Interaction for Change in Africa (ICA)
Interaction for Change in Africa (ICA) was co-founded by Dr. Worku Yacob Kalore and his partner, Mrs. Kalkidan Eyaya, as a platform born out of their long-term dialogue and candid conversations since 2012 on the pressing issues facing the African continent. Rooted in a shared vision of igniting economic transformation and social change, ICA brings together research, training, consultancy, and advocacy to address migration, displacement, peace and security, climate finance, and Pan-African cooperation. The institution is strengthened by a diverse team of individuals based in Ethiopia, across African countries, and within the Global African Diaspora, who contribute voluntarily to its mission of building inclusive, resilient, and empowered communities.
Founding Director
Worku Yacob (PhD)
Dr. Worku Yacob Kalore is an anthropologist, strategist, and policy advisor whose career bridges academia, diplomacy, and community-driven change. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Interaction for Change in Africa (ICA), he leads with a vision of inclusive development, peace, and resilience across the continent. His expertise spans migration, displacement, refugee protection, climate finance, and Pan-African cooperation—always grounded in empowering communities and amplifying marginalized voices.
With over 15 years of leadership experience, Dr. Kalore has shaped policy and practice across government think tanks, international organizations, and universities. He pioneered diaspora engagement strategies at GIZ, directed peace and security research at Ethiopia’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, and earned his PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Münster, Germany. Beyond research and policy, he is a mentor and advocate who has trained thousands of academics and civil servants, advanced refugee inclusion, and championed youth empowerment and environmental protection. At ICA, he drives transformative impact—building bridges between research and practice to ensure Africa’s future is defined by inclusive governance, resilient communities, and visionary leadership.
Co-Founder
Mrs. Kalkidan Eyaya
A brief introduction to the founder’s background, highlighting their academic achievements, professional experience.