The Institutional Network for Design and Manufacturing Education & Training (INDMET) held its Annual Meeting of Project Implementation 2024 on September 17, 2025, at the University of Stavanger, Norway. The meeting brought together project leaders, institutional presidents, coordinators, and key stakeholders from Norway and Ethiopia to review progress, achievements, and challenges, as well as to discuss priorities for the coming years.
The meeting opened with a welcome and round table introduction led by Professor Hirpa G. Lemu, Project Leader from the University of Stavanger. Later, Oda Fagerland from NORAD, emphasized the importance of strong collaboration among all stakeholders in sustaining the project’s impact.
Partner institutions then introduced their profiles and reaffirmed their commitment to the project. Dr. Mona W. Minde, Head of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Stavanger, highlighted UiS’s dedication to strengthening international academic partnerships. Dr. Jemal Abafita Ababulgu, President of Jimma University, joined virtually and expressed his institution’s commitment to the goals of INDMET. Dr. Tesfaye Lemma, President of Wollega University, underlined the significance of the project in advancing engineering education and building institutional capacity.
Professor Hirpa G. Lemu presented an overview of project goals and achievements up to 2024, highlighting major milestones in curriculum development, capacity building, and joint academic activities. A brief financial report was also presented, ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of project resources.Dr. Mesay Alemu, Project Coordinator for the South Partners, delivered an update on implementation at Jimma University, outlining both successes and ongoing efforts.
At Wollega University, Dr. Endalkachew Mosisa, Project Coordinator, gave a comprehensive presentation on “The Status of INDMET Project Implementation at Wollega University in 2024.” His presentation covered the planned activities and their implementation status, identified deviations and related risk management strategies, and outlined key achievements from 2021–2024. He also highlighted challenges encountered during implementation and concluded with a call for strengthened collaboration to overcome obstacles and ensure continued progress.
The meeting concluded with an open discussion session, where participants raised comments and questions and engaged in constructive dialogue on the project’s progress and future direction. This interactive exchange provided valuable insights and underscored the collective responsibility of partner institutions in advancing INDMET’s objectives.
The Annual Meeting confirmed the strong commitment of all partners to a common vision, while also recognizing the key successes already achieved and the challenges that still need attention in the years ahead. The strong commitment of the University of Stavanger, Jimma University, and Wollega University, together with the continued support of NORAD ensures that the INDMET project remains a vital platform for strengthening engineering education, research, and innovation in Ethiopia and