National Entrepreneurship Strategy under Discussion

Addis Ababa ENA July 23/2019 Stakeholders are discussing a National Entrepreneurship Strategy designed to help the youth and bring about development in the country.

The National Entrepreneurship Strategy was formulated based on international best practices and tested by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

It covers 3 cross-cutting areas in rural-urban linkage, women and youth entrepreneurship, and green economy.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, UNCTAD Economic Affairs Officer Philippe Rudaz said in a country where there are great entrepreneurs such a national strategy which includes local, regional, private sector and international partners is crucial to empower women and youth socially and economically.

The strategy is expected to create synergy among the different policy and strategy initiatives that are underway in the country as well as identify and address gaps in various polices and provide guidance in creating an enabling environment for the development of entrepreneurship.

UNCTAD National Program Officer, Asegid Adane said the strategy also includes easing the regulatory framework, appreciating technological approach and innovation.

He emphasized on the need to network and synergize the fragmented activities performed by development partners and other actors.

Accordingly, the local producers must be encouraged and the government must use various instruments in creating market linkage, the officer noted.

Federal Small and Medium Manufacturing Industry Promotion Authority Director-General, Asfaw Abebe urged on his part all actors, including the private sector, to help potential youth, women and farmer entrepreneurs.

The authority will provide technology, finance, capacity building in the manufacturing sector, he said, adding that further work is needed to bring new ideas of entrepreneurs to the market.

The workshop which will stay for 2 days is organized by Ministry of Trade and Industry with the support of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).