2008 Tutu Fellow Girma Amente PhD has been appointed as the African Union's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.  The AU's Permanent Mission in Geneva represents the continental body in multilateral negotiations and policy discussions on trade, development, and global governance.

Girma’s appointment was made in August 2025 by AU Chair Mahamoud Ali Yousouf.  Previously, Girma had served as the Minister of Agriculture in Ethiopia for several years. 

During his tenure as Minister of Agriculture, he oversaw irrigation expansion projects, national fertiliser distribution, and the implementation of Ethiopia’s Digital Agriculture Roadmap. He also led the Green Legacy Initiative in which millions of seedlings were planted nationwide and represented Ethiopia at international agricultural forums, including meetings with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Prior to that he held several senior positions in government in Oromia and was also appointed to the board of the Development Bank of Ethiopia in February 2024.  

Header image: Girma Amente PhD from faname.com.