Meet Our Founders
Visionary leaders driving Africa's transition to sustainable development through innovation, expertise, and unwavering commitment to climate resilience, empowerment, and development.
Dr. Eng. Seleshi Bekele
Co-Founder & Chief Water Resources Advisor
Seleshi Bekele (Amharic: ስለሺ በቀለ) is an Ethiopian politician and academic who served as the Chief Negotiator and Advisor on Transboundary Rivers and GERD at Office of Prime Minister of Ethiopia since 2021 and ambassador of Ethiopia to the US from 2022 to 2024. Prior to this position, He served as the Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy of Ethiopia from 2018 to 2021.
Education
- PhD in Hydraulic Engineering from TU Dresden
- MSc in Civil Engineering from Newcastle Upon Tyne
- BSc in Civil Engineering from Addis Ababa University
Key Experience
- Former Dean of Arba Minch Water Technology Institute
- Head of International Water Management Institute for Nile Basin in East Africa
- UNECA, Interregional Advisor on Water, Energy and Capacity Development at DESA of United Nations
- Chief Negotiator and Advisor for the Prime Minister of Ethiopia at Ministers Level
- Former Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy of Ethiopia (2018-2021)
- Ambassador of Ethiopia to the US (2022-2024)
Dr. Amir Aman
Co-Founder & Chief Health Strategy Officer
Dr. Amir Aman is an Ethiopian physician and public-health leader who served as the country's Minister of Health. A graduate of Addis Ababa University's medical program with an MSc in Public Health from the University of the Western Cape, he went on to shape global health financing and philanthropy as Senior Advisor at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and as Country Operations Lead for the World Bank's Global Financing Facility. Across these roles he has built a reputation for high-level leadership, policy design, on-the-ground implementation, and successful resource mobilization.
Education
- Doctor of Medicine from Addis Ababa University
- MSc in Public Health from University of Western Cape
Key Experience
- Former Minister of Health, Ethiopia
- Former Senior Advisor, Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
- Former Country Operations Lead, Global Financing Facility (GFF) / World Bank
- Extensive Expertise in Leadership, Policy, Implementation, and Resource Mobilization
Eng. Hizkyas Dufera
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Eng. Hizkyas Dufera is an Ethiopian engineer and entrepreneur who has led the development of solar and renewable energy solutions in Ethiopia. With a background in electrical engineering and a commitment to sustainable development, he has played a key role in shaping the country's energy policy and solutions globally.
Education
- BSc in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering from University of Maryland
- MS in Electric and Electronics Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Key Experience
- Former U.S. aerospace and energy sector leader, securing substantial funding for renewable energy grants
- Founder of Dufsar Energy LLC, delivering solar and renewable energy solutions globally
- Spearheaded the CRISP initiative for climate-resilient agriculture
- Leads energy and irrigation policy reforms at Ethiopia's Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Energy
- Senior Advisor | Entrepreneur | Policy Innovator
Our Shared Values
United by a common vision, our founders bring diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to building a sustainable future for Africa.
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CORE Development
Climate Oriented Resilience, Empowerment & Development - Leading Africa's transition to climate resilient and sustainable development.
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