[1] Ambachew Mekonnen was born in Tach Gayint, South Gondar, to a family of farmers.

He completed his secondary studies via distance education and was appointed an administrator in Abichuna Gne'a and Sheno in North Shewa.

[3] Before his appointment as president of the Amhara Region, he served in various roles, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ethiopia.

He also served as an infrastructure adviser in the Prime Minister's office prior to his selection as regional President on 6 March 2019, replacing Gedu Andargachew.

Ambachew was shot dead on 22 June 2019 in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, by a supposed hit squad during a coup attempt in the Amhara region.