A Call for Action in Ethiopia's Entrepreneurship Scene
In October, Addis Ababa’s Skylight Hotel hosted a landmark conference, Zelela11. It brought together young innovators, business leaders, and key stakeholders to discuss how youth-driven solutions can be integrated into Ethiopia’s economy. The event was organized by the Ethiopian Youth Entrepreneurs Association (EYEA) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and emphasized the need to move from isolated youth development projects to integrated and sustainable youth-driven programs to effect significant and lasting change.
A Pathway to Institutional Change
EYEA launched its 2027 Strategy at the event, laying out steps for making youth perspectives a regular part of the economic and governmental system. It offers a clear framework for organizations to adapt to young people's evolving needs.
Samiya A. Godu, the Founder and President of EYEA, said the strategy represented more than a vision for youth-driven growth, adding, “We are providing a guide for institutions to change with our young population’s needs.”
A Platform to Empower Young Entrepreneurs
EYEA’s partnership with Ethiotelecom's digital money and banking platform, Telebirr, was also announced, a collaboration that includes a new feature in the app, allowing young entrepreneurs to register as members and fundraise. It demonstrates how established institutions can change to support young business owners and adapt to support youth-led initiatives. Biruk Adane, Chief of Mobile Money at Telebirr, explained the impact: “We are not just offering a service; we’re changing our approach to empower young entrepreneurs.”
Youth-Led Innovators for National Impact
Young entrepreneurs also stepped up to the podium, presenting their business ideas and showing how youth-led innovations can be scaled up for national impact. Summing up this part of the conference, Bejai Nerash, founder of Bejai Ethio Industrial and Engineering Solutions, said, “These young innovators aren’t just building businesses; they’re creating solutions that will strengthen our economy.”
Let Young People Take the Lead
Dr. Fekadu Mulugeta, Head of Workforce Development at the Mastercard Foundation’s Ethiopian office, highlighted the value of the partnership with EYEA. The Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy guides collaboration, and with a focus on local youth-led organizations, EYEA is in a strong position to connect with young people across Ethiopia. “When young people take the lead, they create innovative solutions that support long-term economic growth and job opportunities,” he said. “It's time to make these solutions part of our institutions.”
The Importance of Acting Now
In a panel discussion, Mekdes Girmaw, Head of Agrifood System and Manufacturing at the Mastercard Foundation, emphasized the importance of acting now. “Institutionalization isn’t about waiting for the right time,” she said. “It’s about creating that time through vision and action.” This was supported by Bejai Nerash, who spoke about the dedication needed to support good ideas. “It takes a strong commitment to change our current structures, even when challenging,” he said.
A Call to Action
The event ended with a clear call for all stakeholders to support integrating youth-led solutions into Ethiopia’s institutional systems. The country’s young people have shown they are ready and able to make valuable contributions to Ethiopia’s economic and social development. Now, they are providing the frameworks for incorporating their ideas. Through EYEA’s 2027 Strategy, strategic partnerships, and a united commitment to change, this can happen.