ADDIS ABABA – As part of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 plan, the number of startups in Ethiopia has surged from 50 to 950, benefiting entrepreneurs while generating jobs and expanding market access across the country, according to the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MoIT).
MoIT State Minister Bayssa Bedada (PhD) emphasized the need for expanding critical infrastructure like energy to ensure broader access. “Energy expansion is underway in cities, and the telecommunications sector has also opened up with the entry of new operators,” he said.
The introduction of additional telecom operators fosters competition, improves service quality, and enhances access to digital markets. “This development is also connecting online financial services and increasing mobile user engagement,” he added.
The State Minister highlighted the significant role of startups in driving innovation. “The MoIT separated science, innovation, and technology sectors to provide targeted policy support, resulting in a dramatic increase in startups from 50 to 950,” he said. Bayssa credited the government’s commitment and policy reforms for this progress.
To further boost startups, the ministry offers incentives and training to enhance their revenue potential. He encouraged more youth to engage with the Digital Ethiopia 2025 initiative by developing new applications and digital solutions.
“Startups are not only solving problems but also generating income, providing fast and accessible services, and creating jobs simultaneously,” the State Minister noted.
Amir Redwan, Co-Founder of the successful startup Chip Chip, shared his achievements in the agricultural sector.“We connect farmers directly with consumers, eliminating middlemen to offer affordable prices. So far, we’ve reached 70,000 customers and serve 3,000 orders daily with smooth transactions,” Amir explained.
The Digital Ethiopia 2025 initiative continues to drive innovation, with startups playing a pivotal role in transforming the economy and offering sustainable employment opportunities.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 31 OCTOBER 2024
