Parliamentary Standing Committee Commends EDI’s Successful Five-Year Milestones, Calls for Continued Momentum

The House of Peoples’ Representatives Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, Employment, and Technology Affairs has commended the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) for its strong institutional achievements over the past five years and called on the institute to continue its successful momentum.

Opening the parliamentary special hearing session in Addis Ababa on July 3, 2026, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee, Hon. Dr. Negeri Lencho, praised EDI’s significant contributions to advancing Ethiopia’s entrepreneurship and innovation agenda. Dr. Negeri lauded the Institute’s crucial role in empowering individuals to realize their economic potential, scaling innovative ideas, and transforming institutions across the country.

He encouraged EDI to continue strengthening its work across its key strategic pillars, specifically emphasizing the advancement of new ideas, ecosystem development, capacity building, mentorship, and facilitating access to finance and markets.

Dr. Negeri emphasized that building a vibrant entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem is essential to achieving Ethiopia’s long-term economic transformation and sustainable development goals. He noted that EDI has played a pivotal role over the half-decade in translating national policy priorities into practical interventions that support entrepreneurs, innovators, and emerging enterprises.

Responding to the committee’s recommendations, EDI Chief Executive Officer Dr. Hassan Hussein reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to accelerating Ethiopia’s entrepreneurial transformation. Dr. Hassan stated that moving forward, EDI will intensify its focus on building a robust startup ecosystem capable of cultivating prosperous individuals, corporate entities, and resilient public and private institutions.

Furthermore, Dr. Hassan highlighted the institute’s ongoing efforts to implement Ethiopia’s National Entrepreneurship Policy through expanded regional outreach and stronger collaboration with public and private sector partners. He noted that EDI is extending its services beyond major urban centers to ensure inclusive access to entrepreneurship support nationwide. In addition, he revealed that the institute is working closely with key stakeholders to establish an innovation fund aimed at addressing financing challenges faced by startups and high-potential enterprises.

The special parliamentary hearing provided an important platform for constructive dialogue between lawmakers and EDI leadership, enabling the institute to incorporate parliamentary recommendations, align its strategic priorities with national development objectives, and further strengthen its contribution to building an innovation-driven and entrepreneur-led economy in Ethiopia.