Ethiopian Consultancy Firm Builds Digital Marketplace for Data Collectors

In Ethiopia’s nascent data economy, thousands of short-term research and survey jobs quietly power development projects, businesses and public policy. Yet a small number of firms continue to handle most of the workload, even as demand for data grows and unemployment remains high.

MERQ Consultancy, a research, monitoring and evaluation, and training firm with more than 11 years of experience, is experimenting with a new model that brings the digital gig economy into the world of data collection.

The firm’s MERQ: DAGU platform is a digital hub designed to connect freelance data professionals with organizations seeking field and research expertise. Named after the Afar word Dagu, a traditional system of information exchange, the platform aims to modernize how skilled data workers are sourced and hired. It serves as a centralized space where gig workers can register, receive training and be matched with projects across sectors.

“The platform is intended to be a one-stop center for hiring in every field,” said Tsion Birhanu, project manager at MERQ: DAGU, who described the initiative as an effort to streamline recruitment and strengthen the quality of Ethiopia’s research workforce.

The hub offers a range of training and capacity-building programs, from foundational virtual courses for newcomers to advanced, project-based modules for seasoned professionals. The hub draws on MERQ’s existing databases and field networks, connecting roughly 3,000 data collectors across 950 districts nationwide.

Over the past 11 years, MERQ, founded by Alula M. Teklu (M.D), has conducted more than 104,000 individual interviews, producing over 60 publications and about 30 research reports. Building on that track record, the company says more than 1,600 gig workers have already used the DAGU platform, completing around 4,000 short-term assignments. Many of these jobs last less than a month, with daily pay ranging from 2,700 to 3,300 Birr.

Supported by Mesirat, a five-year initiative co-created by Gebeya Inc. and the Mastercard Foundation, MERQ: DAGU is preparing to introduce a collateral-free loan program to help gig workers acquire laptops and other devices that support data collection. In partnership with Enat Bank and Cooperative Bank of Oromia (COOP), it is already offering gig workers loans with a three-month repayment period. Interest rates range from 3.75% for loans of 5,000–15,000 birr, 8% for 15,000–20,000 Birr, and 10% for amounts over 40,000 Birr.

For workers like Simrat Hagos, a mother of two who has worked with MERQ for four years, the platform has provided both flexibility and opportunity. “Buying a new laptop isn’t something I could afford until now,” she told Shega, noting her plans to take advantage of the financing program.

Currently operating under MERQ Consultancy, DAGU plans to become a more independent entity within the next few years. The team hopes to expand its client base, which already includes the Ministry of Health and several nonprofit organizations and improve the platform’s usability for both employers and gig workers.

Frehiwot Bekele, MERQ’s partner-relations and compliance director, said the initiative emphasizes cultural sensitivity and careful matching of workers to projects, ensuring that field teams are well suited to local communities and research contexts. 

“We are in the process of making DAGU more customized and easy to use,” she added.