Issue 85- Transforming Industries & