Attention Given to Startups Will Create Opportunity to Put Innovations into Practice: Startuppers 

Addis Ababa April 23/2024 (ENA) The attention given to startups will create opportunity to put innovations into practice, startupers told ENA.

Recall that Ethiopia has recently set its eyes on becoming a beacon of opportunity in the global startup landscape. 

Startuppers who talked to the Ethiopian News Agency stated that the attention given to the sector will create opportunity to put innovations into practice.

Among the startuppers, Fitsum Sileshi the backend developer for “Adot, explained that the focus on startups is instrumental in securing financial support to initiate work by facilitating the introduction of creative projects.

This attention will enable startups to fulfill their role in supporting efforts to create job opportunities for citizens and contribute to economic growth.

According to her, Adot company aims to support mothers throughout their pregnancy journey and beyond by providing content, informative support, and access to doctors. 

Fitsum emphasized the pressing issue of preventable or manageable diseases leading to maternal mortality, stating that their mobile application seeks to address this by providing vital information to mothers in need.

The platform is a very cultural sensitive and also locally relatable product, according to the startupper, who added that this means mothers can understand what “we are giving them as article and also as content.” 

“We are targeting mothers who speak Amharic and also have access to smartphones. But soon we will be able to have more access to mothers speaking other languages and living in rural areas.” 

 

The other startupper, Bereket Addis, has developed a technology called “Asbeza” that includes e-commerce and logistics to easily provide an online grocery delivery service.

He highlighted the favorable conditions for startup growth in the country, adding that the government's focus on startups, through the formulation of supportive policies and provision of other assistance, is fostering favorable conditions.

By fostering entrepreneurial environment and supporting startups, countries like Ethiopia can unlock a potent engine for sustainable development and prosperity, he noted.

 

According to Negede Yisak, an expert at Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the emerging trend of startups has been capitalizing on the favorable environment fostered in the country. 

A recent announcement of a business plan competition attracted approximately 300 startups, with 20 of them advancing to the final round. 

From this, 10 startups will be selected to receive support, including access to an incubation center, tailored training, and mentorship within their respective fields.