Ethiopia to make history as first debate team competes at world schools debating championship

Ethiopia will make history on July 14 when five students compete at the World Schools Debating Championship in Nairobi, marking the nation’s first appearance at the world’s top high school debate competition. The event is often described as the Olympics of high school debating.

A New Chapter for an Old Intellectual Tradition

Ethiopia has one of the world’s oldest intellectual and oral traditions. Yet, for generations, students have had limited access to global debate spaces. Now, that barrier is beginning to shift.

The students representing Ethiopia are

• Alazar Mulugeta Anteneh
• Esrom Anagaw Atickem
• Ezana Zekarias Mintesnot
• Mariamawit “Mary” Christopher
• Sotale “Soti” Samuel Asefa.

A Competitive National Selection

The Ethiopian Public Debate initiative chose these students through a national selection process. They trained for months in argumentation, public speaking and research. Moreover, they debated topics in economics, philosophy, technology, religion and global politics. Many rounds took place in English, which is not their first language.

How the Team Was Built

The initiative was founded by Tesfamichael “Michael” Negussie and Mukudzeiishe “Muku” Madzivire, students at Columbia University. They created Ethiopia’s first formal pathway to WSDC. Additionally, assistant coaches Helen Wu and Nav Dhaliwal support the team, along with international volunteers.

Training has taken place several times a week. Students balanced school, family duties and inconsistent internet access. Even so, they continued preparing to represent Ethiopia on a global stage for the first time.

A Mission That Reaches Beyond Competition

Organizers say the project was never only about winning debates. Debate teaches careful thinking, close listening and respectful disagreement. These skills matter in classrooms and communities, especially as polarization grows worldwide.

After WSDC, the team plans to lead workshops across Ethiopia. Their goal is to build a sustainable debate culture that reaches future generations.

Documenting the Journey and Funding the Trip

Filmmaker Michael Solomon is documenting the team’s journey in a short film. Furthermore, a fundraiser is active to support travel, lodging and meals. Every contribution helps secure Ethiopia’s place on the world stage and strengthens the future of debate education.