Samsom Berhane Asefaw
Director General, International Cooperation Directorate, Ministry of Finance And National Development
Asmara,Eritrea
Summary
Results driven Senior development economist and diplomat with over 20 years of experience in international cooperation, macroeconomic policy coordination, resource mobilization, and trade negotiations. Expertise in global partnerships, concessional financing, sustainable development planning, and economic diplomacy, with a proven track record in high-level negotiations, fiscal policy advisory, and public sector strategy formulation. Strong leadership in Africa-EU trade agreements, UN cooperation frameworks, and financial programming, ensuring alignment between national priorities and global development agendas. Temporary Governor for Eritrea at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings (2022, 2023, 2024).
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
7
7
Certifications
Work History
Director General of International Cooperation for Development
Ministry of Finance and National Development
Asmara, Eritrea
01.2023 - Current
- Lead negotiator on international cooperation agreements, loans, and grants.
- Oversee economic policy frameworks, ensuring financial sustainability in externally financed projects.
- Head the government committee for Eritrea’s National Indicative Development Plan (2025-2030).
- Represent Eritrea at ECOSOC, AfDB, and global development forums, delivering high-level policy statements.
- Temporary Governor of Eritrea in the 2022,2023 and 2024 of AfDB Annual Meetings.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Enhanced stakeholder satisfaction with timely and transparent communication strategies.
Senior Economic Development Expert
Ministry of Finance and National Development
Asmara, Eritrea
08.2020 - 12.2022
- Played a critical role in merging the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of National Development.
- Revised and realigned cooperation frameworks with UN agencies, JICA, China, and India.
- Managed economic and social sector development plans in collaboration with bilateral and multilateral partners.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Deputy National Authorizing Officer (NAO) for European Development Fund (EDF) and Senior Expert
Ministry of National Development
05.2011 - 08.2020
- Chief Negotiator for Eritrea’s Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) discussions with the EU.
- Chaired national economic negotiation teams, advising policymakers on investment agreements.
- Focal point for Eritrea’s COMESA engagements, advancing regional trade policies.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Improved department efficiency by streamlining and implementing policies and processes.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
Deputy NAO for European Development Fund (EDF)
Office of the President
09.2009 - 05.2011
- Led implementation strategies for EDF programs, ensuring policy alignment with Eritrean priorities.
- Managed financial agreements, liaising between Eritrea’s ministries and the EU.
- Represented Eritrea at global economic summits and trade negotiations.
Diplomatic Desk Officer & Unit Head
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
09.2002 - 09.2009
- Managed diplomatic relations with Americas, Scandinavia, and Western Europe.
- Conducted economic research, advising officials on trade policy strategies.
- Strengthened Eritrea’s global investment partnerships through bilateral negotiations.
- Played a key role in fostering a positive work environment by actively participating in team building activities, offering assistance to colleagues, and maintaining open lines of communication with peers.
- Handled urgent matters effectively with quick thinking and decisive action whenever required during crisis situations or last-minute changes in plans or priorities.
Education
Master of Arts (MA) - Development Studies (Policy, Governance, and International Political Economy)
Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
Netherlands 06.2013 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Political Science and International Relations
Asmara University
Eritrea 06.2003 - 06.2003
Public Financial Management Training - Public Financial Management
African Development Institute
Virtual 09.2024 - 08.2025
Skills
- International Economic Policy
- Trade Negotiations
- Public Sector Reform
- Resource Mobilization
- Macroeconomic Analysis
- Financial Programming
- Project Management
- Budget Oversight
- Diplomatic Relations
- Development Strategy
- Results-Based Development Strategies
- Operational Project Management
- Procurement
- Advanced IT
- Research
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Policy Writing
- Economic Data Analysis
- Operations management
- People management
Certification
World Bank Procurement Seminar, Eritrea, 01/01/18
Accomplishments
- Headed Eritrea’s Economic Partnership Negotiations for Eastern & Southern Africa with the EU.
- Led Eritrea’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) Reports (2022 & 2024) for ECOSOC High-Level Political Forum.
- Temporary Governor for Eritrea at AfDB Annual Meetings (2022, 2023, 2024).
- Prepared National Indicative Development Plans (2014-2018, 2019-2023, 2025-2030).
- Negotiated major international development frameworks (GPE, GF, GAVI, CSPs, UN Cooperation Frameworks, MDGs, SDGs).
Technical And Analytical Skills
- Macroeconomic Analysis & Fiscal Programming
- Results-Based Development Strategies
- Operational Project Management & Procurement
- Advanced IT & Research
International Travel And Conferences
USA, P.R. China, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Hungary, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Madagascar, Seychelles, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Ivory-Coast, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, ECOSOC Political Forum (2022, 2024), ESA-EU EPA Negotiations (2011-2015), International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action (2019), AfDB Annual Meetings (2022-2024)
Core Expertise
- International Economic Policy & Trade Negotiations
- Public Sector Reform & Resource Mobilization
- Macroeconomic Analysis & Financial Programming
- Project Management & Budget Oversight
- Diplomatic Relations & Development Strategy
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 04/13/79
- Nationality: Eritrean
- Marital Status: Married
Community Environment Activities, Youth Engagement, Sports
Actively engaged in community greening and climate adaptation activities in collaboration with key stakeholders in Government and other sectors
Timeline
Public Financial Management Training - Public Financial Management
African Development Institute
09.2024 - 08.2025
Director General of International Cooperation for Development
Ministry of Finance and National Development
01.2023 - Current
Senior Economic Development Expert
Ministry of Finance and National Development
08.2020 - 12.2022
Master of Arts (MA) - Development Studies (Policy, Governance, and International Political Economy)
Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
06.2013 - 06.2013
Deputy National Authorizing Officer (NAO) for European Development Fund (EDF) and Senior Expert
Ministry of National Development
05.2011 - 08.2020
Deputy NAO for European Development Fund (EDF)
Office of the President
09.2009 - 05.2011
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Political Science and International Relations
Asmara University
06.2003 - 06.2003
Diplomatic Desk Officer & Unit Head
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
09.2002 - 09.2009
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