EDI is Ethiopia’s Leading Ecosystem Builder for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, says UNCDF

ADDIS ABABA — The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has recognized the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) as the primary driver of Ethiopia’s startup landscape.

During the official launch of the FinWise Acceleration Bootcamp on April 14, 2026, Mike McCaffrey, Regional Digital Hub Manager at UNCDF, cited EDI’s institutional strength as the decisive factor in selecting the institute as the strategic partner for the program’s implementation.

"We chose to implement this program through the Entrepreneurship Development Institute for a reason," McCaffrey stated. "EDI is Ethiopia's leading ecosystem builder for entrepreneurship and innovation, with the reach, the credibility, and the institutional relationships needed to catalyze real change on the ground."

H.E. Solomon Soka, State Minister for Labor and Skills (MoLS), participated in the launch, noting that the bootcamp serves as a critical tool for Ethiopia’s digital and economic sovereignty. He emphasized that the initiative directly supports national reform agendas by providing the financial lubricant necessary for a vibrant, private-sector-led economy.

The 12-month initiative is a strategic partnership designed to empower 33 fintech startups to deliver essential financial services to last-mile communities. The program is backed by a significant investment, including a total of 20 million ETB in seed funding dedicated to helping founders pilot their solutions in real-market conditions.

The intensive 12-day bootcamp phase will continue through April 25, 2026. Following this rigorous training, the eight highest-performing startups will be selected to receive seed funding to scale their impact.

Selected from a pool of over 300 applicants, the current cohort of 33 startups includes representation from regional states and female-led enterprises. Over the coming days, these founders will undergo intensive business modeling and regulatory training, supported by mentorship from global fintech experts to ensure they are investor-ready.

By empowering entrepreneurs across the country, EDI and UNCDF are strengthening the future of Ethiopia’s inclusive finance.