Munir Shemsu

Redesigning Payment Confirmation for Ethiopia's Unique Needs

The ease, convenience, and speed with which transactions are confirmed play a major role in driving the adoption of digital financial services in Ethiopia.

Extreme Poverty Levels are Rising in Africa: UN Report

The UN's World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 outlines lingering debt sustainability risks, balance of payments constraints, and a shrinking fiscal space across Africa.

Cross-Border African Startup Dizzitup Eyes Ethiopian Market

Dizzit has raised around $600K in a single round of pre-seed funding and targets raising around $5 million in second-round funding in July.

Ethiopia’s Government Falls Short of IMF Indicative Target for Safety Net Program Contribution

The fifth phase of the safety net program, lasting until 2026, was launched in 2021 with the hopes of helping up to nine million people economically vulnerable Ethiopians annually.

Financial Inclusion Goes Beyond Just Opening New Accounts

A bank account opened by physically visiting a branch and later linked to a phone is not the end goal of financial inclusion.

Low Mechanization, Improved Seed Access Hamper Ethiopia’s Agricultural Productivity

Currently, only around five million hectares—or just a quarter of the agricultural land cultivated during Meher, Ethiopia's main crop season—are tilled using tractors.