Alibaba Partners with Ethiopian Association DTEA for Launch of Talent Program

Alibaba’s Global Initiatives project has partnered with the Digital Transformation Ethiopia Association (DTEA) for the local launch of the Global Digital Talent (GDT) program. Implemented through the startup incubator weVenture the partnership aims looks to train at least 1,000 entrepreneurs in its first round.

GDT, one of the capacity buildings initiated by Alibaba Group in 2016, looks to expand “Ease in Doing Business” worldwide. The program taps into the company’s multinational resources to introduce a digital paradigm for entrepreneurs worldwide.

GDT collaborates with universities and training institutions globally to drive digital transformation, providing access to insights, skills, and opportunities that support the growth of the digital era, including areas like e-commerce.

The Chinese e-commerce giant has been increasingly making its presence felt in Ethiopia’s economy following the commercial launch of its AliExpress service two months ago.

Fiker Andargachew, president of the 300-member strong association that played a key role in bringing Aliabab to Ethiopia hopes to see the GDT program serve as a catalyst in Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem. She expects the formulation of a legal framework through legislation like the Startup Act to push the ecosystem into a new gear.

“There is a lot more work we can do,” Fiker told Shega.

DTEA has been working in advocacy, awareness creation, and training across Ethiopia’s budding digital economy for the past three and a half years.

Chandee Zhuang, senior advisor at eWTP, expressed excitement over the unfolding digital economy in Ethiopia, with the training program serving as a foundation for further projects. He recalled that 4,000 trainees have been a part of the program worldwide, with trainers getting a chance to visit Alibaba’s operations in China.

“We were surprised to find competent players like weVenture,” Chandee told Shega.

The advisor revealed long-term ambitions to develop an incubation program for startups predicated on the success of the GDT initiative. 

Even with the starting date of the training program pending a final announcement, nearly 2,000 prospective trainees have applied for it.

Noel Daniel, co-founder of weVenture, says two segments of the co-working space managed by the hub will be assigned to the training program. He hopes to see applicants from several African countries join in on the GDT program.

“This will significantly help the ecosystem,” Noel told Shega

Backed by a consortium of investors, weVenture kicked off its operations in January of last year with the goal of investing in eight to ten startups in its first year. The venture capital-backed hub has a consortium of investors behind it, including the manager of Kuriftu Resort and Boston Spa, Yonaiel Tadiwos.

____

The article has been updated to correct a factual error.