Eleni Zaude Gabre-Madhin Quotes
- Economist
- Ethiopia
- 1964
Eleni Zaude Gabre-Madhin is an Ethiopian economist and entrepreneur known for her pioneering work in creating Africa’s first commodity exchange. She has a PhD in Applied Economics from Stanford University and has held various positions at the World Bank and the International Food Policy Resear…Read More
Eleni Zaude Gabre-Madhin is an Ethiopian economist and entrepreneur known for her pioneering work in creating Africa’s first commodity exchange. She has a PhD in Applied Economics from Stanford University and has held various positions at the World Bank and the International Food Policy Research Institute. Gabre-Madhin is the founder and former CEO of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), which has revolutionized the country’s agricultural market and has been recognized as a model for other African countries. She has also been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of economics and development. Her notable works include the book “The World of Coffee: The Science and Culture of the World’s Favorite Beverage” and the TED Talk “A commodities exchange for Ethiopia.” Gabre-Madhin continues to be a leading figure in the development of Africa’s agricultural sector and is a strong advocate for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.Read Less
Eleni Zaude Gabre-Madhin is an Ethiopian economist and entrepreneur known for her pioneering work in creating Africa’s first commodity exchange. She has a PhD in Applied Economics from Stanford University and has held various positions at the World Bank and the International Food Policy Research Institute. Gabre-Madhin is the founder and former CEO of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), which has revolutionized the country’s agricultural market and has been recognized as a model for other African countries. She has also been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of economics and development. Her notable works include the book “The World of Coffee: The Science and Culture of the World’s Favorite Beverage” and the TED Talk “A commodities exchange for Ethiopia.” Gabre-Madhin continues to be a leading figure in the development of Africa’s agricultural sector and is a strong advocate for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Eleni Zaude Gabre-Madhin Career Highlights
- Gabre-Madhin received her Bachelor’s degree in economics from Cornell University and her Master’s and PhD in agricultural economics from Stanford University.
- She began her career as an economist at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington D.C., where she focused on agricultural market reforms in Africa.
- In 2004, Gabre-Madhin returned to Ethiopia and was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), a position she held until 2012.
- Under her leadership, the ECX became the first and only commodity exchange in Africa to trade coffee, sesame, and other agricultural products in a transparent and efficient manner.
- In 2012, Gabre-Madhin founded her own company, Eleni LLC, which provides consulting services to governments and organizations on agricultural market development.
- She has also served as a consultant for various international organizations, including the World Bank, the United Nations, and the African Development Bank.
Key Contributions by Eleni Zaude Gabre-Madhin
- Gabre-Madhin’s most significant contribution is the creation of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX). Prior to its establishment, Ethiopia’s agricultural market was plagued by inefficiency, lack of transparency, and price volatility.
- The ECX introduced a modern trading platform that connects buyers and sellers, provides real-time market information, and ensures fair prices for all participants.
- This has led to increased market efficiency, improved farmer incomes, and a more stable agricultural sector in Ethiopia.
- Gabre-Madhin’s work has also had a ripple effect on the country’s overall economy, as the agricultural sector accounts for over 40% of Ethiopia’s GDP and employs more than 80% of the population.
What Sets Eleni Zaude Gabre-Madhin Apart
- Gabre-Madhin’s innovative thinking and determination to bring about change in the agricultural sector sets her apart from others in her field.
- She was able to successfully navigate the challenges of establishing a commodity exchange in a developing country, where there was little precedent for such a venture.
- Her expertise in both economics and agriculture, as well as her understanding of the local context, allowed her to create a unique and effective solution for Ethiopia’s agricultural market.
Takeaways
- Gabre-Madhin’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate the power of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving economic development.
- Her work has shown that with the right approach and determination, even the most challenging problems can be solved.
- The success of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange serves as a model for other developing countries looking to improve their agricultural markets and boost their economies.
- Gabre-Madhin’s story also highlights the importance of investing in education and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields such as economics and agriculture.