AFD Expertise Delegation Visits EPSU to Strengthen Ties and Define Collaborative Roles in Public Service Reform
(March 19, 2026 ; E.P.S.U.) A key expertise delegation from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) visited the Ethiopian Public Service University (EPSU) today to strengthen bilateral ties and define collaborative roles in supporting Ethiopia's national public service reform agenda.
The AFD team, led by Lauriane Thibaud, Task Team Leader for Public Administration Reform at AFD, and Hiwotee Salvat from the AFD Addis Ababa office, was warmly received at the university by Dr. Amanuel Kussia, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Dereje Teklemariam, Director of International Collaboration and Partnership; and Dr. Azeb Assefa, Dean of the Training Institute.
The visit aimed to provide the AFD delegation with a comprehensive understanding of EPSU's unique mandate as the only university in the country specifically tasked with building capacity across the entire public sector. Through specialized education, demand-driven training, policy-oriented research, and consultancy services, EPSU continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Ethiopia's civil service. Discussions held on campus focused on identifying synergies to further support the ongoing reform efforts of the Civil Service Commission.
During the meeting, EPSU leadership proudly reflected on the historic partnership with France. Historical records indicate that the French government was a founding partner in the establishment of the Institute of Leadership and Good Governance in 2010 and has remained a steadfast supporter ever since. This enduring collaboration is formalized through institutional links with prestigious French institutions, including the French National School of Administration (ENA) and the School of Magistrates in France. The EPSU team noted that France's long-term vision and consistent commitment have been instrumental in developing generations of Ethiopian public sector leaders, and expressed enthusiasm for building upon this strong legacy.
Building on this foundation, EPSU presented six key areas for potential future partnership: Trainers' Capacity Building to create a multiplier effect across the public service, A Digitalization and Incubation Centre to pilot innovative service delivery models, A Public Sector Innovation and Reform Centre to serve as a policy think tank, A Leadership Excellence Centre dedicated to executive-level development, Support for EPSU's own institutional capacity building as the university transitions to autonomy, Positioning EPSU as a national hub for supporting applied universities across the country.
Following the productive discussions, the delegation was briefed on EPSU's ongoing transformation toward producing competent public servants through technology-driven, innovative, and modern programs. The university leadership showcased its commitment to delivering quality education, research, and community engagement services that contribute to a dynamic and accountable public sector.
The visit represents a significant step in defining and advancing the collaborative framework between EPSU and AFD. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to deepening their partnership, with the AFD delegation acknowledging EPSU's strategic position in the future of Ethiopian public sector governance and conveying strong enthusiasm for supporting national reform efforts. The EPSU leadership, in turn, reaffirmed its dedication to translating the discussed areas of collaboration into concrete initiatives, ensuring that the partnership continues to yield meaningful outcomes for the modernization of Ethiopia's public service.