SME LOOP Program Wraps Up in Tigray with Final Event in Mekelle

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) and GIZ celebrated the grand finale of the SME LOOP Training and Coaching Program on January 17, 2026, in Mekelle. The event marked the graduation of 124 enterprises from various sectors, including manufacturing, following six months of intensive training and coaching in business management.

The initiative, part of the Ethio-German Private Sector Development (PSDE) Programme, was a collaborative effort involving EDI, the Tigray Bureaus of Industry, Technical Vocational Education & Job Creation, Mekelle University, and the Tigray Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations.

During the ceremony, Mekelle City Mayor, Dr. Redai Berhe, noted that the program has provided business owners with a clear roadmap for the future. He assured graduates that the city administration would provide ongoing support to address challenges in finance, production, and market access. Mehari G/Michel, Deputy Head of the Bureau of Industry, described the SME LOOP as a major success that needs to be scaled further.

EDI Deputy Director General Boru Shana highlighted the irreplaceable role entrepreneurs play in reviving the economy, urging stakeholders to continue expanding the job creation ecosystem. Sarah Khols, GIZ PSDE Program Deputy Director, added, "The true measure of success is the lasting change we see on the ground."

A cornerstone of the program's success was the professionalization of local businesses. Many SMEs transitioned from informal operations, relying on memory and rough estimates, to adopting structured business frameworks. By implementing Business Model Canvases, SWOT analyses, and digital financial record-keeping, these enterprises have moved toward "loan readiness." This shift is a critical leap for building credibility with financial institutions, allowing business owners to clearly articulate their value and track their growth in a post-conflict setting.

The initiative also triggered a digital leap in the local economy. Despite infrastructural challenges, graduates proactively adopted digital tools to expand their reach. From utilizing social media platforms for marketing to implementing QR-code payments and digital inventory systems, these SMEs have positioned themselves as local innovators. This technological adoption allowed them to remain competitive and expand their customer base during the regional recovery.

Beyond technical skills, the program enhanced a profound mindset shift among participants. Business owners moved away from viewing external finance as the only solution to their problems, instead embracing discipline, strategic planning, and customer focus. This transition from "survival mode" to growth-oriented entrepreneurship was evidenced by improved attendance, proactive implementation of business plans, and a newfound focus on innovation—foundational changes that ensure long-term resilience.

The event featured a marketplace showcase, a panel discussion, and a pitching session where entrepreneurs presented business plans to a panel of judges. This final event follows a month of successful graduations in Adigrat, Wukro, Mehoni, and Maichew. Across these cities, the SME LOOP program has driven revenue growth, product diversification, and job creation, proving that coordinated efforts between government, universities, and financial institutions can drive sustainable local growth in post-conflict regions.