Ethiopian Investment Firms form Alliance to Connect Local Startups with Global Investors

Five Ethiopian investment firms have come together to establish the Madeg Partnership, which aims to source investment opportunities on behalf of a Japanese venture capital (VC) firm.

https://shega.co/post/ethiopian-investment-firms-form-alliance-to-connect-local-startups-with-global-investors/

@shegahq

An Overview of Ethiopia’s First Digital Education Strategy

The five-year strategy and implementation plan aims to tackle long-standing challenges in access, equity, and quality of education through the strategic integration of technology.

https://shega.co/post/an-overview-of-ethiopias-first-digital-education-strategy/

@shegahq

Government Responds Loud, Clear to Startup Policy Reform Skepticism

A panel discussion held last Thursday delved into the recently announced startup policy reforms. While attendees anticipated details on the implementation timeline, they received a different and stronger response.

https://shega.co/post/government-responds-loud-clear-to-startup-policy-reform-skepticism/

@shegahq

Ethiopia Launches National QR Code Standard

In Ethiopia QR Code transactions have been confined to specific bank accounts or wallets, resulting in a fragmented system and hindering wider adoption. The new interoperable QR codes leverage a standardized format, enabling them to function seamlessly with any participating payment app.

https://shega.co/post/ethiopia-launches-national-qr-code-standard/

@shegahq

Ethio Telcom Adds Chat Feature to Telebirr

Ethio Telecom announces the launch of telebirr Engage, a new chat feature integrated within its popular telebirr SuperApp.

https://shega.co/post/ethio-telecom-adds-chat-feature-to-telebirr/

@shegahq

Wingu Africa Becomes the First Tier III Certified Data Center in Ethiopia

Wingu Africa, a data center provider in Ethiopia, has become the first company in Ethiopia to receive Tier III certification for its facility located in the ICT Park from Uptime Institute, the global authority on data center standards.

https://shega.co/post/wingu-africa-becomes-first-certified-tier-iii-data-center-in-ethiopia/

@shegahq

How to Think about Financial Inclusion in Ethiopia?

While Ethiopia draws lessons from the financial inclusion successes of its neighbors, we need to ask bigger questions. How should we tailor financial solutions to truly resonate with the unique socio-economic fabric of Ethiopia?

Catch up with the first of many monthly analysis articles by AKOFADA (Advancing Knowledge on Financial Accessibility and DFS Adoption), a project that is working to increase the knowledge base of Ethiopia’s DFS ecosystem.

https://shega.co/post/how-to-think-about-financial-inclusion-in-ethiopia/

@shegahq

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Partner Content

Reach for Change to Accelerate 36 EdTech Startups in Ethiopia, Allocating $2.1 Million for Equity-Free Funding

Reach for Change Ethiopia, a social enterprise incubator focused on improving youth and children’s lives, has announced a new EdTech Fellowship in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

https://shega.co/post/reach-for-change-to-accelerate-36-edtech-startups-in-ethiopia-allocating-2-1-million-for-equity-free-funding/

@shegahq

Former INSA Employees Establish Cyber Security Firm

Five former Information Network Security Administration (INSA) employees have ventured out to establish their own cybersecurity firm.

https://shega.co/post/former-insa-employees-establish-cyber-security-firm/

@shegahq

Meet Zemeo: a Platform That Lets Fans Request Personalized Videos from Ethiopian Celebrities

Inspired by the global platform Cameo, Zemeo is a new Ethiopian online platform that allows fans to request personalized video messages from their favorite celebrities.

https://shega.co/post/meet-zemeo-a-platform-that-lets-fans-request-personalized-videos-from-ethiopian-celebrities/

@shegahq

Understanding the Rationale Behind Commercial Bank of Ethiopia’s New Banking Fees

Asresahegn Yilma, a professional in the banking sector, offers a closer examination of the economic landscape and the challenges faced by CBE, providing a nuanced understanding of the rationale behind the bank’s introduction of new banking fees.

https://shega.co/post/understanding-the-rationale-behind-commercial-bank-of-ethiopias-new-banking-fees/

@shegahq

Love, Sweat, and No Customers

In our second edition of Shega Forensic, which looks into the failures of startups, products, and business models within our ecosystem, we explore BeQetero, an appointment booking and management app that met its demise before reaching the light of usage.

https://shega.co/post/love-sweat-and-no-customers/

@shegahq

Is Japan Becoming Ethiopia’s Startup Ecosystem Unlikely Hero?

Ethiopian startups have secured $11 million in funding over the past two years from Japanese venture capital firms (VCs). This influx of capital from a single source outpaces investment currently flowing into Ethiopia's startup ecosystem from other VC streams.

Additionally, over $10 million is slated for investment in the coming year. Why are Japanese VC firms increasingly eyeing Ethiopia?

https://shega.co/post/japan-venture-capital-vc-ethiopia-startups/

@shegahq

Thur Biotech Secures $172K USAID CATALYZE Grant

Thur Biotech, an Ethiopian biotechnology firm, has secured 172,000 dollars in grants from USAID CATALYZE for its innovative approach to producing biofertilizers.

https://shega.co/post/thur-biotech-secures-172k-usaid-catalyze-grant/

@shegahq

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Partner Content

Kenyan Insurtech Pula Makes First payout of 39 million Br for Ethiopian smallholder Farmers

Kenyan Insurtech firm Pula has made its first payout of 39.4 million birr to 51,000 smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.

https://shega.co/post/kenyan-insurtech-pula-makes-first-payout-of-39-million-br-for-ethiopian-smallholder-farmers/

@shegahq

Addis Ababa Close to Joining Billion-Dollar Timbuktu Startup Initiative

Addis Ababa is inching closer to becoming the ninth hub of UNDP’s Timbuktu Initiative, a pan-African program with a one-billion-dollar innovation fund to empower startups.

https://shega.co/post/addis-ababa-close-to-joining-billion-dollar-timbuktu-startup-initiative/

@shegahq

Reach for Change, IKEA Foundation to Incubate Green Entrepreneurs

Reach for Change and the IKEA Foundation are teaming up to support young Ethiopian entrepreneurs who are building businesses that reduce waste and promote a circular economy.

https://shega.co/post/reach-for-change-ikea-foundation-to-incubate-green-entrepreneurs/

@shegahq

Kezyas Provides Step-by-Step Guides for Ethiopian Bureaucracy

In Ethiopia, obtaining government services often requires patience and time. Limited access to clear and up-to-date information often forces people to rely on those who have already navigated the system. A new startup aims to bridge this gap, acting as "The Guide" to simplify such processes.

https://shega.co/post/kezyas-provides-step-by-step-guides-for-ethiopian-bureaucracy/

@shegahq