Jimma University hosted the 6th International Oromo Studies Conference from April 23 to 24, 2026, bringing together scholars, policymakers, cultural leaders, and institutional partners to deliberate on the role of Oromo knowledge systems in the age of digital transformation.
Held under the theme “Reimagining Oromo Knowledge Systems for Digital Futures: Epistemic Justice, Language, Arts, and Culture in the Era of Digital Transformation,” the conference highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge as a foundation for inclusive, ethical, and locally grounded digital transformation.
The opening session emphasized that Oromo knowledge systems should not be viewed as passive subjects of technological change but as active intellectual resources capable of shaping national and global digital futures. In his opening remarks, Dr. Jemal Abafita, President of Jimma University, stressed that “Oromo knowledge systems must be understood not as passive subjects of technological change, but as active intellectual and cultural resources capable of shaping inclusive, ethical, and locally grounded digital futures,” reaffirming the University’s commitment to advancing knowledge rooted in local context while contributing to national transformation .
Dr. Utukana Oda, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of the Oromia National Regional State, underscored that “Oromo knowledge systems are not remnants of the past; they are living epistemic assets capable of guiding a future that is culturally grounded, digitally enabled, and intellectually self-confident,” calling for their strategic integration into governance, innovation, and digital development frameworks . The discussions were aligned with national priorities such as digital transformation, innovation, and knowledge-driven development, positioning the conference within broader policy frameworks including Digital Ethiopia 2030.
Over the two-day program, keynote addresses, lead papers, and panel discussions explored key thematic areas, including the digitization of indigenous knowledge, the development of Afaan Oromoo in language technologies and artificial intelligence, the role of cultural and creative industries in economic transformation, and the importance of youth engagement in shaping future knowledge systems. These discussions reinforced the need to integrate culture, technology, and policy into a unified framework for sustainable development.
A major highlight of the conference was its alignment with significant institutional milestones: the 10th Anniversary of the Institute of Oromo Studies (IOS) and the 8th Anniversary of Gadaa Journal. These anniversaries were presented not only as moments of celebration but as reflections of sustained institutional commitment to research, publication, and intellectual leadership in Oromo studies. Over the past decade, IOS has evolved into a key platform for research, documentation, and scholarly engagement, while Gadaa Journal has grown into a recognized medium for knowledge dissemination and academic dialogue.
The conference also traced the intellectual progression of the Oromo Studies conference series, highlighting its evolution from the recovery and institutionalization of knowledge to broader engagement with governance, development, and now digital transformation. The current edition marks a transition toward positioning Oromo knowledge systems within emerging domains such as artificial intelligence, digital archives, and creative economies.
Participants emphasized that the outcomes of the conference should translate into concrete actions, including strengthening institutional partnerships, advancing epistemic justice, promoting the use of Afaan Oromoo in digital platforms, and linking cultural knowledge to economic opportunities. The importance of collaboration among universities, government institutions, cultural organizations, and development partners was strongly underscored as critical to sustaining the next phase of growth in Oromo scholarship.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Tadesse Habtamu, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Jimma University, emphasized that “this conference is not an endpoint, but a transition, from dialogue to action,” calling on participants to move forward with renewed commitment to producing impactful knowledge, strengthening institutions, and building inclusive futures. He further noted that the deliberations had clearly demonstrated that Oromo knowledge systems must be actively “advanced and integrated into emerging digital ecosystems,” particularly through the promotion of Afaan Oromoo in digital platforms, the empowerment of youth as innovators, and the linkage of culture to economic opportunity.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to move from dialogue to implementation, focusing on building inclusive knowledge systems, strengthening research and publication platforms, and ensuring that Oromo studies continues to contribute meaningfully to national development and global discourse.
