Akalework Mengesha studied sociology at Addis Ababa and Gondar Universities in Ethiopia. His master's thesis explored the socio-economic and political status of vulnerable groups. His research interest includes Health systems and health policy, professional ethics, marginalized groups, and socio-legal research.

He has led and participated in large-scale research and community service projects overseas and locally. In addition to teaching and research, he served as Dean of the College of Social Science and Humanities at Woliatta Sodo University.

He was a visiting researcher at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. He has also served as a guest lecturer and thesis examiner at Jimma and Haramaya Universities' Departments of Sociology in Ethiopia. He is an external reviewer for peer-reviewed journals: the Ethiopian Journal of Social Sciences and Language Studies (EJSSLS) and the East African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (EAJSSH). He is a member of the Pan- African Mental Health Research Network (PAMHRN) and the Africa Health and Human Rights Network.

He is a member of various professional associations: the International Sociological Association, the North American Society of Social Philosophy Association, and the Socio-Legal Studies Association.

He is currently working on research focusing on the implementation of national drug policy and the problem of poor-quality medicines.