Issue 80: Mandatory Electronic Purchases & Digital IDs

Dear readers, 

Greetings and welcome to our weekly newsletter highlighting Ethiopia's fast-evolving startup and innovation ecosystem! In this edition, we'll be sharing the latest news, trends, and insights on the sector from the past week.If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.

Draft Law Mandates Federal Purchase Go ElectronicA new bill mandating electronic purchases for federal institutions has been sent to Parliament. According to the Reporter, the draft is expected to be passed into law in four months. Read more.

Addis Ababa Implements Mandatory Digital IDs for MotorcyclesIn an effort to enhance the monitoring and regulation of motorcycles, the Addis Ababa Traffic Management Agency is enforcing mandatory digital IDs for all motorcycles operating in the city. Read more.

5 E-commerce Platforms That Sell Holiday Packages in EthiopiaAs Ethiopians celebrated Fasika (Easter) following two months of fasting, we at Shega have curated a list of online platforms where users can easily find holiday packages and bundles that are tailored to the upcoming festivity. Read more.

Investment Readiness Accelerator Program Now Open for the Second Cohort of Ethiopian SMEs, StartupsThe UNDP and the National Bank of Ethiopia’s Innovative Finance Lab Ethiopia, in collaboration with MDF and R&D Group, have announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of their Investment Readiness Accelerator program, offering a valuable opportunity for Ethiopian SMEs and startups to receive pre-investment support. In the first cohort, 48 SMEs and startups were selected out of almost 300 applicants. Read more.

Ethiopia’s Rice Trading Goes Digital with ECX’s Electronic Exchange PlatformsIn a bid to stabilize the rice market, the Ethiopian Commodities Exchange (ECX) has included rice in its marketing system for the first time. Read more.

Here is what we've been reading:

The Funding Grind for Black Travel Startup Founders in AfricaIn Nigeria, government and local VCs are helping startups weather the tech downturnYou messaged your doctor on WhatsApp. Should that be billed?If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.