Issue 25 : $200M for Ethiopia's Digital Economy

Hello, Welcome to this week's edition of Shega Weekly Newsletter ( Issue # 25 ) - Here is a recap of major stories from the Ethiopian Innovative ecosystem.If this email was forwarded to you, subscribe here so that you don't miss the next editions.

World Bank Fund the Ethiopia Digital Foundation Project with $200MA $ 200 million concessional loan agreement has been signed between the Government of Ethiopia and the World Bank. The agreement will fund the implementation of the Ethiopia Digital Foundations project.The Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project aims to increase the inclusiveness and affordability of digital services and digital job creation in Ethiopia. Under the project, there are three components designed to enhance the country's digital economy, digital government & connectivity, and digital entrepreneurship. From the total fund, $40 M is allocated to boost the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem by increasing the capacity of ecosystem enablers and alleviating the access to finance to startups. The implementing agencies of the project are the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT) - Ethiopia, and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development - Ethiopia. The project is expected to improve access to broadband internet and digital services. In addition, it is expected to empower the digitally excluded population of the country. Project Details Here.

Startup Guide Book Is Coming to Addis Abeba Startup Guide in partnership with Shega Media & Technology plc is to publish Startup Guide Addis Abeba. The first insider’s guide to exploring entrepreneurship and innovation in Addis Abeba. Read More.

Sahay Partners With Awash As It looks to Grow outside of Somali RegionSahay by Rays Microfinance partners with Awash Bank to expand operations to Addis Ababa and other unbanked regions in Ethiopia.This partnership allows Sahay to be able to deposit, withdraw and transfer cash at any branch of Awash Bank, whose clients would also be able to do the same at the agents of the mobile money service provider and enjoy similar offerings using USSD and Android and iOS mobile applications. Read more.

Hulugram, a Multipurpose Telegram Based App Goes LiveInfinity Technologies, a local tech startup launches Hulugram, a multi-purpose messaging app that is built on top of Telegram.Hulugram is a Telegram client app that aims to enhance the telegram messaging experience. It provides a new set of features such as marketplace, payment, and social sharing features besides the features the default Telegram app provides. Read more.

Ethio Telecom Launches A Mobile Money Platform Powered By Huawei​Ethio Telecom launches Telebirr, a mobile money platform that is developed by Huawei. Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, powers the first telecom mobile money platform in Ethiopia for Ethio Telecom.The mobile money service is accessible via SMS, USSD, and smartphone applications. Telebirr works in five languages. Read everything you have to know here.

ArifPay Announced as Winner of Visa Everywhere Initiative 2021 in EthiopiaVisa announced ArifPay as the winner of the first Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI) challenge in Ethiopia. With participation from 59 fintechs, the Initiative received applications that address digital payment challenges focused on digital issuance to expand access to payments and credit, increasing small merchants’ acceptance and transforming B2B payments.ArifPay won after competing with other 4 finalists that included Chapa, E-birr, Smile Pay, and Orbit Health. ArifPay’s secures $5000 for winning the Ethiopian edition and is placed automatically to compete at the CEMEA (Central Europe, Middle East & Africa) stage and win a combined $25,000 in total prize and if they are successful further proceed to compete on a global stage to win $100,000 in total prize money. Read more.

A Palliative Patient Care App Ayzot Developed for Ethiopia ​Ayzot a mobile phone app that supports patients in need of end-of-life care has been developed. Ayzot is developed at the University of Surrey to support patients needing end-of-life care in Ethiopia.The app was created through a collaboration between Surrey, the University of Strathclyde, Hospice Ethiopia, the Federal Ministry of Health and Hello Doctor Ethiopia.Ayzot is designed to be used independently by patients and care takers. It has multiple features that enable the patient and caretakers to manage pain, control symptoms and provide critical information. Read More

DP World to launch DUBUY a Wholesale E-commerce Platform in Ethiopia​DP World, a multinational logistics company based in Dubai will be launching DUBUY.com. DUBUY.com is an online marketplace that will help to unlock access to global markets for small and medium-sized Ethiopian enterprises. That will be accomplished through DP World's worldwide ports and logistics network. Read More

Opportunity Alert :Tech as a driver of women's economic opportunity in Ethiopia - be part of the Technology for Textiles and Apparel Program in Ethiopia 

Here is what we've been reading:

Limits on Mobile Money, Tower Market Push Bidders to Opt-out of Telecom Bid

Orange SA Shows Interest to Buy Minority Stake in Ethio Telecom

Ethiopia’s ambitious digital transformation strategy

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