The Ethiopian Information Technology Professional Association (EITPA) organized a round table discussion where the Ethiopian Knowledge & Technology Transfer Society (EKTTS) based in the USA held talks with stakeholders of the ICT sector in Ethiopia at the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission (ESTC) to explore in common the possibilities of transferring knowledge and technology to Ethiopia from abroad through the Society.

The Society has expressed its determination to network with government institutions, the public sector, private business and civil society organizations for communication on various areas of knowledge and information. According to Ato Melesse, the representative of the society, the response so far, especially from the Health Sector, has been very encouraging.

The Society had donated 4 containers of books of various topics for educational purposes and 20 more will arrive soon. It covers the transport expenses and the recipient is expected to clear the donation without customs dues.

The Society would also like to interconnect Ethiopians in the Diaspora to contribute their services to interested institutions in Ethiopia where foreign expertise is required. According to the Society, there are Ethiopians in the Diaspora who would like to undertake consultancy services and research activities for nominal fees to cover only their living expenses. In this regard, there are 9 professors who are voluntarily registered to teach at the Addis Ababa University (AAU) and other intuitions of higher learning on their sabbatical leaves.

The Ethiopian counterparts also raised important issues related to the status of the Telecom industry in Ethiopia, R&D in ICT, developing a Web Site to facilitate networking and serve the Diaspora and Ethiopians at home and the adoption of good practices in the process.