Dr. Mulugheta T. Solomon is a seasoned expert in agri-technology, food systems, and data analytics. He holds a PhD in Management of Innovation in Agricultural and Food Systems, two MSc degrees in Data Science and Mediterranean Organic Agriculture, and a BSc in Plant Sciences/Horticulture. As Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative, he leads efforts to promote sustainable, organic food and feed systems. He has extensive international academic and professional experience across Europe and consults on EU Organic Standards to help producers access European markets. Dr. Solomon has held roles as a researcher, lecturer, machine learning engineer, and AgriTech mentor. He contributes to global innovation platforms such as Omdena and IntelliDigest, and volunteers with MKAI Green, promoting ethical AI in agriculture. Deeply committed to sustainability and education, he supports young researchers through the Eritrean Scholars Society and works to harness technology for global good.
Dr. Tesfamichael S. Mallu is a seasoned researcher, educator, and agricultural scientist with deep expertise in plant breeding, molecular biology, and biotechnology. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, an MSc in Plant Breeding, and a BSc in Plant Sciences. With extensive experience as a lecturer and researcher in agricultural universities across East Africa, including Eritrea, he brings a strong academic and applied research background. His career spans both academia and industry, currently serving as General Manager for a major beverage distributor in South Sudan since 2023. Dr. Mallu’s core interests include molecular genetics, microbiome improvement, and gene-assisted selection. He is skilled in data analysis, software tools, and multilingual communication. Known for his collaborative spirit and leadership in research, he plays a vital role in advancing the mission of Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative through innovative R&D and field-based solutions.
Teklehaimanot Yemane Embaye is an accomplished IT and business consultant with expertise in AI, deep learning, data analytics, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions. He is currently pursuing a PhD in E-Business Technologies at the University of Belgrade, Serbia, with research focused on adaptive e-learning driven by emotional intelligence. He holds a Master’s in Computer Science from the Beijing Institute of Technology, where his research explored IoT data analytics using deep learning, and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from the Eritrea Institute of Technology. As Managing Director of RUFTANA Ltd (Rwanda) and Co-Founder/CIO of ATENA VISION Ltd (UK), Teklehaimanot leads tech-driven consultancy in education and healthcare. He previously served as a senior lecturer and IT consultant for government institutions in Eritrea, including the Ministry of Finance and the National Statistics Office. His work integrates technology with social impact, emphasizing innovation, capacity building, and digital transformation across Africa.
Mr. Yemane W. Hailemichael is a visionary agricultural entrepreneur and founding member of Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative. His career began in Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture, where he worked until 1994, gaining hands-on experience with farming challenges and food security. He provided training and collaborated with national and international stakeholders to promote crop improvement. After years in private business, a health challenge redirected his focus toward community farming and sustainable seed production. In 2020, he launched a pilot project to cultivate Teff and Chili seeds from Eritrea, aimed at assessing their adaptability in Europe. His initiative evolved into a social enterprise, “Improved Seeds,” promoting Indigenous Eritrean crops and enhancing food security. Mr. Hailemichael has built strong partnerships with agricultural institutions in Hungary, Italy, and Eritrea. His life’s work reflects resilience, innovation, and an enduring commitment to sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.
Mrs. Saba Gebregiorgis is a British-Eritrean educator and science professional with a strong background in microbiology, genetics, and public engagement. She holds a BSc in Genetics and Microbiology from Queen Mary, University of London, and began her career in scientific consultancy with Lambeth Scientific Services Ltd, followed by a role as a QA Analyst at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Driven by a passion for education, she earned her PGCE from the University of London’s Institute of Education and spent over 15 years teaching science in secondary schools. Currently, she works as a freelance educator, teaching children across age groups. Saba actively contributes to the Eritrean community in London through language and cultural education. Her interest in global food systems, health, and sustainability led her to co-found Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative. She leads its public relations and international partnerships, combining her scientific, educational, and community engagement experience.
Mr. Alamin Hamid Alamin is a PhD candidate at Makerere Institute of Social Research, Makerere University, Uganda, with a strong academic foundation in political science, journalism, and mass communication. He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Asmara and an MPhil from Makerere University. His research focuses on identity politics, including nationalism, ethnicity, religion, and gender. Mr. Alamin began his career at Eritrea’s Ministry of Information, where he produced multilingual radio content and published articles. He later worked as a researcher at the Research and Documentation Center (RDC) in Eritrea, where he also contributed to curriculum development. This experience led him to serve as a Quality Assurance Manager at the International University of East Africa in Kampala. As a founding member of Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative, he leads communications and social responsibility initiatives, using his expertise to advocate for sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.
Mrs. Feven Yohanes Hadgu is a dedicated community leader and tourism professional with over 20 years of experience living and working in Rome, Italy. Born in Asmara, Eritrea, she completed her education at Daniel Comboni School and Santa Anna High School before fulfilling national military service. Feven’s career in Italy has focused on the tourism sector, where she has successfully worked as a guide and managed guest houses, developing strong skills in hospitality and cultural engagement. Her early exposure to customer service in her family’s business further shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. As a co-founder and Country Director of Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative in Italy, Feven played a key role in launching the cooperative’s first pilot farming trials. She also actively supports vulnerable Eritrean communities through cultural and social initiatives. Her commitment to sustainable agriculture and her community makes her an invaluable asset to Addey’s mission.
