[1] Fitsum was born and raised in Addis Ababa, and received his higher education in the United Kingdom.

He attended the University of Manchester, where he received a master's degree in Development Economics and Policy Management.

[3] In 2020, Fitsum opposed reported plans by the United States government to cut funding to Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

[4] Fitsum celebrated reports that the U.S. would restore aid to Ethiopia in February 2021, reiterated his support for the GERD.

Fitsum claimed it would help provide electricity to 60 million people and boost environmental efforts.