Stakeholders Praise Green Entrepreneurs, Reaffirm Commitment to Support Initiatives

ADDIS ABABA, June 10, 2026 (ENA) — Stakeholders have commended green entrepreneurs engaged in circular economy activities and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening support for the sector.

Reach for Change Ethiopia graduated the 2025 cohort of Green Entrepreneurs participating in the Green Innovation Lab (GIL) and Green Business Incubator (GBI) programs while welcoming a new group of entrepreneurs for 2026.

The initiative aims to advance circular economy practices and climate innovation across Ethiopia.

The event brought together government representatives, development partners, embassies, ecosystem actors, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders to celebrate green entrepreneurship and strengthen collaboration within Ethiopia’s growing circular economy ecosystem.

The gathering also recognized entrepreneurs supported through the Building Waste and Circular Enterprises in Ethiopia Project, which is being implemented by Reach for Change Ethiopia with financial support from the IKEA Foundation.

The initiative supports youth-led and impact-driven enterprises working in waste management, recycling, reuse, sustainable production, circular economy solutions, and green innovation.

Speaking at the opening session, Reach for Change Ethiopia Country Manager Mekdim Gullilat highlighted the growing importance of locally driven climate and circular economy solutions in addressing environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities.

“Today, we celebrate entrepreneurs who are transforming challenges into opportunities. Across Ethiopia, we are seeing a new generation of innovators turning waste into value, building sustainable business models, creating jobs, and contributing to greener and more resilient communities,” she said.

Mekdim noted that the 2025 cohort recorded significant achievements in green entrepreneurship and circular economy solutions.

Enterprises supported under the program created more than 202 permanent jobs and over 1,108 part-time employment opportunities.

They also generated more than 41 million Birr in revenue while processing nearly 1.8 million kilograms of waste.

She further stated that Reach for Change Ethiopia has, to date, supported more than 2,650 social entrepreneurs, reached over 790,000 children and young people, and engaged more than 750 ecosystem stakeholders nationwide.

Addis Ababa Environmental Protection Authority General Manager Eshetu Lema said encouraging progress is being achieved in transforming waste into economic value across the capital.

He praised enterprises engaged in waste management and recycling for their contribution to creating employment opportunities for young people while improving urban cleanliness and supporting Addis Ababa’s green development agenda.

“These enterprises are playing a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges while creating jobs and generating economic value,” he said.

Eshetu affirmed that the Authority will continue strengthening support for green entrepreneurs through policy measures, incentives, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration.

According to him, approximately 12.5 percent of the dry waste collected in Addis Ababa, equivalent to about 97,000 tons annually, is currently being recycled.

The recycled materials generate an estimated economic value of more than 2 billion Birr each year.

Reach for Change is an international non-profit organization founded in Sweden that works globally to support social entrepreneurs and innovation-driven solutions addressing societal challenges.

Since establishing operations in Ethiopia in 2015, Reach for Change Ethiopia has collaborated with entrepreneurs, ecosystem actors, development partners, and institutions to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, education, livelihoods, and climate-related solutions across the country.