On January 29, 2026, St. Mary’s University and AFRIWORK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration designed to strengthen students’ readiness for the Ethiopian labor market. This agreement reflects the shared vision of both institutions to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical career awareness, ensuring that graduates are better prepared to navigate the evolving world of work.

Afriwork, an Ethiopian-based digital job and work opportunity platform established in 2018, contributes its expertise in labor market insights and employer expectations to the partnership. The MoU was signed by Eyoeal Kefyalew, CEO and Co-Founder of AFRIWORK, and Misganaw Solomon, PhD, Vice President for Research and International Relations at St. Mary’s University. The signing was facilitated by the University’s Career and Internship Office, underscoring the institution’s commitment to student-centered initiatives.

Through this MoU, the Parties will collaborate on career awareness programs, interactive discussions, and student-focused forums that explore the dynamics of the Ethiopian job market, employer recruitment practices, and diverse work opportunities. The partnership is designed to complement academic instruction with practical perspectives, empowering students to make informed career decisions while responsibly engaging with digital employment platforms.