Center for Employment and Entrepreneurship Development (CEED)

CEED is a strategic initiative aligned with national priorities and Adigrat University’s strategic goals. This center intends to bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of the labor market. CEED will serve as a centralized hub to systematically address graduate unemployment and underemployment by equipping students with essential employability skills and entrepreneurial capabilities. The establishment of CEED is a strategic investment in our students, our institution’s relevance, our community, and our contribution to national development. This transformative investment will enhance institutional reputation, strengthen industry linkages, and solidify our university’s role as a catalyst for regional and national economic development.

Why CEED is Non-negotiable at Adigrat University

• Addressing a National Imperative: With over 70% of Ethiopia’s population under 30, our nation’s future depends on harnessing this demographic dividend. CEED is our direct, strategic response to the national youth unemployment crisis, aligning with SDG8 & the National Entrepreneurship Strategy of Ethiopia.
• Bridging the Critical Academia-Industry Gap: Our academic programs excel in theoretical knowledge. CEED will be the essential bridge to the real world, providing the practical skills, market alignment, and professional networks our graduates need to succeed.
• Eliminating Costly Inefficiency: Currently, career and entrepreneurship support is fragmented across departments and colleges, leading to duplicated efforts and diluted impact. CEED creates a centralized, professionalized, and accountable unit to maximize resource efficiency and service impact.
• Enhancing Institutional Prestige & Graduate Outcomes: A successful CEED directly contributes to KPIs such as employment rates, graduate satisfaction, and successful startup creation, elevating the status and attractiveness of AdU.

Vision and Mission Statements

Vision: To position Adigrat University as the leading catalyst for youth employment and entrepreneurship in Ethiopia.

Mission: To enhance student career readiness and entrepreneurial capacity through integrated, high-impact services that bridge the gap between education and the economy.

Key Components under CEED

• Employability Skill Development Office: Career counseling, skills workshops, internship programs, job placement services, and an Annual Career Expo.
• Entrepreneurship Skill Development Office: Business incubation (Tech, Agri-Business, HealthTech, etc.), mentorship, access to finance, and an annual innovation & entrepreneurship competition to showcase AdU’s talent.
• Cross-Cutting Issues: Alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and demand-based trainings for Academic and Administrative Staff.