Meta Launches “Meta Boost”- an Economic Impact Program in Ethiopia

In collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Skills and Summer Media, Meta has jointly launched the Meta Boost in Ethiopia.

Meta Boost is a business program that aims to offer micro, small and medium business owners an opportunity to learn more about how digital tools can be used for business growth while also making meaningful connections with potential consumers.

Following its successful pilot in 2020, the program, which is being implemented by Summer Media, has so far trained over 7,000 Small and Medium Businesses (SMBS) in Ethiopia on how to use Meta’s apps (Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) to boost their businesses online.

The program is set to train an additional 5,000 SMBs this year with the training being held virtually across the country to ensure accessibility for all.

Commenting on the Programme, State Minister of the Ministry of Labour and Skills, Hon. Nigussu Tilahun said,”The Ministry of Labour is appreciative of this partnership with Meta and Summer Media. We are cognizant of the role digital technologies play in promoting small and medium businesses in Ethiopia and believe businesses that have signed up for this program have benefitted tremendously. We highly encourage SMBs that have not gone through this program – by Meta- to sign up and take full advantage of the training.”

“Meta is committed to the economic recovery of Ethiopia by implementing the Meta Boost Program to support micro, small and medium-sized businesses. We are encouraged with the progress of the program since its inception to date and we believe it has benefited businesses that have signed up,” said Mercy Ndegwa, Meta’s Director of Public Policy in East and Horn of Africa.

“We appreciate the fact that in Ethiopia, small businesses are the backbone of the economy and pillars of their local communities, we will therefore continue to support training SMB’s to equip them with the necessary digital marketing skills that they can use to upscale their businesses,” Mercy added.

Meta has been supporting SMBs across Sub-Saharan Africa through a number of Economic Impact programs, including Boost with Facebook, SheMeans Business, Digify Pro, and Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program. These have been critical in equipping thousands of SMBs to leverage digital tools to achieve their business goals. Since June 2020 Meta has been offering these programs virtually through instructor-led live webinar sessions featuring presentations, demos and virtual discussions.