Inducted: 2010
Mekasha helped revitalize agricultural cooperatives in Ethiopia. Having held high government posts under the Selassie regime and been jailed for eight years after the regime was overthrown, he devoted himself to improving the lives of his countrymen through agricultural cooperatives, running ACDI/VOCA projects that helped assure cooperative independence and make co-ops viable businesses. Through his heroic efforts, Ethiopia's cooperatives not only increased farmers incomes but also set the stage for growth and trade, especially in the coffee sector. Werqu plays a significant role as the first ever International Cooperative Hall of Fame Inductee.