The festival's core aim was to unite the Ethiopian entrepreneurial community, fostering collaboration and steering the ecosystem towards greater heights. All incubators affiliated with BIC Ethiopia and the PSD-E project of GIZ were instrumental in nominating startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in this grand event.
Day 1: Insights and Discussions
on the first day over 100 participants were engaged in thought-provoking discussions and insights. The agenda revolved around dissecting past activities that aimed at improving and growing the Ethiopian startup ecosystem. The stage was set for a deeper understanding of the challenges faced and successes achieved. The event also provided a platform for startups to showcase their innovations through pitches.
A panel discussion on the top issues affecting the Ethiopian startup ecosystem followed the startup pitches. Subsequently, Growth Africa, BIC Ethiopia's consortium partner, presented a benchmarking report comparing the Ethiopian startup ecosystem with Kenya and Uganda. This insightful report shed light on potential areas for growth and adaptation.
Day 2: Showcasing Innovation and Celebrating Success
The second day of the festival drew an even larger crowd of around 150 participants, representing the diverse facets of the Ethiopian startup ecosystem. The nominated startups and MSMEs took center stage, presenting their work and utilizing the networking opportunities provided by the event.
Keynote speakers, including Anna Getaneh (CEO, African Mosaique), Aregash Asfaw (GIZ Cluster Coordinator, Economic Transformation Cluster and Programme Head PSD-E) and Dorothee Hutter (GIZ Country Director for Ethiopia & Djibouti), shared their insights into the transformative power of startups in driving economic change.
Ethiopian government representatives, Dr. Bayissa Bedada (State Minister, Ministry of Innovation and Technology) and His Excellency Ato Nigussu Tilahun (Minister of State for Jobs, Employment and Labor Market of the Ministry of Labor and Skills), emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector for sustainable economic development.
The pinnacle of the second day was the closing of the BIC Ethiopia Finance Innovation Lab, where the best performers pitched their cutting-edge agri-finance solutions. The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and Kacha emerged as the winners, showcasing the caliber of innovations emerging from the Ethiopian startup ecosystem.
The festival concluded on a stylish note with a fashion show featuring designs from the Fashion Incubator African Mosaique, highlighting the creativity and potential within the Ethiopian fashion and design landscape.
A Glimpse into the Future
The Ethiopian Startup Ecosystem Festival not only celebrated achievements but also laid the groundwork for future endeavors. The collaborative spirit, insightful discussions, and recognition of innovative solutions exemplify Ethiopia's commitment to nurturing a robust and dynamic startup ecosystem. As the echoes of this event reverberate, it is clear that Ethiopia is on the way to being equipped for a future in which innovation thrives, start-ups flourish and economic change becomes a reality.
