BIC ETHIOPIA

CATALYSING GROWTH IN ETHIOPIAN AGRIBUSINESS The present, and future of Ethiopia is in the hands of its entrepreneurs. GrowthAfrica in Ethiopia recently held the BIC ETHIOPIA Catalyser Programme’s 4th and 5th cohort workshops, where 10 innovative businesses took a deep dive into refining their value propositions, optimising operations, and preparing for sustainable growth. These sessions were not just about theory but were designed to be hands-on, enabling participants to analyse real-world business cases, refine their strategies, and develop actionable plans for growth. It was a delight to engage with the passionate agri-preneurs, as they put in the time and effort to work towards ensuring their business success. GrowthAfrica remains committed to supporting and collaborating with entrepreneurs across Africa, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to grow and succeed. This workshop is just one example of our ongoing efforts to drive innovation and entrepreneurial growth in Africa, powered by BIC Ethiopia. BIC ETHIOPIA (Business Incubation) addresses several bottlenecks in the Ethiopian incubation eco-system, targeting the lack of sustainable and technically sound business models of exciting incubators through regional benchmarking, best practice examples, new revenue models, standardised curricula, and professionalised operations. The overall objective of BIC Ethiopia is to capacitate business incubators in supporting agri-tech and agri-business start-ups and MSMEs to improve market access, generate higher income and create jobs.   #GrowthAfrica #AgribusinessAfrica #EthiopianEntrepreneurs #InnovationInAgriculture #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurshipSupport #AgricultureInnovation #AfricanStartups #CatalysingGrowth #SustainableDevelopmentAfrica #Ethiopia Meselu Worku

Successfully Completed the BIC Ethiopia “Finance Your Business Masterclass Workshop”! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the 6-day BIC Ethiopia Finance Your Business Masterclass workshop, implemented by adelphi research gGmbH, held from August 21st to 23rd and 26th to 28th, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This Masterclass was designed to equip Agri-tech and agri-business company owners and representatives with essential financial management skills and preparation. We also had the opportunity to connect the participants with our private banking partners, Hibret Bank, and Dashen Bank, to explore discounted loan schemes tailored for their businesses. The workshop provided invaluable insights and practical knowledge, empowering them to better manage their finances and drive business growth. We are grateful to Lina Gutierrez and Yoseph Getachew for their invaluable contributions. The networking opportunities they facilitated during the session have empowered entrepreneurs, fostered collaboration, and sparked innovation that will undoubtedly lead to exciting new ventures. A heartfelt thank you to the banking partners for their support and dedication throughout the program. We're looking forward to working with you to scale up financing for SMEs in Ethiopia! sequa gGmbH Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations adelphi GrowthAfrica icehawassa Stiftung Menschen für Menschen - Karlheinz Böhms Äthiopienhilfe European Union #FinanceYourBusiness #FinancialManagement #AgriBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Networking #Entrepreneurship

Well done!

🎉 Another milestone unlocked! What began as a dream to make mechanization accessible and affordable, 🚜 one tractor at a time, is now becoming a reality. A huge thank you to BIC ETHIOPIA for their unwavering support for Ethiopian agri-business start-ups, which has been instrumental in helping us secure our first bank loan. With their mentorship and assistance in market access, we’re turning vision into action and transforming the agricultural landscape! Dashen Bank | adelphi | Kathrin Kirsch | Oliver Petzoldt | Pragma Investment Advisory | Amanuel Lemma Dessalegn | Yoseph Getachew | Semegn Tadesse | Eyoeal Kefyalew | Mikyas Atskemariam | Michael Berhanu | BIC Africa | Meron Gebrewahid

🚀🎉Our latest workshop with Ahmed Jafer Dawud was a massive success! We dove into the basics of financial literacy for start-ups and the collaboration was truly inspiring. 🤝✨We are committed to equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive.    A big shoutout to Ahmed and all the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment to mastering their finances. Let's keep the momentum going and continue to push the boundaries together! sequa gGmbH Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations adelphi GrowthAfrica icehawassa Stiftung Menschen für Menschen - Karlheinz Böhms Äthiopienhilfe European Union #Finance #Entrepreneurship #Collaboration #Innovation #WorkshopSuccess #Partnership #Teamwork

Awesome work on the fifth cohort of the Basic Financial Literacy workshop!

