To improve the business culture in the country, especially in its private sector, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Associations (ECCSA) has launched the “Chamber Academy”, in partnership with the Center for International Private Enterprises (CIPE), a US based affiliated organization with US Chamber of Commerce.

The business center aims to strengthen leadership and management skills of the ECCSA and member organizations, and building institution capacity. It will also help to enhance communication, cooperation and networking among business institutions, a statement published on the association website said.

ECCSA has been supporting Ethiopia’s business community for more than 60 years.

Speaking at the formal launching of the institute, ECCSA President Mulu Solomon said the opening of the Academy will help bolster the capacity of the private sector through training for business people and staff of relevant organizations.

He implored the Ethiopian private sector to extricate itself from traditional ways of thinking and practices by adopting modern theories and practice of doing business.

Professor Mohammed Habib, a senior legal professional and instructor at the Addis Ababa University also told Anadolu Agency that international partnership would be vital to disseminate up-to-date business knowledge.

The center of excellence would not only stimulate the activities of the private sector and ensures its steady growth, it will also stimulate the activities of the sector as a major driving force of economic development and growth, Habib said.