Message From The Board Chairperson
The reform government has been committed to overhaul fundamental socio-economic transformation at national and regional levels through the comprehensive reform initiatives aiming at ensuring the achievement of prosperous socio-economic landscape. Undeniable and promising results so far achieved are evidences of the right track our government stands firmly on.
At Oromia government, our vision and mission has been rooted on the strong commitment and relentless dedication to do away with the venerable and persistent poverty that our society has been unfairly and undeservedly suffering from. Cognizant of the fact that Oromia is situated along vital industrial and trade zones of Ethiopia; and, endowed with enormous potential for generating wealth and realize economically empowered society, the regional government has been engaged in multiple economic growth programs on transforming strategic economic sectors so as to effectively explore and exploit opportunities to develop competitive and resilient economy at regional and global level.
Significant reform measures have been underway toward improving the investment landscape aiming at creating conducive platform for the private sector recognizing its role as driver of free market economic undertakings. Our government renews its commitment to encourage investment and public-private partnership endeavor to bring about knowledge, technology, wealth and jobs to enhance the livelihood of our society as well as improve efficiency and competitiveness by venturing in high stake business undertakings.
These brought us to the importance of Oromia public enterprises which have been playing instrumental role in supporting development, tackling market gaps, creating jobs and contributing to serve corporate social responsibility. On the other hand, several research-based reform measures have been conducted to enhance the roles of these public enterprises, that culminated in the establishment of Oromia Sovereign Fund (OSF): an investment arm of our government.
OSF is firmly based on global best practices clear roadmap, robust strategy, best-fit governance and structure. The objectives of OSF centrally hinge on competitiveness and profitability to emerge as reliable investment actor that contributes to the regional and national GDP, creation of jobs, building of business management capability and eventually enhance the livelihood of our people and as the main driver of creating an empowered economy for Oromia and beyond.
As the Board Chairman, I hereby call for our leadership teams, the management and employees of OSF, our partners and stakeholders, and most importantly, our people to commit toward achievement of OSF’s objectives. With that, I am confident that OSF will fit its name and truly worth investment for generations!
With best regards;
Shimelis Abdissa
Chairman, OSF Board of Directors
Message From The CEO
The Oromia National Regional State Government has been establishing the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) with the primary objectives of addressing market inefficiencies, facilitating technology transfer, generating employment, stimulating economic growth, and ultimately contributing to the broader social and economic transformation of the region.
Over time, several reforms have been introduced to strengthen the institutional framework of SOEs. One significant milestone was the establishment of the Oromia Public Enterprises Supervisory Authority (OPESA) in 2003 E.C., which was later restructured into the Oromia Public Enterprises Bureau (OPEsB) in 2014 E.C., through Regulation No. 242/2014. Both institutions were tasked with providing regulatory oversight of the SOEs.
However, despite the government's clear expectations of profitability and competitiveness from SOEs, a range of persistent challenges — including inefficiencies, lack of synergy, governance gaps, and limited effectiveness — have constrained their performance. These issues prompted a comprehensive research effort spanning over a year, culminating in the strategic transformation of OPEsB into the Oromia Sovereign Fund (OSF).
OSF represents a bold new chapter — a transition from a supervisory body to a dynamic holding company and investment arm of the Regional Government. With this transformation, OSF is now tasked with strategically managing and growing existing SOEs, while also investing in diversified business portfolios across critical economic sectors. At its core, OSF aims to enhance SOE performance, attract private capital, incubate new investment opportunities, and build resilient economic infrastructure that can withstand future shocks.
Looking ahead, we are fully committed to executing OSF’s vision with diligence and determination. We believe the future is bright, and that OSF will play a transformative role in building a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient economy for Oromia — all in service of present and future generations.
With best regards,
Adare Assefa [PhD]
CEO, OSF