Issue 74: Top Ups, Internet Freedom & Gig Marketplaces

Dear subscribers,We are excited to bring you the latest news from Ethiopia's Innovative and startup space. We hope you find these stories informative and engaging. Stay tuned for more updates from Ethiopia.If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.

Safaricom Subscribers Get CBE Digital Channels as Top up OptionCustomers of Safaricom can now top up their air time using the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) USSD, mobile application, and CBE Birr options.At an event held at the headquarters of CBE last week, the President of CBE, Abe Sano, signed an agreement with Anwar Soussa, the CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, in a bid to foster "a mutually beneficial long-term journey."Safaricom has partnered with other private banks like Nib Bank, Awash Bank, and the Bank of Abyssinia within the last month.

Mastercard Foundation and Gebeya Announce $48 Million Partnership to Equip Ethiopia’s Next Generation of EntrepreneursGebeya Inc., the SaaS-enabled, Pan-African marketplace and the Mastercard Foundation have announced Mesirat, a five-year program that will equip 100 entrepreneurs in Ethiopia with their own multi-sided gig marketplaces. Read more.

Media Council Urges Authorities to Lift Internet RestrictionsThe Ethiopian Media Council (EMC) has called on authorities to lift internet service restrictions, citing their negative impact on media outlets' ability to inform the public and carry out their daily operations. Read more.

JICA, MinT Announce Ethiopia Startup Innovation Pitch EventJICA and MinT are inviting investors and companies from Japan and around the world to attend a pitch event, where 15 Ethiopian startups will showcase their best ideas in hopes of winning a 500,000 birr cash prize and a business trip to Japan. Read more.

ZayRide Partners with Addis Motor Taxi to Offer Motorcycle Ride-hailing Services in EthiopiaThe ride-hailing firm ZayRide has announced its partnership with a motorcycle ride-hailing startup Addis Motor Taxi, enabling users to book motorcycles through the ZayRide platform. Read more.

JOB ALERT JICA is looking to hire an experienced and responsible individual to serve as a coordinator for its Startup Ecosystem Project.Find the details here and apply!

Here is what we've been reading:

How Chinese smartphones won the hearts (and wallets) of IndonesiaFlutterwave denies alleged hacking of payment systemThe Lie Detector was never very good at telling the truthIf you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.