MinT underlines knowledge-driven startups for productivity, competitiveness

ADDIS ABABA-The Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT) emphasized the critical role of knowledge-driven innovative startups in driving national innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.

State Minister Bayissa Bedada (PhD) made this statement during the 2025 Innovative Post Early Startups Certification ceremony. Attendees included government officials, international partners, and project consultants.

Bayissa highlighted the program’s potential to address innovation and technology gaps, leveraging Ethiopia’s resources to foster a knowledge-oriented economy. He emphasized the significant role of startups, particularly for the youth, in creating jobs and enhancing productivity across sectors like agriculture, health, and education.

Beyond economic growth, startups contribute to innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. To support this, the government is implementing enabling policies, facilitating international expertise, and investing in infrastructure and human capital development.

The ministry is actively collaborating with research institutions to foster innovative industries, promote import substitution, and enhance service delivery, with the vision of becoming a leading innovation and technology hub.

“There are approximately 60 incubation sectors established by the government and international partners,” he added.

The government, alongside partners like KOICA, is dedicated to expanding innovative incubations and acceleration programs to nurture vibrant startups that shape the future.

Praising the progress of innovators and KOICA’s contributions, the State Minister urged the youth to seize the opportunities in this sector to drive national socioeconomic development and contribute to continental progress.

Innobiz-K Ethiopia Acceleration Expert Choi Yong Geun (PhD) underscored the program’s significance as a bridge for startups, contributing to the country’s future.

Innoblz-K Ethiopia is a startup and Post Early startup support hub jointly managed by KOICA and MinT. It aims to create quality jobs by providing capacity building programs, IT platforms, and a maker space to enrich Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem.

Korean experts have been conducting site visits to provide continuous support and enhance operations to drive growth.

Choi emphasized that these trainings and consultations address challenges faced by post-startup enterprises in manufacturing, marketing, and IT.

Two companies demonstrating exceptional performance were awarded a growth fund exceeding 1 million Birr during the ceremony.

BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 18 JANUARY 2025

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