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A.M.C. MEMBER NEWS
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Fana Abay named President as EMPA’s new board brings together voices from every corner of Ethiopia’s marketing landscape.
The Ethiopian Marketing Professionals Association, a member of the African Marketing Confederation, has announced the election of a new executive board.
Serving board member Fana Abay steps up into the role of President. Mekedela Mekuria Hailu, who was also on the previous board, remains as Vice President.
Other office bearers are: Yordanos Seifu (Secretary); Seifu Alemayehu (Program & Professional Development Director); Lioul Asfaw (Membership & Chapter Development Director); Yonathan Yimer (Finance Director); Misikir Mulugeta (Resource Mobilisation & Partnership Director); Boniat Tilahun (Brand & Communications Director); Dawit Melak (Research, Policy & Advocacy Director); Endale G.selassie Tassew (Digital Transformation & Innovation Director).
Fana Abay. Photo: LinkedIn
“Our newly expanded leadership team reflects our ambition to do more, reach further and build a truly connected marketing community across Ethiopia,” the association says in a statement.
“EMPA’s new board brings together voices from every cornet of Ethiopia’s marketing landscape – spanning banking, FMCG, academia, consulting, media and social enterprise – reflecting the diversity, talent and ambition that define our profession.
“Now the future of marketing in Ethiopia isn’t just bold, it’s brave.”
Outgoing board laid the foundation
In a social media post published on LinkedIn, Abay extends thanks to the leadership team that laid the foundation for the formation of the EMPA.
“Thank you for opening both your hearts and hands for the association and showing what true service looks like,” she writes.
“And to the new EMPA Executive Board, thank you for stepping up to serve. I hope together we’ll continue to grow, connect and strengthen Ethiopia’s marketing community, one bold step at a time.”
Abay is Marketing and Communication Director for Population Services International, a non-profit organisation helping people in developing countries lead healthier lives and plan families by marketing affordable health products and services.
With over 15 years of experience in marketing and communication, she has developed a passion for creating world-class brands and driving meaningful and sustainable change in public health.

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Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.
Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.
Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.