I'm delighted to welcome you to Nile Executive Leadership Academy (NELA). As the Chief Executive Director, I'm thrilled to share our vision with you. Let me begin by sharing our story.
Nile Executive Leadership Academy boasts a remarkable story that dates back to its inception in 2020 as a pioneering leadership development program at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Bahir Dar University. We firmly believe that leadership is the linchpin of success, serving as the driving force behind development and progress. We've had the privilege of graduating two cohorts of exceptional leadership fellows under the Leadership Development Program, who are now assuming pivotal leadership positions, and our impact continues to resonate. Today, we're proud to be a flagship and unique academy within Bahir Dar University, dedicated to empowering leaders across diverse industries and academic disciplines.
Prof. Yeshigeta Gelaw Birhanu, M.D, M.Med
Chief Executive Director
Nile Executive Leadership Academy (NELA)
Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
10 January, 2026
Advanced Leadership Practice Training Opportunity!
Empower to Lead, Inspire to Transform!
22 July, 2025
የባሕር ዳር ዩኒቨርሲቲ የወጣት መሪዎች የላቀ የአመራርነት የክረምት ቆይታ ስልጠና አስጀመረ
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"The Nile Executive Leadership Academy has been pivotal in shaping my executive mind-set. The program’s focus on strategic leadership, decision-making, and emotional intelligence empowered me to lead my organization through complex challenges with confidence and vision."
- Leadership1
"Participating in the Nile Executive Leadership Academy was an inspiring journey of self-discovery and skill enhancement. The world-class faculty and rigorous curriculum helped me refine my leadership style and expand my ability to influence at the highest levels."
- Danel
The Nile Executive Leadership Academy (NELA) has been instrumental in helping me discover myself, shaping my thinking, guiding my communication style, equipping me for team management and planned execution, and inspiring me to strive for personal development and organizational transformation. I hope NELA becomes a renowned and esteemed leadership academy in Africa. I highly recommend NELA to all Ethiopians. Thank you, NELA, Prof. Yeshigeta Gelaw, and the entire management team.
- Asnake Gashaw
"The Academy's leadership program challenged me to think strategically and lead with authenticity. The personalised coaching and immersive sessions gave me actionable insights that I immediately applied to improve team performance and organisational culture."
- leadership 4
"Thanks to Nile Executive Leadership Academy, I now approach leadership with greater clarity and resilience. The program sharpened my ability to navigate complex business landscapes while fostering collaboration and empowering others."
- leadership 5
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