Issue 115: "VIP" Roads & VCs

Hello,The Shega team extends warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and joyful celebrations. As always, here is your weekly update, bringing you the latest happenings and insights.If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.

No More Motorcycles on “VIP” RoadOfficials in Addis Ababa have banned motorcycles and heavy trucks weighing over 2 tons from "VIP" road, which leads from Bole airport to the National Palace through Meskel Square. The ban, effective as of today, January 8, 2024, advises drivers to seek alternative routes. Read more.

Ethiopia Welcomes VC-Backed Incubator WeventureWeVenture, a newly established local venture capital-backed incubator, has officially opened its doors. Among WeVenture’s backers is Yonaiel Tadiwos, Kuriftu Resort, and Boston Day Spa manager. Read more.

Raxio Ethiopia Appoints Degol Gossaye as New General ManagerRaxio Data Centers, a provider of data centers across Africa, appointed Degol Gossaye as the new general manager of Raxio Ethiopia. Degol’s appointment follows the launch of Raxio’s facility in Ethiopia in November 2023, and the new manager is replacing outgoing Bewket Taffere. Read more.

Kabba, Student-Centric Ride-Sharing Platform Unlocks Fresh Market in Addis AbabaThe current subscription-based student transportation service in the capital poses various challenges for parents. It is characterized by a lack of quality, unreliability, and safety concerns. Kabba, a new startup led by a mother of three, is addressing these issues through a platform-backed approach. Read more.

Ride-hailing firm Zayride Alleges Discrimination in Police CrackdownRide-hailing firm ZayRide issued a press statement last week claiming the Federal Police Commission crackdown on criminal networks in Addis Ababa is unfairly targeting its drivers.

According to The Reporter, over a dozen vehicles have been impounded by officers in the last few weeks and remain in police custody. Read more.

From Facebook Page to Call Center Buzz: Wecare Reflects Digital Platform’s Role in Ethiopia’s Healthcare LandscapeOne of the emerging healthcare startups in Ethiopia, WeCare, is extending healthcare beyond the walls of clinics, empowering patients to take control of their medical care at affordable rates. Read more.

Here is what we've been reading:

Lusaka’s leading ride-hailing apps facing scrutiny from driversStarlink chose Kenya for first office in AfricaFunding reaches two-year decline as African startups raise $3.2 billion in 2023If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.