Connecting Aspiring Entrepreneurs Across Ethiopia

"Venture360" is steadily building momentum as a platform dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and collaboration across Ethiopia. This initiative brings together aspiring and established entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community leaders to discuss pressing challenges and uncover opportunities in local markets. By focusing on cities beyond the capital, it aims to create a decentralized and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The initiative has held multiple events in various cities, each tailored to the unique economic and social dynamics of the region. In Hawassa, the discussions centered on the digital economy and its transformative potential. Participants explored the core concepts and benefits of the digital economy while examining strategies for businesses to undergo digital transformation and enhance customer experiences. The event also highlighted Ethiopia’s ambitious Digital Ethiopia 2025 plan, sparking conversations on how to achieve a digitally empowered nation. Additionally, the discussions went into the complexities of the e-commerce landscape, covering challenges, opportunities, and its growth potential in Ethiopia. These sessions emphasized the critical role of technology in driving economic progress and encouraged participants to adopt digital solutions for their businesses.

In Bahir Dar, the focus was on entrepreneurship and sustainability, blending inspiring success stories with practical workshops. The event opened with remarks by Mahlet Haimanot, coordinator of Bahir Dar University’s Entrepreneurship Development and Incubation Center, who introduced the audience to Venture Meda and its tools, including the Venture Meda Telegram Bot. Workshops featured presentations by key figures such as Mizanu Addisu of iceaddis, who outlined the essential services provided by Venture Meda, and Gulilat Menbere, a lecturer at Bahir Dar University, who shared insights into sustainable agricultural practices and turning community challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities. One of the highlights was a presentation by Yeshumnesh Adane, co-founder of Agelgil Eco-Packaging, who shared her journey of creating eco-friendly packaging solutions and securing grants to grow her business. A panel discussion provided attendees with practical advice and real-life examples of overcoming challenges. The event also promoted the Venture Meda Telegram Bot (@venturemeda_bot), raising awareness of its features and equipping participants with modern tools to enhance their entrepreneurial knowledge.

In Mekelle, the event revolved around digitization and the resilience of entrepreneurs. The discussions were introduced by Bethlehem from iceaddis, the Community Officer for the Venture Meda program, who outlined the organization’s objectives and programs. Haftom Hagos, CEO of IQ Business Group and a professor at Mekelle University, emphasized the differences between the information era and the digital era, exploring opportunities for digital transformation in the Tigray region. Fana Haregot, founder and CEO of Fana Chemicals, shared her experience as a woman entrepreneur, highlighting how she turned the challenges posed by the pandemic into opportunities for growth. The session also included the launch of the Venture Meda Telegram Bot, where Bethlehem provided a detailed walk through of its features and demonstrated how attendees could access its courses and opportunities. The event closed with an engaging Q&A session that left participants inspired and better connected to digital tools for entrepreneurial success.

Each Venture360 event reflects the initiative’s commitment to addressing local needs while fostering a broader entrepreneurial spirit. By holding events across various cities and focusing on region-specific challenges and opportunities, Venture360 ensures that its impact is meaningful and far-reaching. From exploring the digital economy in Hawassa to empowering sustainable practices in Bahir Dar and driving digital transformation in Mekelle, the initiative provides a platform for knowledge exchange, skill-building, and collaboration.

A standout tool introduced by Venture360 is the Venture Meda Bot, a micro-learning platform offering easily accessible courses in business management, marketing, and financial planning. This tool underscores the initiative’s emphasis on equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills that align with their needs. For those passionate about innovation and growth, Venture360 represents a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, gain actionable insights, and drive meaningful change within their communities.

Venture360 is a community platform under the Venture Meda Project, implemented by iceaddis in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology. Venture Meda aims to create a thriving local private sector by revitalizing high-return, high-potential, and high-growth e-commerce businesses.