Mulatu Zerihun attains full professorship at TUT

Years of hard work, dedication and determination were recognised as the Tshwane University of Technology inaugurated Prof Mulatu Zerihun, Head of the Department of Economics, as a full professor.

Professor Zerihun presenting his research topic. Prof Zerihun from the Faculty of Economics and Finance, delivered his inaugural address on Africa’s regional economic integration, titled Comparative Analysis of Regional Economic Integration Projects in Africa and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He explored the evolution, diversity and effectiveness of regional integration initiatives across East West and North Africa and assessed the continent-wide ambition of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“The topic is significant because Africa’s regional integration efforts have evolved over more than a century. It is important to examine how different regions have pursued integration, what lessons emerge from these experiences and how they inform the AfCFTA as a historic continental milestone. I have spent a considerable amount of time analysing these regional projects to better understand Africa’s integration trajectory,” he explained.

Prof Tinyeko Maluleke, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, commended Prof Zerihun on his achievement, while encouraging academics to all strive for full professorships.

“The achievement of a full professorship is the ultimate goal - a goal towards which every academic should strive. At TUT, we appoint as full professors only those academics whose research has passed strict national and international review,” he said.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Prof Zerihun, UNESCO Chairholder in African Integration and Innovation and NRF C2-rated researcher, said he initially aspired to study medicine. He described how his father nurtured his love for education and ensured he remained in school despite socio-political challenges in Ethiopia, which ultimately led him to pursue Economics.

“When the military government in Ethiopia proclaimed a national literacy campaign, my father encouraged me to go to school. I was sent to the same school as my mother. My father, who was also my mentor, had so much faith in me,” he said.

He acknowledged his doctoral supervisor, Prof Martin Breitenbach from the Department of Economics at the University of Pretoria, for his continued support after completion of his doctorate. He also thanked his family, especially his wife, for supporting his aspirations.

TUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke and Faculty of Economics and Finance Executive Dean, Prof Polly Mashigo presenting Prof Zerihun with an award and a gold medal at his inauguration celebration. Prof Breitenbach congratulated him, saying that the professorship reflects sustained excellence in scholarship, impactful research, dedicated teaching and service to the academic community.

“It is a recognition of your intellectual leadership mentorship and commitment to advancing knowledge and society,” he said.

Prof Polly Mashigo, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Finance, also congratulated Prof Zerihun and encouraged him to continue contributing to the Faculty and University.

She reflected on her first encounter with him, congratulating him on his remarkable achievement.

“This signifies the journey from nurturing principles to embodying them within your professional growth and intellectual life. This inauguration is a practical demonstration of your dedication, passion and excellence towards advancing to not only good, but great work,” she concluded.