Strengthening Entrepreneurship Ecosystems: Insights and Tools for Impact Workshop Held

Addis Ababa, May 6, 2025 – A high-level workshop focused on "Strengthening Entrepreneurship Ecosystems" was held, with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) stressing the critical need for structured measurement to accelerate Ethiopia's entrepreneurial performance.

State Minister of the Ministry of Labor and Skills, Mr. Solomon Soka, in his opening address, asserted that a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem forms the foundation of innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for the nation. He emphasized the government's commitment to embracing evidence-based approaches to evaluate and enhance the performance of stakeholders within Entrepreneurship Ecosystems.

"By equipping ourselves with the tools necessary to understand and measure the dynamics of our entrepreneurial landscape," stated the State Minister, "we can unlock the full potential of Ethiopian entrepreneurs and steer our nation towards a more prosperous future."

The workshop, a collaborative effort by EDI, the Allan Gray Centre for African Entrepreneurship (AGCAE), and JASIRI, aims to familiarize Ethiopian ecosystem actors with a comprehensive Ecosystem Assessment Tool. This tool offers a framework to evaluate the maturity, inclusivity, and overall functionality of the nation's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Hassen Hussien (PhD), CEO of EDI, highlighted the indispensable role of synergy and innovation in nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial environment. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Biruk Yosef zenbe of AGGP emphasized the vital contribution of entrepreneurship to Ethiopia's economic advancement and the shared responsibility in cultivating a fertile ground for business development.

The workshop provided a platform for policymakers, ecosystem enablers, financial institutions, startups, and support organizations to learn from regional best practices, collaboratively design localized metrics, and discuss pathways for data-driven ecosystem development.

Attendees participated in a vibrant exchange of ideas through insightful presentations, panel discussions, and a stakeholder discussion session centered on strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem.