Next Ethiopian Startup (NEST)

🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹 Ethiopia: a tech ecosystem poised for take-off Today we are delighted to launch the Ethiopia tech ecosystem platform, a comprehensive, open-access resource powered by Dealroom, and developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation And Technology- Ethiopia, Systemic Innovation & GrowthAfrica 2024 was a big year of investment for #Ethiopia. The ecosystem is now worth $300m, having grown by 200% since 2019. Over 85 Ethiopian startups have raised venture capital investment - a total of $95m since 2019. Ethiopia’s answer to Silicon Valley, Sheba Valley is home to some of the most innovative and successful tech companies in Africa, including software company Gebeya Inc. and ride-hailing and delivery company ZayRide. Recent notable rounds in Ethiopia include $42m for Roha Health Foundation in February 2024, and a $4m series A raise for e-mobility company Dodai. Explore the entire Ethiopian ecosystem below The RISA Fund Emmeline Skinner Agnes Tsuma Cecil Kang'ara Patrick McSharry Mariah Grubb Obsitu Sufian Ahmed Dugassa Tessema Gerba Fruit Hailu Gizachew Asnake Hanna Felleke Henok Laike Michael Lilier Nebiyou Yirga Wolde Samiya Abdulkadir Godu (She/her) Michael Tomas Gebremariam Hailemelekot Tekesteberhan Tekleyohannis, CMSA® Amdework Berhanu Selamyhun Adefris Haile Yohannes Bekele Ian Lorenzen Obama Joseph Trudy Natabona - MPRSK George Windsor Nick Graham Erik Stam Addis Alemayehou Scott Walker

The Ethiopia Startup Data Hub is Live! 🌟🇪🇹 Super proud to launch the Ethiopia Startup Data Hub. This open-access platform is designed to be a cornerstone for decision-making and collaboration across the innovation ecosystem. By connecting startups with investors and providing data-driven insights, we’re empowering entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and researchers to make smarter, informed decisions. This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Ministry of Innovation And Technology- Ethiopia, The RISA Fund, GrowthAfrica and the many dedicated partners who believed in this vision from the start. Your collaboration and commitment have been invaluable—thank you. Massive appreciation to all colleagues and advisors who have contributed immensely on the journey George Windsor Obama Joseph Michelle Murugi Njuno Lydiah Zachary Mbadi Olila, PhD. Ian Lorenzen Leonardo Brucato Nick Graham Geofrey Oduwo Alexandrine Royer Abraham Augustine Trudy Natabona - MPRSK Nasreen M. Adem Selamyhun Adefris Haile Erik Stam Ermias Teshome Habtamu Gemeda Wagno Cecil Kang'ara Agnes Tsuma Wasihun Mohammed Henok Laike Biruk Yosef Zenebe Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship Innovative Finance Lab Ethiopia Aoife Morrin Yohannes Bekele Kaleab M.Tesema Abenazzer B. Tadesse Tam Sul Beamlak Alemayehu Tewodros Makonnen Gebrewolde and many more This is just the start. There's so much more to come, all aimed at fostering an inclusive innovation (eco)system for transformative socio-economic growth 🚀 🔗 Explore the Ethiopia Startup Data Hub today: https://lnkd.in/ebzrYGWx #Innovation #DataDriven #Entrepreneurship #Ethiopia #Collaboration

🌟 Join Us for a Milestone Event in Ethiopia’s Startup Ecosystem! 🌟 📅 Date: Saturday, 23rd November 2024 ⏰ Time: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM 📍 Venue: Science Museum The Innovative Finance Lab (IFL) Ethiopia, on behalf of the UNDP and in collaboration with key partners, is thrilled to invite you to the Public Consultation on the Draft Startup Proclamation and the Timbuktoo Call for Application Launch. This pivotal event marks a significant step towards nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. Engage with leaders in policy and finance as we discuss the Draft Startup Proclamation, aimed at creating a more robust framework for startups in our country. Additionally, we will unveil the exciting Timbuktoo Call for Applications, opening doors for aspiring entrepreneurs to access essential resources and support. Why Should You Attend? • Voice Your Opinions: Contribute to shaping the startup ecosystem with your feedback on the Draft Proclamation. • Learn About Funding Opportunities: Discover how Timbuktoo can support your startup journey. • Network with Industry Leaders: Connect with government officials, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative discussion that will shape the future of entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. 📝 RSVP Now to Secure Your Spot! RSVP Here: https://shorturl.at/55vFF Let’s innovate and grow together! #UNDP #Innovation #StartupProclamation #Entrepreneurship #EthiopianStartups #NetworkingEvent @office of the prime minister Ethiopia, Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation Ministry of Labor and Skill- FDRE Ethiopian Ministry of Industry(የኢፌዴሪ ኢንዱስትሪ ሚኒስቴር) Ethiopian Capital Market Authority Ethiopian Investment Holdings

