Inaugural GSA Ethiopian Startup Awards Set to Ignite Ethiopia’s Innovation Scene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia June 3-4

The Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG), an initiative dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent, announces the inaugural Ethiopian Startup Awards – a Global Startup Awards Africa event coming to Addis Ababa on June 3rd and 4th, 2024, proudly sponsored by Development Bank of Ethiopia, Ethio Telecom and Ethiopian Airlines.

The two-day event, hosted by GIIG, Ministry of Labor and Skills (MOLS), Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT), and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), promises an immersive experience celebrating the vibrant startup culture of Ethiopia and providing a platform for cross- vertical collaboration. Attendees can expect a series of workshops, training sessions facilitated by industry specialists, pitching opportunities, networking and an awards show announcing the Ethiopian finalists.

This year’s competition received an overwhelming response of 11,900 entries from 54 African countries with 24% of the Eastern region entries originating from Ethiopia. The entries spanning Sustainable Development Goals-aligned categories, including Agritech, Youth, Fintech, Green Tech, Women Empowerment, Health Tech, and Mobility, signify the remarkable growth and trajectory of Ethiopia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As one of 120 countries participating in the Global Startup Awards program, Ethiopia, as the host nation for Africa, is gaining significant visibility and recognition on a global scale as a developing startup nation.

HE Ms Muferihat Kamil Ahmed, Minister of Labour and Skills, emphasized the significance of Ethiopia’s role as the host nation for this landmark event, stating, “Ethiopia’s selection as the host nation for the 2024 GSA Africa Awards holds immense significance and is already contributing significantly to the country’s growing reputation as a centre for tech innovation. The focus on youth entrepreneurship through the Youth category is a unique aspect that highlights Ethiopia’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and job creators and I look forward to celebrating their successes.”

The festivities will start with an awards ceremony on June 3rd at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), honouring the top Ethiopian startups that have progressed through the competition to become regional finalists.

Dr Hassan Hussein, CEO of EDI commented, “For Ethiopian startups, the GSA Africa Awards serves as a gateway to international recognition, funding opportunities, and invaluable connections. By showcasing Ethiopia’s potential as a hub for tech innovation and entrepreneurship, the event aims to elevate the country’s profile on the global stage.”

Jo Griffiths, co-founder of GIIG and GSA Africa, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Initiatives like the Global Startup Awards Africa exemplify our collaborative efforts, serving as catalysts for transformation, further amplified in Ethiopia by recent progressive legal reforms, signalling a new era of growth and innovation for the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

To REGISTER your attendance apply here https://qkt.io/ZH9zSX

For further information contact: Global Startup Awards Africa Email: info@globalstartupawards.com
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