Ethiopia Celebrates Transformative Success in Women Entrepreneurship Development

Ethiopia is celebrating a major milestone in empowering women entrepreneurs. The Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) hosted a Result Sharing and Learning Workshop at Elilly International Hotel, bringing together government leaders, development partners, financial institutions, and women entrepreneurs to reflect on the impact of the Women Entrepreneurship Development Project (WEDP) and the Leather Sector Women Entrepreneurship Project.

H.E. Solomon Soka, State Minister of Labor and Skills, opened the workshop by highlighting that investing in women is not just a matter of equity—it is a strategic driver for Ethiopia’s economic growth. “Women entrepreneurs are resilient, growth-oriented, and capable of transforming communities. WEDP has proven that when women succeed, the nation succeeds,” he stated.

Since its inception, WEDP has mobilized over USD 287 million in financing from the World Bank, the Government of Ethiopia, and international partners. The program has enabled 30,738 women entrepreneurs to access finance, while 48,338 women have benefited from targeted business training. Loans totaling approximately 17 billion ETB have been disbursed, with a remarkable 98.4% repayment rate, underscoring the reliability and business acumen of Ethiopia’s women entrepreneurs.

This year, the Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE), together with 16 partner MFIs and commercial banks, has planned to distribute 2.6 billion ETB in new WEDP loans, ensuring that even more women entrepreneurs can grow their businesses and contribute to local economic development.

International partners also recognized the success of the program:

• Michele Morana, Director of AICS Addis Ababa, highlighted Italy’s commitment to inclusive development. “WEDP addresses critical barriers to women’s economic participation. By combining access to finance with skills and institutional support, these projects have created lasting change,” he said.

• Bisrat Teshome, World Bank Ethiopia Representative, emphasized that WEDP is a model for supporting women entrepreneurs. “We are working closely with the Ethiopian Government to design the next phase of WEDP, focusing on women in export-oriented sectors such as food processing, garments, and leather products, expanding both income and market opportunities.”

EDI’s Deputy CEO, Boru Shana, noted that WEDP has evolved from a development project into a long-term national program, strengthening financial access, building skills, and supporting women entrepreneurs across Ethiopia. “This is about creating a sustainable ecosystem where women-led businesses thrive and communities grow,” he added.

The initiatives have also strengthened the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem—enhancing the capacity of financial institutions, training TVET centers, and establishing One-Stop Service Centers to provide integrated business support nationwide.

The workshop served as a platform to share lessons, celebrate achievements, and plan for WEDP, which will focus on rural and underserved women entrepreneurs as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all partners to scale the transformative impact of women entrepreneurship in Ethiopia, reinforcing that empowering women is a cornerstone of the country’s sustainable development.