Habtamu Nini Abino

 

Legal Scholar | Former Secretary General, House of Federation | Author and Researcher (Canada)

About

Habtamu Nini Abino is an Ethiopian legal professional, public administrator, and author with extensive experience in constitutional governance, judicial systems, and parliamentary administration. His career spans regional and federal institutions, where he has contributed to the development of legal frameworks, institutional coordination, and public sector leadership.

He is currently based in Canada, pursuing doctoral research focused on constitutional law, federalism, and governance in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.

Professional Experience

Secretary General

House of Federation

Approx. 2006 – 2012

Led the administrative and institutional operations of Ethiopia’s constitutional upper chamber

Coordinated legislative processes and intergovernmental relations

Supported constitutional interpretation mechanisms and federal-regional dialogue

International Parliamentary Engagement (ASGP/IPU)

Participant in the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments (ASGP) meetings held in conjunction with the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assemblies (2007–2012)

Contributed to global dialogue on parliamentary governance and institutional best practices

Participated in meetings hosted in Bali, Geneva, Cape Town, Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Panama City, Bern, Kampala, and Quebec City

High Court Judge (Oromia)

Appointed 2002

Presided over judicial proceedings and contributed to regional legal development

Strengthened judicial administration and rule of law practices

Senior Government Roles – Oromia & Dire Dawa Administration

2003 onward

Served in leadership roles in justice, security, and governance sectors

Assigned to Dire Dawa Administration under Prime Minister Meles Zenawi

Led capacity-building and public administration initiatives

Board Chairperson (Public Enterprises)

Harar Brewery

Dire Dawa Cement Factory

Provided strategic oversight and governance leadership in state-affiliated enterprises

Education

MBA, Open University (United Kingdom)

LL.B, Ethiopia

Diploma in Teaching Geography, Kotebe Teachers Education College (1992)

Executive Training, Public Administration & Good Governance – Erasmus University Rotterdam

Publications

The Second Republic and the Politics of Article 39 in Ethiopia

Liberal Democracy and the Constitution of 1994: The User’s Handbook

Areas of Expertise

Constitutional Law & Federalism

Parliamentary Administration

Judicial Systems & Rule of Law

Governance & Public Sector Reform

Ethiopian & Horn of Africa Politics 

Current Focus

 Research and writing on constitutional governance, institutional design, and political development in Ethiopia.