Ethiopia Shines at Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 with Strong Government Commitment to Entrepreneurship

Ethiopia’s celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), marking a week-long tribute to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the nation's growing entrepreneurial spirit.
Presided over by Her Excellency Muferiat Kamil, Minister of Labour and Skills, the event showcased the government’s unwavering commitment to building a dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In her speech, Minister Muferiat celebrated Ethiopia’s remarkable progress over the past three years, noting the government’s continuous efforts to nurture an environment that supports rapid entrepreneurial growth.
Dr. Hassen Hussen, CEO of EDI, highlighted in his speech that since 2014, EDI has been leading GEW celebrations in Ethiopia, hosting initiatives that inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and connect entrepreneurs with essential resources.
This year’s GEW saw an impressive lineup of events, including panel discussion, training programs, policy discussions, and networking sessions. These activities attracted a diverse group of participants—entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers—fostering meaningful exchanges and partnerships.
Based on Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Ethiopia was proudly ranked 10th globally and 2nd in Africa for GEW-related activities, with more than 190 events held across the country, further solidifying its position as a hub for entrepreneurship.
The closing ceremony also honored four outstanding entrepreneurs with prestigious awards, recognizing their contributions and resilience in the business world:
• Promising Female Entrepreneur of the Year: Rahel Tsegaye
• Promising Entrepreneur of the Year with Disability: Derese Tesfa
• Promising Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Behailu Seboka
• Promising Refugee Entrepreneur of the Year: Sahar Fuad