PAN-AFRICAN GROWTH: LEVERAGING DIVERSE ESO ECOSYSTEMS In the ever-evolving landscape of African entrepreneurship, the support ecosystems in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda present a compelling narrative of diversity, resilience, and potential. Each ecosystem, with its unique challenges and opportunities, contributes to a rich tapestry of innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent.   ✔ Kenya: The mature innovator Kenya's ESO ecosystem, established as early as 2010, is a beacon of diversity and maturity with 189 ESOs, including 12 accelerators and 32 incubators, and 72 hubs and coworking spaces, 35 of which are outside the capital. This advanced and comprehensive ecosystem leads East Africa, emphasising decentralisation, inclusivity, specialisation, and later-stage support to ensure better-quality support structures and effective capacity building.   ✔ Ethiopia: The emerging force Ethiopia's ESO ecosystem, marked by its inception in 2011, is on a rapid growth trajectory with 102 ESOs, including 4 accelerators and 38 incubators. With 30 hubs and spaces, and a notable 25 ESOs outside the capital, Ethiopia demonstrates a commitment to expanding its entrepreneurial support beyond Addis Ababa.   ✔ Uganda: The collaborative hub Uganda's ecosystem, also initiated in 2011, showcases a collaborative environment with 48 ESOs. It has made significant strides with 5 accelerators and 16 incubators, alongside 14 hubs and spaces. However, with only 1 ESO outside the capital, Uganda faces the challenge of extending its support network to foster regional inclusivity and diversity.   The comparison between the ecosystems of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda uncovers a shared narrative of growth and the need for inclusivity. While Kenya leads in maturity and diversification, Ethiopia and Uganda are not far behind, each carving out their distinct paths towards supporting entrepreneurship.   The potential for cross-pollination and learning among these ecosystems is immense. Now is the time for governments, the private sector, and international partners to invest in these vibrant ecosystems, ensuring they evolve to meet the dynamic needs of African entrepreneurs. By harnessing Kenya's diversity, Ethiopia's growth, and Uganda's collaboration, we can fuel a Pan-African wave of innovation and entrepreneurship. About BIC Ethiopia: BIC Ethiopia addresses key bottlenecks in the Ethiopian incubation ecosystem by promoting sustainable business models and professionalised operations through best practices and standardised curricula. The project collaborates with private financing institutions to create new financial access opportunities for MSMEs. Website: ww.bic-ethiopia.eu. #AfricanInnovation #Entrepreneurship #ESOecosystem #PanAfricanGrowth #Inclusivity #Collaboration #TechStartups #EntrepreneurshipLife BIC ETHIOPIA BIC Africa Oliver Petzoldt Ethiopian Association of Startup Ecosystem (EASE) EBN - European Business & Innovation Centre Network Robert Sanders

🌟🌟The continuous journey of empowering start-up founders and entrepreneurs with basic financial literacy🌟   This week, BIC ETHIOPIA successfully finalized the fourth cohort of basic financial literacy training for startup founders and entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage their company's finances by understanding basic financial concepts such as budgeting, cash flow management, and financial statements, startup founders can make informed decisions that will help their businesses thrive and grow. Additionally, the training offered to the startups avoids common financial pitfalls, such as overspending or taking on too much debt, which can quickly lead to financial hardship. Investing in financial literacy training for themselves and key team members helps for long-term success and sustainability.   The training session covered the basic know-how needed to secure a seed grant for their business. Participants learned how to develop a convincing budget and timeline and identify potential funding sources. Additionally, the training provided tips on how to effectively communicate with their business goals and impact to potential funders.   During this session, the facilitator Mesay Barekew Liche incorporated various teaching methods, including interactive activities, group discussions, exchange of ideas, sharing perspectives, and exploring different viewpoints. This multifaceted approach not only kept the participants actively involved but also allowed them to apply what they learned in real-time scenarios.   In conclusion, the participant's praise highlights the value of these elements in creating a meaningful and impactful learning experience. As workshops continue to evolve, incorporating these best practices will ensure they remain relevant and beneficial for all attendees. The program is co-funded by the European Union delegation to Ethiopia. sequa gGmbH Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations adelphi GrowthAfrica icehawassa Stiftung Menschen für Menschen - Karlheinz Böhms Äthiopienhilfe #Financialtraining #Startups #Entrepreneurship #Agritech #Agribusiness #Sustainability #Growth

