ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian youth entrepreneurs, Kalewongel Tesfaye and Sileshi Sals Umer, who were attending the Indonesian Africa Infrastructure Dialogue (IAID) in Bali, Indonesia on 20-21 August 2019 pledged to work as “ambassadors” to scale-up youth entrepreneurial exchanges from both sides.
Both entrepreneurs expressed determination to be “ambassadors” following their weeklong visit to Bali, where they had been active participants. In their bid towards the furtherance of youth engagements, they shared this to their peers through social media, while in Indonesia. They both kept reporting during their tour in Bali and during are also founders of Ethiopia-Indonesia Youth Association established in Addis Ababa last June.
“Kalewongel is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Youth to Youth and Sileshi is the CEO of Safe Light. The Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa invited them to attend IAID in order to enhance the economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Indonesia. This is their first visit to Indonesia,” said Ambassador Al Busyra Basnur. In addition to participating in IAID, they also made use of their time to enjoy the beauty of Bali.
After Bali, they explore Jakarta and met counterparts, Kevin, Fathie and Bryan, who were also founders of Ethiopia- Indonesia Youth Association. “We declared the establishment of the Association,” said Kalewongel. Furthermore, they had discussed with the Head of Asia-Africa Conference Museum. The Museum has a very important meaning for the relationship between Asia and Africa. It will bring the spirit of Asia-Africa Conference to Ethiopia and other African countries,’’ said Sileshi.
Kalewongel was impressed by his visit to Indonesia, as stated in the release. He said that they had got much knowledge and experience during their stay in Indonesia. He had seen and learnt many things related to tourism, creative economy, among others. “The more I know about Indonesia, the more opportunities I can get to improve the relations and cooperation between Ethiopia and Indonesia. We rise by lifting others,” said Kalewongel.
Meanwhile, Sileshi said that IAID gave him inspiration and new spirit about the importance of KASO “Knowledge, Ability, Skill and Observation”, for the betterment and the success of a country on top of promoting the relationship between the two countries. He also praised the progress of tourism sector in Indonesia that can serve an example for Ethiopia and other African countries.
“Indonesia has big opportunities to improve its economic cooperation with African countries, particularly with Ethiopia, although it has to compete with other countries,” said Sileshi.
The Ethiopian Herald, August 25/2019
BY HAFTU GEBREZGABIHER
