EDI and Shayashone Partner to Strengthen Agribusiness, Corporate Consulting, and Digital Skills

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shayashone Trading Plc, a leading agribusiness consulting and corporate advisory firm. The partnership sets a clear framework for collaboration in entrepreneurship development, agribusiness, corporate consulting, Business Development Services (BDS), and digital skills training across Ethiopia.

Recognizing the importance of linking enterprise development with Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, this partnership supports sustainable job creation especially in rural areas and strengthens the competitiveness of emerging and established businesses. The agreement also aligns with EDI’s mandate to enhance national entrepreneurial capacity through market-driven, practical support mechanisms.

The EDI and Shayashone partnership focuses on three interconnected areas to boost Ethiopia's economy.

Firstly, it aims at Agribusiness Ecosystem Strengthening by enhancing agricultural value chains, providing technical support to smallholder farmers and women entrepreneurs, and facilitating market connections through innovation hubs and public-private networks.

Secondly, the collaboration offers Corporate Consulting & Business Development Services, delivering advisory services and strategic support to help small and large enterprises, cooperatives, and agribusinesses grow, improve operations, and solve problems through innovation and mentorship.

Finally, the partnership prioritizes Skills Development & Digital Learning through co-designing practical training in entrepreneurship and agribusiness, and importantly, leveraging digital tools and online platforms to ensure high-quality training and essential skills are accessible nationwide for a modern, technology-enabled economy.

Mr. Boru Shana, Deputy Director General of EDI, stated “This partnership marks a practical step towards strengthening agribusiness and enterprise competitiveness. Shayashone’s corporate consulting experience, combined with EDI’s national mandate, creates a powerful foundation for real, scalable impact.”

Mr. Yared Sertse, Founder and General Manager of Shayashone Trading Plc, added,“Our collaboration with EDI brings together deep sector expertise and national reach. Together, we are positioned to deliver meaningful improvements along value chains, support enterprise growth, and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

To ensure effective implementation, EDI and Shayashone will establish a Joint Steering Committee and a Technical Working Group to guide planning, coordination, and execution of all collaborative initiatives.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to leveraging innovation, enterprise support services, and strategic advisory capabilities to foster an inclusive, resilient, and future-focused economy for all Ethiopians.