ECOSYSTEM INSIGHTS: ETHIOPIA, UGANDA & KENYA Insightful: This latest report developed with BIC ETHIOPIA with the support of European Commission offers an in-depth comparative analysis of the entrepreneurial support ecosystems in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. The report highlights the unique ways in which the 3 countries are building frameworks to support startups and foster innovation. Key insights from the report: = Capital city dynamics: Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Kampala are the beating hearts of entrepreneurial activity in their respective countries. Each city plays a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth, offering unique resources and policies that shape the entrepreneurial landscape. = Entrepreneur support organisations (ESOs): East Africa has seen a remarkable increase in the number of ESOs. However, there's a real opportunity to enhance their specialisation and foster greater collaboration to amplify their impact on the startup ecosystem.   = Policy and government support: Kenya’s Digital Economy Strategy and Startup Act set the standard for policy-driven support. Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy and STI policy aim to position the country as a leader in science and technology. Uganda focuses on infrastructure and funding programs like the National ICT Initiatives Support Program, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment for startups. = Funding and investment: Access to capital remains a significant challenge for many startups. Our report emphasizes the need for diversified funding sources and stronger engagement with private investors and development partners to ensure sustainable growth. Top areas for improvement: ✔Enhance collaboration and coordination with government and development partners ✔Foster collaboration across East African ESO associations to unlock opportunities ✔Diversify funding sources and income streams ✔Continuously recruit and develop a representative membership base ✔Improve ecosystem data, research, and insights ✔... Read more in the report The report is packed with insights designed to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystems in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. Download the report: https://bit.ly/3VWVJiT.   Let's continue working together to build stronger, more resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems in Africa. Your insights and collaboration are vital to our collective success. #Entrepreneurship #Africa #Innovation #Startups #EcosystemSupport #EastAfrica #Policy #Technology #Collaboration #KenyaStartups #EthiopiaEntrepreneurs #UgandaStartups #AfricanInnovation BIC Africa BIC ETHIOPIA Oliver Petzoldt Ethiopian Association of Startup Ecosystem (EASE) EBN - European Business & Innovation Centre Network Robert Sanders Markos Lemma Shibeshi Bettemariam Fikir B. Sebastian Brandis Dawit Dagnew Biruk Yosef Zenebe Meselu Worku Sabine Schacknat sequa gGmbH Mirko Zuerker Lina Gutierrez Amanuel Lemma Dessalegn icehawassa Nebiyou Yirga Wolde

🎥 An overview of financial products for Ethiopian MSMEs Let’s take a moment to remember about the impactful BIC Ethiopia Agri-Finance Lab.    In 2023, BIC Ethiopia hosted an engaging innovative finance lab as an exclusive opportunity for the Ethiopian financial sector. The lab provided expert guidance for financial ecosystem actors through a competitive innovation process in which expert teams co-creatively develop innovative financial instruments with an agri-finance and MSME focus. After intense competition, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and a private Digital Financial Service provider Kacha | ካቻ , emerged as the winner and secured a piloting seed fund. These institutions displayed unique innovative financial products designed to support SMEs and agri-tech startups, showcasing their dedication to promoting innovation and business growth in Ethiopia.   In Ethiopia, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are increasingly becoming important for the economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. However, access to finance remains one of the critical challenges these businesses face. To address this gap, several Ethiopian financial institutions have developed specialized financial products tailored to the unique needs of MSMEs.    We have released a new video highlighting some of those financial products showcasing a commitment of Ethiopia banks, financial service providers, and microfinance institutions on the BIC Ethiopia Website. These videos have something for everyone. 🌟   📺 Watch Now: https://lnkd.in/eCuU8_jX sequa gGmbH Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations adelphi GrowthAfrica icehawassa Stiftung Menschen für Menschen - Karlheinz Böhms Äthiopienhilfe European Union #Agrifinance #Financialactors #MSMEs #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship #Fintech