Eng. Teferi Mehari Tsegaye – Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer & Country Manager (Hungary) Eng. Teferi Mehari Tsegaye is a Chartered Civil Engineer with over two decades of experience in structural design and project management. A graduate of Budapest University of Technology (1998), he is a member of the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers and fluent in both Hungarian and English. Teferi has led numerous high-profile projects in Hungary, including the Sárvár Thermal Baths, Esztergom Spa Hotel, and Gönyű Power Plant. His expertise spans monolithic reinforced concrete, steel, and wood structures across commercial, residential, and educational developments. Beyond engineering, Teferi is the Co-Founder and Country Manager of Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative in Hungary. His leadership bridges technical innovation with sustainable community development. His dual citizenship in Hungary and Eritrea, along with a deep commitment to cross-cultural collaboration, reinforces his role as a versatile leader with a unique perspective in infrastructure and social enterprise initiatives.
Dr. Mensur Osman Idris is a seasoned Human Resource professional with a strong academic background, including a BA in Economics, an MBA specializing in Human Resource Management, and a PhD in Economics from India. His career spans diverse sectors, from hospitality—where he gained valuable people and operations management experience—to higher education, where he has held academic and administrative roles. This broad exposure has deepened his understanding of organizational dynamics and talent development. Dr. Mensur is committed to fostering inclusive, supportive workplace environments. As the HR Manager and co-founder of Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative, he leads strategic human resource initiatives focused on employee well-being and organizational success. His volunteer work further reflects his dedication to community service and empowerment.
Ermias Russom Gebremariam is a skilled graphic designer and video editor with over 10 years of experience. He is the founder and Managing Director of Bietna Online Mastery, an online platform based in Kigali, Rwanda, that offers graphic design and video editing training. Ermias is also an Adobe Photoshop lecturer, empowering students with practical design skills. Starting his design journey in Asmara in 2013, Ermias is largely self-taught and has developed expertise in creating posters, logos, labels, and social media content. He is known for crafting visually impactful motivational content shared widely on social media. His educational background includes a Diploma in Archive & Record Management from the Eritrean Institute of Technology and a Certificate in PC Maintenance. Ermias also brings experience in sales, marketing, and team building. As a contributor to Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative, he supports the cooperative’s visual communication and media production efforts.
Kesete Goitom Tewelde is a PhD candidate at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, specializing in Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Physiology. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s from Hamelmalo Agricultural College (HAC), Eritrea, where he also served as a lecturer, research coordinator, and poultry farm manager. With over a decade of experience in animal production, poultry science, and animal nutrition, Kesete has led research projects, statistical analyses, and training in biogas production and dairy processing. He has contributed to regional agricultural projects, including sheep breed characterization and fodder seed system analysis in East and Central Africa. Kesete also lectured and served as head of the Animal Sciences department at Hagaz Agrotechnical School. He volunteers with the Eritrean Scholars Society and Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative. His early life on a mixed farm inspired his dedication to sustainable and organic animal husbandry.
Ali Ibrahim Abubeker holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the College of Agriculture, Keren, Eritrea, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Veterinary Sanitary Expertise at Perm Agrotechnological University, Russia. His strong passion for agriculture and animal health is rooted in his upbringing and professional experiences. Ali began his career as a veterinary clinician and animal health supervisor at Eritrean Crop and Livestock Corporation, where he managed animal health, diagnostics, treatment, vaccination, and farm reporting. In 2020, he became a Graduate Assistant at the College of Agriculture, teaching multiple courses and leading practical sessions for diploma and degree students while serving on various committees. Since moving to Russia, Ali has been an active member of the Eritrean Scholars’ Society and the Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative. Multilingual in Tigre, English, Arabic, Tigrigna, and Russian, he brings valuable cross-cultural communication skills to his roles.
Mr. Ahmedin Hiya Adem is a PhD candidate at Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary, specializing in contamination risk assessment within environmental sciences. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry from the University of Asmara and a Master’s in Organic Chemistry from Eritrea Institute of Technology. His research focuses on water quality and the detection of toxic elements and organic compounds in surface water and sediments. Alongside his strong chemistry background, Ahmedin has developed expertise in sustainable agriculture, particularly in gluten-free cereal crops like teff, sorghum, and finger millet. As Country Coordinator for Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperatives in Budapest, he leads efforts to promote environmentally friendly and health-conscious farming practices. His work emphasizes balancing environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social equity, supporting nutrient-rich cereal crop cultivation to enhance dietary diversity and food security.
