Issue 74: Top Ups, Internet Freedom & Gig Marketplaces

Dear readers,

We are excited to bring you the latest news from Ethiopia’s Innovation and startup space. Stay tuned for more updates.

Safaricom Subscribers Get CBE Digital Channels as Top up Option

Customers of Safaricom can now top up their air time using the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) USSD, mobile application, and CBE Birr options.

At an event held at the headquarters of CBE last week, the President of CBE, Abe Sano, signed an agreement with Anwar Soussa, the CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, in a bid to foster “a mutually beneficial long-term journey.”

Safaricom has partnered with other private banks like Nib Bank, Awash Bank, and the Bank of Abyssinia within the last month.

Media Council Urges Authorities to Lift Internet Restrictions

The Ethiopian Media Council (EMC) has called on authorities to lift internet service restrictions, citing their negative impact on media outlets’ ability to inform the public and carry out their daily operations. Read more.

ZayRide Partners with Addis Motor Taxi to Offer Motorcycle Ride-hailing Services in Ethiopia

The ride-hailing firm ZayRide has announced its partnership with a motorcycle ride-hailing startup Addis Motor Taxi, enabling users to book motorcycles through the ZayRide platform. Read more.

JICA, MinT Announce Ethiopia Startup Innovation Pitch Event

JICA and MinT are inviting investors and companies from Japan and around the world to attend a pitch event, where 15 Ethiopian startups will showcase their best ideas in hopes of winning a 500,000 birr cash prize and a business trip to Japan. Read more.

Mastercard Foundation, Gebeya Announce $48 Million Partnership to Equip Ethiopia’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Gebeya Inc., the SaaS-enabled, Pan-African marketplace, and the Mastercard Foundation have announced Mesirat, a five-year program that will equip 100 entrepreneurs in Ethiopia with their own multi-sided gig marketplaces. Read more.