Merkato Branch Office

Background

The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association established a “Satellite Office” back in 2001 that served up to November 2004 with the aim of serving the business community around Merkato. The service was then discontinued due to lack of budget and other factors. The office was re-opened the financial resource obtained from GTZ for one year, running from July 2006 to June 2007. 

Starting from November 2007, it was upgraded to a branch office level and organized to give all the services The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA) renders. The reorganization was made possible through the project support of the Royal Netherlands Embassy which extends from November 2007 to December 2010.

Vision :

To see a redeveloped Merkato with the participation of the business community and other stakeholders, considering the historical and tourist attractions that are available in the area.

 Some of the objectives of the office are:-

• Extending AACCSA’s services to The Merkato business community
• Networking with the city government, sub-city government, sub-city administration and other development partners.
• Conducting training programs based on need assessment and
• Organizing annual Merkato festival aimed at promoting micro and small enterprises mainly focusing on handicrafts.

Strategy:

• Engage the participation of the stakeholders in the identification of business and business related issues, planning, implementation and evaluation phases, 

• Create awareness of the services provided by the branch office,

• Engage the business community to take part in membership development and income generating activities of the branch office.