied Atmospheric Science (AAS). This initiative is designed to position Ethiopia as a regional leader in climate research, renewable energy, and meteorological innovation.
The ceremonial entry into the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place in two stages: On January 16, 2026, a formal ceremony marked the agreement between DMU and the SSGI, and on January 22, 2026, a virtual signing followed between DMU and the EMI, completing the tripartite alliance.
The success of this partnership rests on the vision of three visionary institutional leaders:
Dr. Sayeh Kassaw (President, DMU)
Dr. Sayeh Kassaw, President of DMU, provides distinguished and forward-looking leadership in promoting excellence in higher education and research in Ethiopia. He has been instrumental in the establishment and strengthening of a PhD program in AAS, fostering academic rigor, innovation, and strong national relevance. Under his guidance, DMU has expanded strategic collaborations with leading national research institutions, with SSGI and EMI, to develop highly skilled human capital in climate and atmospheric physics, applied renewable energy, and applied meteorology fields critical to Ethiopia’s sustainable development and scientific progress
Mr. Abdissa Yilma (Director General, SSGI)
Mr. Abdissa Yilma, Director General of the SSGI, leads Ethiopia’s national initiatives in space science, geospatial technologies, and atmospheric research. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to academic partnership and capacity development through advanced doctoral education. He actively advances strategic collaboration with DMU by facilitating access to national research infrastructure, space-based and geospatial data resources, specialized scientific expertise, and joint doctoral supervision and projects. His efforts continue to strengthen AAS across climate science, renewable energy, and operational meteorology.
Mr. Fetene Teshome (Director General, EMI)
Mr. Fetene Teshome has been a pivotal figure in Ethiopia’s meteorological services, serving as the Director General of the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) since June 2012. His extensive experience spans various sectors, including education, the Federal Ministry of Mines, and the Geological Survey of Ethiopia, before joining the EMI. He has been instrumental in enhancing Ethiopia’s climate resilience through initiatives like the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) and has been a member of the WMO Executive Council and president of WMO RAI (Africa) since February 2023. His leadership at the EMI and his involvement in global meteorological organizations underscore his commitment to advancing meteorological science and technology in Ethiopia.
Attendees of the MoU signing ceremony, from partner institutions
The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for the joint administration and implementation of a nationally responsive and internationally competitive PhD program, organized around three distinguished thematic streams:
- PhD in Applied Atmospheric Science (Climate and Atmospheric Physics): dedicated to advanced investigations of atmospheric processes, climate variability and change, and cutting-edge observational and modeling methodologies;
- PhD in Applied Atmospheric Science (Applied Renewable Energy): integrating atmospheric science with renewable energy systems, resource assessment, and environmental sustainability;
- PhD in Applied Atmospheric Science (Applied Meteorology): focusing on operational meteorology, weather forecasting, and applied atmospheric services for societal benefit.
Attendees of MoU signing ceremony, from DMU
Through this agreement, the Parties reaffirm their commitment to joint doctoral supervision, shared research facilities, curriculum development, capacity building, academic staff and student exchange, and collaborative research initiatives. Collectively, these efforts aim to advance atmospheric and climate science education and research in alignment with Ethiopia’s applied university missions. It contributes to national development priorities and enhances the country’s scientific standing at regional and global levels.
As Ethiopia continues to navigate the challenges of climate change and the transition to green energy, this partnership ensures that the country’s scientific standing remains internationally competitive while serving the immediate needs of its people.