Issue 45: Ethiopian Ride-hailing Apps Eye Privately Licensed Cars

Hello, Two ride-hailing platforms have formed an association to advance their new goals while Kulu Network, is launching ELFF Games, Ethiopia's first play-to-earn gaming service. Shega Weekly recaps the major developments from Ethiopia's innovative ecosystem. If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.

Partner Content 6 Ethiopian Startups Will Go to the Gitex Global in Dubai, Apply Now!

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT), is selecting six startups from Ethiopia to go to the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) Global, one of the world’s largest startup and annual tech conferences with over 100,000 visitors.The annual flagship conference takes place in Dubai between October 9 and October 15 and is attended by thought leaders, creators, innovators, and investors.Read More about the application process and apply.

Ride-hailing Companies Request to Enlist Code-2" License Plates

Ride-hailing companies are calling on authorities to relax restrictions on the industry by allowing them to recruit drivers of vehicles with private "Code-2" license plates.

This is according to Fortune Newspaper, which reported that the request was made during a discussion with officials from the Ministry of Innovation & Technology and other government agencies.  Read More. 

Telebirr Launches Credit, Saving, Overdraft ServicesEthio Telecom has launched its long-anticipated micro-credit and saving scheme through its Telebirr mobile money platform.The state-owned telecom operator, in partnership with Dashen Bank, launched Telebirr Mela, Telebirr Sanduk, and Telebirr EndeKise. Read More.

National ID Program Extends Deal with Tech VendorThe National Identification Program (NIDP) has agreed with TECH5, a technology vendor in biometrics and digital identity management, to use TECH 5's system for the pre-launch phase. NDIP, which aims to provide a robust and reliable digital identification for all Ethiopians, has completed its use-case pilot to register 100,000 citizens. . Read More.

Local Food Startup BeNu Produces Nutritional Biscuits for KidsMeet BeNu- a food startup established in 2017 that produces nutritional biscuits for children and adults. Their biscuits give a child about half the calorie he/she needs for a day.Their innovative product contains 25% (18 g) protein content, which is equivalent to what can be acquired by eating three eggs. Read More.

EagleLion on the Verge of Launching GetCareEagleLion System Technology is set to launch its latest product, GetCare: a mobile and web-based health care platform, this month.The technology firm behind products like GuzoGo, a flight booking platform; and CashGO, a digital remittance platform; launched GetCare, aiming to create non-conventional and alternate health care services with more convenient access to health care professionals. Read More.

Kulu Network to launch ELFF Games, Ethiopia's First Play-to-earn Gaming ServiceKulu Network, a media, and telecommunication company, in collaboration with Ethio Telecom, is launching ELFF Games, Ethiopia's first play-to-earn gaming service, where players get a chance to earn in-game assets that can be transferred to the real world valuable resources. Read More.

Here is what we've been reading:

The overworked humans behind China’s virtual influencersGoogle Equiano: Internet giant bets big on Africa with latest megaprojectCan social entrepreneurs make Africa's digital boom more inclusive?If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.