Addisu Arega Kitessa (Oromo: Addisuu Araggaa Qixxeessaa Amharic: አዲሱ አረጋ ቅጤሳ is (born June 26, 1982, in Doreni, Ilubabor, Ethiopia is a seasoned Ethiopian politician and public servant. He has held prominent positions at both the regional and federal levels, including Vice President of the Oromia Regional State and Head of Public and International Relations at the Prosperity Party, Ethiopia’s ruling political party. Currently, he serves as Vice President in charge of the Rural Development Cluster, a role he has held since August 2024. With a background in leadership, political science, and international relations, Addisu is recognized for his versatile leadership skills, which have made a significant impact on governance and political affairs in Ethiopia.
Early Life and Education
Addisu Arega Kitessa was born on June 26, 1982, in Doreni, Ilubabor, Ethiopia. He completed his early education in Ethiopia and later pursued higher education at Addis Ababa University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations in 2005.
In 2011, Addisu furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership and Change from the University of Greenwich, UK.
Political and Public Service Career
Early Roles
Addisu's public service career began in October 2006 when he was appointed as intellectuals mobilization department head at the central office of the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) and He held this position until March 2011
Ministerial Appointments
In April 2012, Addisu transitioned to a more central role in the federal government as State Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). In this capacity, he supported the Prime Minister on key national issues and helped coordinate between the federal and regional governments. He held this position until October 2015.
He also briefly served as State Minister at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2016.
Leadership in Oromia Region
In November 2016, Addisu took on a high-profile role as Bureau Head of the Oromia Regional State Government Communications Affairs Bureau, where he managed public relations and communication strategies for one of Ethiopia’s largest and most populous regions. He held this position until May 2018, becoming a central figure in shaping public discourse and media engagement in the region.
In June 2018, Addisu became Head of Political Affairs Department at the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP), which was a key constituent of the former ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). His work in this role involved managing party operations and political strategy, and he was subsequently elected to the Executive Committee of both the ODP* and the EPRDF in September 2018.
Vice President of Oromia
Addisu's political career reached a peak in June 2019 when he was appointed Vice President of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia’s largest and most politically significant region. During his tenure, which lasted until December 2022 he was involved in overseeing the region's administration, managing development projects, and ensuring the implementation of government policies at the regional level.
In August 2024, Addisu was assigned as Vice President in charge of the Rural cluster.
Role in Prosperity Party
Following the transformation of the EPRDF into the Prosperity Party in 2019, Addisu continued to play a critical role in Ethiopian politics. InJanuary 2023, he was appointed Head of Public and International Relations at the Prosperity Party, where he manages internal and external communications, fosters relationships with international partners, and promotes the party’s image both locally and abroad.
Skills and Competencies
Addisu Arega is highly skilled in public communications, leadership, and conflict resolution. His ability to work across different sectors—government, education, and political party leadership—demonstrates his versatility and commitment to public service.
He is known for his excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, and ability to work effectively in multicultural environments. His leadership style focuses on organizational development and conflict resolution, making him a key figure in Ethiopia’s political landscape