Issue 101: 5G, Idea Financing & Mamo Kacha

Hi,As we bid farewell to the last week of 2015 E.C. and embrace the new year, we bring you a diverse array of stories that highlight the progress in Ethiopia’s innovative ecosystem, as well as a piece that pays tribute to a past entrepreneurial hero.Enjoy reading, and the Shega team extends our heartfelt wishes for a joyous and prosperous New Year!If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.

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Ethiopia NINIA Capacity Building for Startup Supporters Exciting News! Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology are thrilled to announce an exclusive opportunity for all startup supporters in Ethiopia!Get ready to take your startup support skills to the next level with our highly anticipated Capacity Building Training Program! Designed with utmost care and collaboration from industry experts and renowned professionals, this program aims to equip accelerators, incubators, and incubation centers of universities with the essential knowledge and skills required for developing a thriving startup ecosystem. For more information please click here.Register here.Please note that the deadline for registration will be on September 14th sharp at 12:00AM and the call is only for startup supporters. Together, let's shape a brighter future for Ethiopian startups!

Minister Urges Banks to Overcome Risk Aversion, Support Idea FinancingMuferihat Kamil, the Minister of Labor and Skills, has criticized Ethiopian financial institutions for their overly cautious approach to business, which neglects the vital aspect of idea funding.According to Muferihat, banks in Ethiopia are heavily reproached for being risk-averse and sidestepping their duty to finance entrepreneurs’ ideas by imposing unmet demands to finance ventures, stated The Reporter. Read more.

Visa at the Doorsteps of Ethiopia’s Payment EcosystemVisa has had a long-standing presence in Ethiopia, with banks relying on the payment giant to issue debit cards. However, Visa has even greater ambitions for its role in Ethiopia.Yared Endale, Visa’s new country lead for Ethiopia, sat down with Shega for his first exclusive interview since taking office, in which he shared Visa’s ongoing initiatives and exciting new ventures in Ethiopia. Read more.

Ethio Telecom Launches Commercial 5G Services in Addis AbabaEthio Telecom has officially rolled out its commercial 5G services at 145 sites in Addis Ababa, following successful pre-commercial trials. Read More.

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The Lasting Legacy of Mamo YenberberuA young boy named Mamo Yenberberu, later known to many as MamoKacha, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that would not only transform his life but also leave an indelible mark on the transportation industry of the East African nation. Read more.

Wallet Onboards MobiFinWallet Microfinance Institution has partnered with global telecommunication company Bankai Group, to launch its digital wallet using MobiFin, a digital banking and payments platform. Read more.

Surprising Finds: Three Ethiopian Digital Marketplaces You Probably Haven’t Heard AboutDigital marketplaces are on the rise in Ethiopia expanding their reach across various sectors to cater to a wide range of needs, spanning from the odd to the niche.  Here are three Ethiopian digital marketplaces you might not be familiar with yet. Read more.

Madras Security to Deliver One Million IDs to EthiopiaMadras Security Printers Private Limited has been chosen by Ethiopia’s government to produce one million cards for the country’s digital ID project with a $300,000 bid. Read more

Here is what we've been reading:

How Zimbabwe’s biggest fast-food company became a popular fintech solutionThe fall of Byju’s | Why Indian startups are struggling Puzzle of Kenyan startups in trouble after Sh34bn fundingIf you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.