Issue 83: Science Fairs, Regulatory Sandbox & Funding Opportunities

Greetings,

We hope you had a great week. Shega Weekly is here to ensure that you don’t miss out on Ethiopia’s growing innovative ecosystem. In our 83rd edition, we highlight major developments that occurred in the past week, from the opening of science fairs to exciting funding opportunities for startups in Ethiopia.

Ministry Launches Agritech Exhibition

The Ministry of Agriculture has launched a month-long exhibition dedicated to agriculture and technology. The expo is taking place at the Science Museum and showcases cutting-edge solutions in the areas of productivity, research and innovation, digitization, and agricultural finance. Read more.

Michu, Ethiopia’s First Uncollateralized Digital Lending Platform, Disburses One Billion Birr in Loans

Cooperative Bank of Oromia (coop) has announced Michu, Ethiopia’s first uncollateralized digital lending platform, has disbursed loans exceeding one billion birr. Read more.

UNDP, NBE, Ethiopian Capital Market Authority to Create Regulatory Sandbox

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the National Bank of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority to create a regulatory sandbox that will allow fintechs to test their products and services in a controlled environment before launching them in the market. Read more.

Ethiopia sets to Establish Digital Center for Agricultural Data

According to the Ethiopian Press Agency preparation is underway to establish a digital information center that enables farmers and policymakers to easily access agricultural research findings and data. Read more.

ICJ, Kazana Offer Ethiopian Startups Opportunity to Secure Up to $500,000 in Funding, Announce GoodayOn Nearing Investment Closure

The Tokyo-based venture capital firm Inclusion Japan (ICJ) and Kazana Group are calling on Ethiopian startups to take advantage of their upcoming exclusive event, offering an opportunity to secure capital ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The duo also announce that GoodayOn is nearing investment closure from ICJ. Read more.

New MFI Joins Mobile Money Market 

Wallte Microfinance Institution has received authorization from the National Bank of Ethiopia to launch its mobile money platform.

Amigos Cooperative Offers Loans up to 200,000 Br for Entrepreneurs Using Salary Collateral

Amigos Savings & Credit Cooperative is offering loans up to 200,000 birr for entrepreneurs using salaries as collateral. Read more.

Ethio Telecom Partners with Service Providers for Digital Entertainment

In an effort to create an enabling environment for the content industry and extend its reach, Ethio Telecom has partnered with a video streaming service, a music streaming service, and two mobile game providers. Read more.