On April 1, 2026, St. Mary’s University (SMU) and the Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the University’s main campus, marking a major milestone in advancing disability‑inclusive education and expanding employment opportunities in Ethiopia’s growing digital economy. The agreement formalizes a joint commitment to implement the “I‑BPO: Upskilling and Employing Persons with Disabilities through an Inclusive BPO Ecosystem” project, an initiative designed to equip young persons with disabilities with market‑oriented digital and BPO‑specific skills while strengthening accessibility and inclusion within university training environments.
Through this partnership, SMU will provide dedicated three‑month technical BPO training programs, enhance accessibility within its facilities, and embed disability‑inclusive systems across its academic and administrative structures. ECDD, in turn, will deliver project coordination, supply assistive technologies, offer capacity‑building support, and facilitate employment linkages for trainees.
During the signing ceremony, ECDD Executive Director Getahun Semeon (PhD) emphasized that the initiative “breaks down structural barriers and opens doors for persons with disabilities to thrive in Ethiopia’s digital economy.” Representing SMU, Misganaw Solomon (PhD), Vice President for Research, Community Engagement, and Communication, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to inclusive education and workforce development.
The signing marks not only a shared effort to empower individuals with disabilities but also the foundation for a sustainable model of inclusive BPO training hubs that will continue benefiting future generations.
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