The AAU College of Business and Economics and the Ethiopian Economics Association organized a memorial program to the late economist Mulat Demeke (PhD) at the College’s Eshetu Chole Assembly Hall on May 12, 2023.

Hailu Elias (PhD), Dean of the College of Business and Economics, during the opening of the commemorative program expressed Dr. Mulat’s commitment and contributions as an instructor and dean of the college as well as his great efforts to bring the Ethiopian Economics Association to its heights starting from the establishment.

Asefa Admase (PhD) recited Dr. Mulat’s brief biography as he was born in Arsi, Ethiopian on February 16, 1956 and he completed his primary and secondary education at Bekoji, a particular area he was born.

According to Dr. Asefa, he graduated from the former Alem Maya College of Agricultural, now Haromaya University, in Agricultural Economics with great distinction in 1980 and worked as a junior researcher in Debre Zeit Agricultural Research, which was under Alem Maya College of Agriculture.

He completed his master’s degree at Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1985 in Economics and his (PhD) at Strathclyde University, UK in 1989 in Developmental Economics, Dr. Asefa finally stated.

Professor Tassew Weldehanna, AAU President, in his memorial speech mentioned that Dr. Mulat Demeke taught and advised many undergraduate and graduate students as a member of AAU Economics Department from 1994-2009.

As stated by Prof. Tassew, Dr. Mulat joined the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with headquarters in Rome, in 2010. He consulted on food price fluctuations and management, compiled various published reports, carried out in-depth analysis studies on food science, food security and related issues and performed many services under this office, he added.

Prof. Tassew finally witnessed that Dr. Mullat was a person who looked all people only for their being human, regardless of gender, language, ethnicity, talent, or academic level. “He lived with everyone with love and humility. I myself am the concrete evidence and permanent witness of this. His approach with the students was absolutely paternal. I watched him when he taught me Developmental Economics as a student,” he confirmed.

The late economist, Dr. Mulatu Demeke was married to Mrs. Selamawit Adareye, and got one son and two daughters.

Dr. Mulat Demeke passed away on April 4, 2023 after receiving intensive treatment for about a year and his funeral was held on April 8, 2023 at the Ethiopian Orthodox Covenant Church in Minnesota, USA.

Reporter: Zelalem Moges

Photo: Fikremariam Beyene

Editor: Abraham Girmay