H.E. Bareo Hassen (ET)

His Excellency Bareo Hassen is currently serving as the State Minister of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. During his time in the Ministry, he has provided leadership and oversight for national non-motorized transport (NMT) initiatives across Ethiopia, contributing to the development of high-quality walkways and bicycle tracks in several cities, including Addis Ababa, resulting in over 250 km of quality walkways and cycle tracks. He has also overseen national road safety initiatives, helping achieve a significant reduction in road traffic crashes and contributing to Ethiopia receiving a Bloomberg award.

In addition, he has supported efforts toward the transformation of public transport and regional transport systems. He has closely followed public transport operations in Addis Ababa on the ground and has helped lead the transition toward e-bus development. He has also played a major role in advancing e-mobility in Ethiopia, contributing to key policy directions, including the move to ban internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and supporting the expansion of electric buses—including efforts to add an additional 400 electric buses to the Addis Ababa fleet, with further introduction planned for Sheger City, Adama, and Bishoftu, alongside broader expansion in other regions.

As Ethiopia prepares to organize COP 32, he is contributing to the leadership of this effort as part of a broader vision to make it a landmark moment—strengthening system building, expanding electric mass transport fleets, promoting modal shifts toward sustainable transport, and advancing wider sustainable urban mobility initiatives. He is a visionary leader in the transport sector and is well recognized and outspoken in the international transport arena.

Before joining the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, he built extensive experience in public administration and development work, holding leadership roles at woreda and regional levels across Ethiopia. Prior to his current responsibilities, he held senior management positions in key public sectors, including pastoralist and rural development, disaster prevention, education, and health sector leadership. He also served as Deputy Head of the TVET Bureau in the Afar Regional State, contributing to institutional planning and the implementation of capacity-building programs.

His professional background includes participation in community-based training and field projects during his postgraduate studies, alongside planning, monitoring, and evaluation training supported by regional offices. He has developed practical competence in essential computer applications and other web-based tools.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cooperative Business Management from Mekelle University and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Ambo University. He has also completed a second Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Birhan College in Debre Birhan.