Issue 92 - Old Problems & Smart Solutions

Hi,  

Welcome to another edition of Shega Weekly! In this week's edition, we delve into the intersection of the Ethiopian energy sector and innovation. 

We also have noteworthy product launch updates and news of recent appointments within prominent organizations. Furthermore, we have included the latest report from GSMA, shedding light on the current state of Ethiopia's mobile industry and its potential economic impact. 

Stay connected with Ethiopia’s startup and innovation ecosystem as we continue to provide you with the latest news, updates, and opportunities from Ethiopia and beyond. 

If you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.

Ethiopian Electric Utility Set to Roll Out Smart Prepayment Electricity MetersEthiopian Electric Utility (EEU) has signed an agreement with a Chinese company, Inhemeter Co. Ltd, to introduce smart prepaid meter technology.  The project, which is estimated to cost nearly $50 million, aims to replace the current electricity meter technology, reported Fana.Once completed, customers will have the convenience of recharging their electricity using various methods, such as digital banking, ATM cards, agent shops, and the EEU's call centers. Read more.

Visa Appoints New Country Lead for EthiopiaVisa, the global giant in digital payments, has appointed Yared Endale, as the new Country Lead for Ethiopia. Read more.

Emirates Teleco, Orange Consider Bidding For 45% Stake in Ethio TelecomAccording to Bloomberg, Emirates Telecommunications Group Co., known as e&, and France’s Orange are exploring bids for a 45% stake in Ethio Telecom. Read more

New App, Weleta, Unlocks Digital Signatures for EthiopiansEmerging local startup, Viditure Technology Solution, has unveiled Weleta, an innovative digital signature application that transforms the conventional process of signing contracts and agreements in Ethiopia. Read more.

Ethiopian Startup Lifeline Addis Integrates Home Healthcare Services into the Gig EconomyFrom humble beginnings to becoming one of the leading in-home healthcare service providers in the capital and now harboring a vision of transforming into a healthcare gig platform, Lifeline Addis has an inspiring story to tell. Read more.

Mobile Money in Ethiopia Could Boost GDP by $5.3 Billion, Says GSMA ReportA newly released report by the GSMA has stated that Mobile money has the potential to contribute $5.3 billion to Ethiopia's GDP. Read more.

Opportunity Alert

Venture Meda is calling for applications from early-stage e-commerce startups in Ethiopia for the 2nd cohort of its 2023 incubator program.Implemented by iceaddis in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and the Ministry of Innovation &Technology, Venture Meda seeks to rejuvenate high-return, high-potential, and high-growth e-commerce businesses, fostering a thriving local private sector.Application Deadline: July 20, 2023, 11:59 PMApply 

Here is what we've been reading:

Will Africa’s B2B e-commerce industry survive another decade?Overworked and unable to quit: Delivery drivers in Brazil found something worse than gig workKenya’s Top Telco Safaricom Floats New VC Firms To Back StartupsIf you are here because someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here to get future newsletters.