🚀 Exciting News for Ethiopian Entrepreneurs! 🚀 The Ethiopian Startup Ecosystem Development Policy draft is now open for public consultation! 📢 Aimed at creating a vibrant and supportive environment, this policy tackles challenges faced by Ethiopian startups—from funding gaps and regulatory hurdles to skill shortages. Key initiatives include: ✨ Startup Grants for early-stage support 🌐 National Digital Startup Portal for centralized resources 💡 Credit Guarantee Schemes & Tax Incentives 🤝 Capacity Building, Mentorship, & Accelerator Programs Together, we can build a thriving startup scene in Ethiopia, where innovative ideas can grow from Eureka moments to Unicorns! 🦄 👉 Have thoughts or feedback? Now’s your chance to shape the future of Ethiopian startups! Submit your comments to Ethstartupcomment@outlook.com Doc Link: https://lnkd.in/d66_JSEh Ministry of Innovation And Technology- Ethiopia Ministry of Labor and Skill- FDRE Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) - Ethiopia Ethiopian Association of Startup Ecosystem (EASE) Ethiopian Youth Entrepreneurs Association (EYEA) Selamyhun Adefris Haile Henok Laike Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) Ethiopian Investment Holdings Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA)

The final round of the Ethiotel Innovation Program's creative competition has been finalized! This week marked the end of the Ethiotel Innovation Program's innovation competition, which our company has been conducting for innovative and creative ideas in cloud-based digital solutions and mobile finance. The competition was structured into three phases. The program is designed to help transform start-up ideas into reality by providing the necessary resources, financial support, and guidance needed to develop and implement business concepts. It also addresses challenges such as market penetration, customer attraction and retention, as well as the lack of expertise and funding. The 10 finalists presented their creative ideas in detail, which were then evaluated and rated by the judges. From these, the top 3 creative ideas are selected. Based on this, we will proceed to the implementation phase and announce the rewards and support prepared for each of the 10 finalists at an upcoming award ceremony. #On_powering_up_startup_businesses

Ethiopia's recent reforms are creating a startup-friendly environment! 🚀🇪🇹 Key changes: 1️⃣ Data protection laws boost trust and align with global standards 2️⃣ Fintech sandbox allows innovation with reduced regulatory burden 3️⃣ Foreign exchange reform eases international transactions Benefits for startups: ✅ Increased consumer trust and data security ✅ Easier market entry and expansion opportunities ✅ Better access to funding and foreign investment ✅ Enhanced global competitiveness ✅ Reduced legal risks and regulatory burdens ✅ Accelerated innovation and product development ✅ Improved access to foreign currency for international operations ✅ Greater opportunities for cross-border trade ✅ Support for local production and import substitution ✅ Guidance from regulators in the fintech sandbox These reforms are set to fuel innovation and growth in Ethiopia's startup ecosystem! 💡💪 #EthiopianStartups #Innovation #TechAfrica Ministry of Innovation And Technology- Ethiopia Ministry of Labor and Skill- FDRE Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) - Ethiopia Ethiopian Youth Entrepreneurs Association (EYEA) Ethiopian Association of Startup Ecosystem (EASE) National Bank of Ethiopia Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia Ethiopian Capital Market Authority Innovative Finance Lab EthiopiaScale Ethiopia Project Robel Samson ZewdieSelamyhun Adefris Haile Henok Laike Global Startup Awards Africa Global Startup Awards

📣 Exciting News! We are delighted to announce that Orbit Health has signed a historic trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FDRE ICT Park and Vecna Technologies, a pioneering US-based technology company specializing in hardware, software, and robotics. This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to help transform healthcare and education infrastructure in Ethiopia. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring about a digital transformation that will enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and establish sustainable health infrastructure across the country. By leveraging fit-for-purpose technology and innovative strategies, we are committed to setting a new standard for healthcare in Ethiopia, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all. We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to sharing updates as we progress with this partnership. Stay tuned for more information on how we plan to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Ethiopians! #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #OrbitHealth #Vecna #ICTPark #Partnership #Ethiopia Deborah Theobald Sam Rosmarin Henok Ahmed Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia USAID Digital Health Activity (DHA) JSI

Please check out this insightful article on Addis Fortune written by Tizita Shewaferaw to understand the intricacies and advantages of a regulatory sandbox. ECMA is committed to supporting innovative products and services within the capital market sphere. Stay Tuned for more......

This season has been nothing short of extraordinary, with a record-breaking number of entries and public engagement. Check out the map to see the countries our incredible Regional Winners represent from across the continent. ⤵ Included are key topline insights that highlight the dynamic and diverse entrepreneurial landscape on our continent. Stay tuned as we share more insights! Global Startup Awards Global Innovation Initiative Group Jo Griffiths Caitlin Nash Mahyar Makhzani Philip Baldwin Eric Andersen UNICEF Ministry of Innovation And Technology- Ethiopia Ministry of Labor and Skill- FDRE Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) - Ethiopia AfriLabs HealthTech Hub Africa Sustainable Development Goals Ltd Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Wesgro ethio telecom Ethiopian Airlines