Dr. Gemechu Waktola is an Ethiopian academic, human resource development specialist, consultant and leader with extensive experience in research, teaching, strategic planning and organizational development. He serves as a member of the IFTDO Board, representing East Africa on this global training and development federation.
🎓 Academic and Professional Background
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Founder & CEO — The i-Capital Africa Institute (Ethiopia)
He founded and leads The i-Capital Africa Institute, a think-tank and consultancy focused on strategic development, human capital and organizational transformation across sectors in Africa. -
Assistant Professor — Addis Ababa University
Dr. Waktola is an Assistant Professor in Human Resource Development at the College of Business and Economics, Addis Ababa University, where he teaches, mentors graduate students, and conducts research. -
Consultant & Trainer
Over many years, he has worked with private companies, industry groups and public institutions in Ethiopia on training system design, performance management, workplace learning and strategic HRD initiatives.
🌍 IFTDO Involvement
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Board Member — Representing East Africa
Dr. Waktola serves on the Board of Directors of the International Federation of Training and Development Organisations (IFTDO). In this role he represents Eastern African interests within the federation’s governance and contributes to global dialogues on training, human resource development and capacity building. -
Regional Leadership Engagement
As part of IFTDO’s broader efforts to strengthen HRD practices on the African continent, Dr. Waktola has been active in regional boards and committees focused on knowledge exchange and professional development.
🧠 Expertise and Impact
Dr. Waktola’s work blends academic scholarship with practical engagement:
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His research and teaching emphasize strategic human resource development, organizational behaviour, and human capital quality improvement.
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Through The i-Capital Africa Institute and consultancy roles, he has supported organizations and industries in capacity-building, strategic planning, and HRD system improvements across the region.
🌐 Summary
Dr. Gemechu Waktola is an Ethiopian academic leader, strategic HRD consultant and Board Member of IFTDO for East Africa. His career spans higher education, research, consulting, and human capital development initiatives, bridging academic insights with practical approaches to strengthen workforce performance and organizational development both in Ethiopia and across Africa.