Hieran Ambesajer is a dedicated data scientist pursuing her Master of Science in Data Science at Berliner Hochschule für Technik, Berlin. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the Eritrea Institute of Technology. Her expertise includes machine learning, statistical modeling, and data analysis. Hieran’s experience spans internships and roles in data science and software development. At Waves, she worked as a data science intern, focusing on model validation, optimization, and predictive analytics. Previously, she was a data analyst at the School of Cloud, developing EdTech solutions using Python and SQL. She also built web applications and APIs as a software developer at the National Insurance Corporation of Eritrea. Fluent in English and Tigrinya, with intermediate Arabic and German, Hieran excels in collaborative environments. She is skilled in Python, R, SQL, and visualization tools like Tableau and Matplotlib. Since September 2024, she has volunteered as a data scientist at Addey Food and Agricultural Cooperative, applying data-driven insights to support their mission.
Makda Gebru Hayle is an LL.M. candidate in international law at Xiamen University. She holds an LL.B. from the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Adi Keih, School of Law. Her research focuses on international investment law, with two recent publications in peer-reviewed journals. Makda has extensive legal experience, including working as a legal advisor at a community court in Asmara, Eritrea. She also served as a law lecturer at Asmara University School of Law for four years, teaching courses such as international law, insurance law, law of physical personality, and law of succession. Additionally, she volunteered as a part-time lecturer at TseTserat Prison and Rehabilitation Center for law prisoners. Currently, Makda volunteers as a legal consultant for Addey Agricultural and Food Cooperative, playing a vital role in the cooperative’s registration, establishment, and ongoing operations. Her legal expertise supports the cooperative’s compliance and governance, ensuring its successful development.
Helen Mered Habte is a veterinarian and public health professional specializing in infectious diseases, food safety, and One Health initiatives. She holds a Master’s degree in Infectious Diseases and One Health from the Erasmus Mundus program, with studies conducted in France, Spain, and Germany. Helen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science from Hamelmalo Agricultural College, Eritrea. Her career began at the Ministry of Agriculture of Eritrea, where she focused on veterinary public health, particularly the quality and safety of animal products for human consumption and raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance. Helen gained international experience during an internship at Hannover Veterinary Medicine, specializing in Virology. Helen is an active member of the Eritrean Scholars’ Society (EriSS) and contributes as a participant in the Addey Food and Agricultural Cooperative. Her expertise bridges veterinary science and public health, promoting food safety and sustainable health practices.
Nahom Welday Weldemikael is a Master’s student in Computer Science Engineering at Óbuda University, Hungary, specializing in AI-driven solutions and cybersecurity. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Eritrea Institute of Technology, Nahom’s research centers on machine learning applications in energy and climate forecasting, using advanced predictive models. Professionally, he works as an AI & ML Engineer at Tata Motors (TCS), where he builds data pipelines, customizes chatbots, and integrates ITSM solutions into ServiceNow. At Óbuda University, he contributes to AI research projects involving LSTM, Few-Shot Learning, CNN, and YOLO algorithms with an emphasis on sustainable energy applications. Previously, Nahom served as a teaching assistant, network engineer, and software developer, developing HR and inventory management systems. He also freelances as a full-stack developer. Nahom is an active member of Addey Agricultural & Food Cooperative, responsible for developing and maintaining its website, blending his IT expertise with community service.
Merhawi Tsegay Ghebregziabiher is a dedicated Software and AI Engineer with a passion for problem-solving and advancing technology. He specializes in machine learning, software development, and artificial intelligence. Currently, Merhawi works as a Machine Learning Engineer at CREO, leading projects in document processing, garbage detection, and system optimization using Python, Java, and React. He gained valuable experience during an internship at Ericsson, where he worked with C++, Python, Agile development, and software testing. Earlier in his career, Merhawi developed software solutions in Eritrea for FDA product registration, university scheduling, school management, and HR systems. He also contributed as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the Eritrean Institute of Technology, teaching Python programming and database systems. Merhawi holds an MSc in Computer Science Engineering from Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and a BSc in Computer Engineering from Eritrea Institute of Technology. His research focuses on news recommender systems leveraging large language models (LLMs). An active member of Addey Agricultural & Food Cooperative, he plays a key role in developing and maintaining its website, applying his expertise in Python, Java, C++, machine learning, and DevOps.
Mrs. Asmait Hadish SIUM is a multidisciplinary civil engineer and project manager pursuing an MSc in Construction Engineering and Management at the Pan African University in Kenya. With a BSc in Civil Engineering and prior roles at Eritrea’s Ministry of Justice, she has extensive experience in construction supervision, legal consulting, and heritage preservation. A NEF Ambassador and award-winning innovator in sustainable energy, Asmait has been recognized by UNDP, UNICEF, and Total. She serves as a civil engineering consultant at Addey Agro and Food Cooperative and contributes to Eritrean heritage projects and women's empowerment through Young Eritrean Women Professionals. She also volunteers as board secretary of the Eritrean Scholars’ Society. Proficient in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, and GIS, and fluent in Tigrigna, English, and Amharic, Asmait integrates technical, legal, and social dimensions into sustainable development.