Skill Development Takes Center Stage at the GEW 2025 Ethiopia Story Night Event

A critical emphasis has been placed on skill development as a key strategy to enable citizens to effectively utilize their potential, according to State Minister of Labor and Skills, Solomon Soka. This assertion was made during a dynamic Story Night event jointly organized by the Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS) and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), held as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025 (GEW 2025).

State Minister Solomon Soka stressed that achieving national development requires building "a generation that can turn challenges into opportunities." To realize this goal, he noted that the government’s focus is strategically directed toward skill development and entrepreneurship. He highlighted that the reforms implemented by the government are creating a more conducive environment for innovation, which in turn has boosted skill development and increased access to technical and vocational training institutions.

Boru Shana, Deputy Director General of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), affirmed the Institute’s dedication to supporting this national agenda. He stated that training, consulting, and entrepreneurship promotion are among EDI’s core missions. He noted the Institute's significant impact in fostering a creative culture and building a resilient generation of future leaders.

The event was seamlessly integrated with the Story_Night: Celebrating Entrepreneurship on November 20, 2025, at EDI Headquarters. This platform allowed established entrepreneurs to share their valuable experiences directly with the youth, embodying the GEW 2025 motto of "Let's Build Together!" We extend our deep gratitude and special recognition to the phenomenal panelists who shared their inspirational journeys from shaping Ethiopia's entrepreneurial landscape:

• #Tadiwos_Belete (Founder & CEO, Boston Partners PLC /Kuriftu Resort and Spa/): for inspiring vision on growth and resilience in the hospitality industry.
• #Gizeshwork_Tessema (Founder & CEO, GIZE PLC): for sharing a compelling narrative on building a successful enterprise.
• #Gedelemickel_Abebe (Radio Personality & Disability Advocacy Leader): for powerful advocacy, highlighting the critical importance of inclusivity in entrepreneurship.
• #Samrawit_Mersiehazen (Owner & Designer, Samra Leather): for showcasing the art of blending culture, design, and business acumen.
The engagement and insights shared by both the government officials and the private sector leaders underscore a unified commitment to nurturing a vibrant and skilled entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ethiopia.