International schools are now mandated to demonstrate that they have exhausted all options for finding qualified Ethiopian nationals before hiring expatriate staff. The policy is part of broader changes stirred by the Minister of Education, Berhanu Nega (Prof), to "promote the hiring of local teachers and administrators" while integrating elements of the national curriculum into the educational experience for students.

The new directive, approved by the Minister, empowers the Federal Education & Training Authority to implement major changes for international schools operating in Ethiopia. It follows the transfer of mandates to oversee international, community, charity, and non-profit schools to the Authority earlier this year.

Shiferaw Shigute, head of the Authority, believes that establishing the unavailability of adequate human capital could incentivise local recruitment.

"We're trying to give qualified nationals the opportunity," he told Fortune.

A trio of directives, two of which have already been approved, is set to shake up the academic space, creating more opportunities for local educators and potentially reducing school costs. Currently, 31 international schools fall under these categories.

These schools must establish student-teacher boards comprised of seven individuals and incorporate elements of the national curriculum, such as geography, history, and civics. Annual registration fees are also capped at 25pc of the monthly school fee. Representatives and administrators from several schools gathered at the Authority's compound in the Shiromeda area three weeks ago to learn about the regulatory changes.

Meqdes Derese leads the Authority's accreditation department. According to her, the transfer of mandates was initially scheduled two years ago, but preliminary preparations delayed the process. She believes sufficient engagement between the Authority and stakeholders has occurred to ensure a smooth transition.

"We're trying to dissuade profit motivations in education," Meqdes told Fortune.

Education authorities believe that codifying specific laws to govern schools gives parents control over fee changes and improves regulatory oversight. The accreditation renewal process, which occurs every two years, will now require stringent compliance with the principles laid out under the directive. Creating student, parent, and teacher committees is intended to serve as a bridge to resolve most internal issues.

During his report to Parliament last year, the Education Minister signalled enhanced regulatory supervision of international schools. Following a high-profile dispute entangling the school's management, he instructed establishing an interim board at the Greek Community School. One of the new changes requires schools to prove either ownership of their property or enter five-year lease agreements with the property owners.

As the Authority announces inspection plans, some schools have already initiated efforts to meet the new standards for kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools.

Bereket Gezahegn, principal at Kelem International School, expressed surprise at the directives' approval. The 78-year-old school, formerly the Swedish International Community School, with 280 students, received notification of the implementation only a few weeks ago.

"I would have liked an explanation on the regulatory changes," he told Fortune.

Bereket questioned the sensibility of treating international schools like national schools, especially since most of their students are foreign nationals who may require a specific environment. He is concerned about the rapid enforcement of staff restructuring, rental agreements, and property requirements without a transition period.

"It's not something that's done overnight," he said.

Teachers in international schools also have concerns.