The Official Launching Ceremony of BRIDGE Research and Innovation
On November 11, 2025, our official launching ceremony was held at the Inter Luxury Hotel in Addis Ababa, bringing together members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HoPR), diplomats from various foreign embassies, scholars, journalists, and invited guests.
The program received extensive coverage across domestic newspapers, radio, and television channels. The event opened with remarks from Board Member Begna Simesso, who invited Board Chairperson Dr. Mercy Fekadu Mulugeta. In her speech, Dr. Mercy emphasized BRIDGE’s role in connecting academia, citizens, and the HoPR to contribute meaningfully to national development. She then introduced the Guest of Honor, Hon. Dr. Dima Noggo, MP and Chairperson of the Peace and Foreign Relations Affairs Standing Committee of the HoPR.
Dr. Dima underscored the vital role of research institutions in supporting national policymaking, noting that without knowledge-producing bodies, policy institutions cannot function effectively. He praised BRIDGE for its contributions through books, monographs, papers, and forums, describing it as a “welcome addition” to efforts aimed at strengthening parliaments, democratic governance, peace, and legislative capacity.
Following this, Dr. Kaleab Tadesse, Director of BRIDGE, expressed gratitude to the Guest of Honor and shared the organization’s founding vision, rooted in the belief that scholars must contribute to making a difference. He highlighted BRIDGE’s mission to serve as a trusted research hub on parliamentary affairs and regional policy issues, particularly peace and development. Dr. Kaleab also noted the signed MOU with the HoPR and ongoing collaborations with Ethiopia’s 17 regional legislative bodies. He unveiled a landmark report, produced in partnership with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) and the HoPR, titled “The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia House of Peoples’ Representatives: Institutional Overview in the Post-2018 Reform Era,” which analyzes the evolving functions and institutional progress of the HoPR since the 2018 reforms.
The program included an interactive quiz moderated by Begna Shemiso, engaging participants with 11 questions accessed via QR code, covering topics such as federal budget details, constitutional articles, and the number of HoPR seats. A panel discussion followed, featuring Dr. Nigussie Meshesha, Deputy Secretary General of the HoPR Secretariat; Dr. Tamirat Haile, BRIDGE Founder and Board Member; and Dr. Zemelak Ayitenew, Political Advisor at NIMD. The panelists provided scholarly insights on the role of think tanks in Ethiopia’s institutional context and the gaps that organizations like BRIDGE can fill in legislative endeavors. The session concluded with an open Q&A, allowing attendees to share questions and comments.
In closing, Dr. Kaleab summarized the quiz results, noting that they demonstrated the importance of conducting research on legislative institutions. He thanked participants for their engagement and invited them to continue discussions at the cocktail reception, officially marking the end of the event.
BRIDGE Research & Innovation & House of Peoples Representatives of the FDRE Seal Partnership!
Bridge Research & Innovation has reached a major milestone with the official signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Secretariat Office of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HoPR). This long-term collaboration sets the stage for transformative work in evidence-based policymaking, skills development, and public engagement. The MoU commits both institutions to providing cutting-edge research that strengthens legislation, building the capacity of HoPR members and staff through structured training, and enhancing how Parliament communicates its vital role to citizens.
The agreement was formally signed by Dr. Kaleab Tadesse, Director of BRIDGE, and Ato Keryo Banata, Secretary General of the HoPR Secretariat Office. The ceremony was marked by strong endorsements from Deputy Speaker Honorable Lomi Bedo, Dr. Nigusse Meshesha, Deputy Secretary General for Professional Affairs of the HoPR, Ato Andent Adnew, Head of the Government Representative Office of the HoPR, and Dr. Mercy Fekadu, Board Chair of BRIDGE. Each expressed their appreciation for the partnership and their hopes for a highly successful and fruitful collaboration.
This MoU is more than just an agreement, it is a bold step toward strengthening Ethiopia’s legislative institutions, ensuring that Parliament is equipped with the research, skills, and public trust needed to drive inclusive governance and sustainable development.
