In the world of development and social impact, organizations frequently speak about growth and opportunity. Yet, some stories break the mold, recounting the journey of individuals who transform opportunities into inspiring leadership. Abebaw Abetei Tegegn’s path from Logistics Assistant in 2008 to Country Director at Geneva Global Ethiopia (GGE) in 2025 is one such story. Supported by caring mentorship and driven by a passion for the work and compassion for those it serves, Abebaw’s career reflects the power of investing in internal leadership.
Abebaw’s keen professionalism and motivation feel contagious as he speaks about his 17-year rise through positions at Geneva Global. He began his career at GGE in 2008 as a Logistics Assistant. His supervisor recognized his passion and ability, and, within months, Abebaw was promoted to Logistics Coordinator. “I was given space to explore my interests across departments,” Abebaw reflects. Over time, he held several roles including Program Coordinator and Operations Manager, gaining exposure to nearly every aspect of the organization, from finance to programming to policy design and due diligence. From 2012-2020, Abebaw served as Program Manager, further developing his leadership and technical expertise before earning the role of Deputy Country Director in February of 2020. That role set that stage for Abebaw’s next chapter as a leader.
More than a year before the formal leadership transition, Abebaw’s predecessor, Samuel Wollie, began preparing Abebaw for senior leadership. As Samuel made the decision to step down as Country Director, he recognized Abebaw’s readiness to lead and actively advocated for his appointment. While the final decision about the next Country Director was not his alone, Samuel worked closely with Geneva Global’s leadership at headquarters to support a smooth and thoughtful handover. He gradually began delegating responsibilities to Abedaw while mentoring him in the role. “He gave me space to lead under his leadership,” Abebaw reflects.
For Samuel, it wasn’t just a passing of the baton, it was the result of years of collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to Geneva Global’s mission. Having worked closely for years, Samuel recognized Abebaw’s growing capacity, appreciating his deputy’s intimate knowledge of the program, profound ability as a leader, and refined skill as a networker and partner of government, civil society, and funders.
For Samuel and GG headquarters, the decision was guided by a shared principle. “A learning organization must maintain momentum, invest in its people, and model what healthy transitions look like,” Samuel said. In a cultural context where leadership is often held tightly, this intentional handover powerfully reflected both Samuel’s leadership and Geneva Global’s values.
When asked what drove his desire to hand over leadership at GGE to Abebaw, Samuel cited three key reasons: sustaining momentum in a growing organization, maximizing internal talent investment, and modeling healthy, productive leadership transitions. HQ readily agreed, as they all shared Samuel’s appraisal. Indeed, Abdechafi Boubkir, Director of Programs, Education Team Lead at Geneva Global, joined Samuel actively in both readying Abebaw for this new role and introducing the potential transition with the full GGE team.
Reflecting on what stands out about his successor, Samuel explained, “What is special about Abebaw is he’s versatile and he’s very dedicated to achieving results. And in this area, I found him [to be] unique and I found him very relevant for the organization.” He added, “what a young leader needs to have, he has already.” Others noticed this early promise as well. Dr. Joshua Muskin, Managing Director at Geneva Global shared that “Abebaw’s trajectory could almost have been plotted out in the stars from early on.”
Abebaw didn’t step into the role overnight. As Deputy Country Director, he took on responsibilities under Samuel’s mentorship in an intentional, incremental process that built his confidence, capacity, and readiness to lead. “Gradually transferring leadership responsibility to me allowed me to step in not just with a new title, but with clarity, confidence, and continuity,” Abebaw shared.
With nearly 20 years at GGE, Abebaw offers rare continuity. He has seen the organization evolve from a grassroots implementer of a project to a prominent policy and technical partner and advisor for others. “Early on, we were building models like Speed School from the ground up,” he says. “Now we’re enablers, offering technical guidance, sharing knowledge, and supporting others to scale.” This shift forms the backbone of GGE’s current strategy, which began under Samuel and continues to prosper under Abebaw’s leadership.
By investing in a potential leader deeply rooted in GGE’s work and values, Samuel aimed to secure the organization’s continuity, reinforce its organizational strength, and set an example for purpose-driven transition. His strategy created space for both Abebaw and the organization to grow.
Retaining an employee who has witnessed the company’s evolution firsthand is a tremendous asset. When that person also possesses the visionary skills and motivation that Abebaw brings, it becomes a unique opportunity for exponential growth and impact. While advancing through his roles at GGE, Abebaw earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of the People, reflecting his personal drive and Geneva Global’s commitment to staff development.
“What keeps people motivated is the chance to make a difference, to keep learning, and to feel relevant,” Joshua explains. “That means giving people autonomy, not just asking them to follow directions, and creating a sense of purpose that aligns with their own goals. At Geneva Global, we try to do all of that. And when people see someone like Abebaw grow into leadership, they’re proud of him. They see a model, not necessarily aspiring to become Country Director themselves, but seeing how the organization will strive continuously to provide opportunities to grow, excel, and make their roles fuller, richer, and more impactful.”
GGE’s momentum is poised to continue, strengthening projects, fostering employee growth, and expanding the impact of hallmark programs such as Speed School. Abebaw’s ascent to Country Director and Samuel’s and Abdechafi’s guidance exemplify how leadership transitions, when handled with care and vision, benefit the overall organization, its programs, and the entire team.
As Country Director, leading a team of more than 20 and growing quickly, Abebaw brings a unique blend of strategic vision and day-to-day engagement. He has outlined a strategic vision for GGE’s future. His leadership will be shaped by five key priorities: (1) assessing organizational gaps, (2) building capacity, (3) improving communication, (4) restructuring internal roles, and (5) advancing strategic planning. Through this focused strategy, Abebaw aims to strengthen not just Geneva Global Ethiopia’s national impact but also its regional influence, positioning Geneva Global as a “technical powerhouse” while fostering a culture of growth and innovation.
The leadership of both Samuel and Abebaw has shaped more than just programs; it has empowered people. As Dr. Yohannes Wogasso Wodajo, Director General at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education, put it: “Dedication, humility, and faith turn beginnings into greatness.” This story is not just about one individual’s success; it is a testament to what’s possible when organizations invest in cultivating talent and individuals embrace the opportunities before them.