Issue 76: Smartphones, Financial Inclusion & More

Hi,Our weekly newsletter is here, and we have some thrilling news to share with you! From innovative partnerships to financial inclusion strategies, and entrepreneurial heroes, last week was full of buzz. So, let's dive in!If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.

Partner ContentThe Ministry of Innovation & Technology (MinT) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are inviting Ethiopian tech startups to participate in one of the continent’s largest all-inclusive tech events, GITEX Africa 2023. 

Startups specializing in agritech, digital and ICT, tourism, manufacturing, and mining are encouraged to apply for the chance to participate in the event which will be held in Marrakech, the fourth-largest city in Morocco.Scheduled to take place from May 31 to June 3, 2023, GITEX Africa aims to bring together tech titans, governments, SMEs, start-ups, coders, investors, and academia from over 95 countries to accelerate, collaborate, and explore new ventures. Read more and apply.

Ethio Telecom, Samsung Launch Initiative to Boost Smartphone Usage in EthiopiaEthio telecom has partnered with Samsung to boost smartphone usage among customers. Samsung's S23 series is priced at 95,000 Br, 105,000 Br, and 140,000 Br, offering varying features and functionality to customers. Read more.

Ethiopia Launches E-Government Strategy, Enterprise Architecture The Ministry of Innovation & Technology (MiNT) is taking its commitment to e-government services to the next level with a new 5-year strategic plan. Read more.

Ethiopia’s Refreshed National Financial Inclusion Strategy UnpackedFintech consultant Tewodros Tassew delves into Ethiopia's updated National Financial Inclusion Strategy that aims to harness digital finance, bridge gender gaps, and reach underserved communities for a brighter, more inclusive financial future. Read more.

Ahadu Bank Partners with ECX for Payment Gateway ServicesAhadu Bank has partnered with the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) as its 21st member, signing a memorandum of understanding with a focus on payment and transaction services.According to Fortune Newspaper, the agreement allows traders to receive payment immediately after selling their products on the ECX floor through the bank's payment gateway.

Ethiopia’s National Digital ID Initiative in the Eyes of a Bank OfficerA customer service officer working at a bank discusses how a digital national ID system can enhance security for both financial institutions and users, safeguarding identities and ensuring trustworthy, reliable services. Read more.

Here is what we've been reading:

Faster, cheaper: How ending the government monopoly improved Ethiopia’s internetSVB collapse forces African startups to rethink their banking options​​Flat6Labs launches $95 million Seed fund to back early-stage startups in AfricaIf you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.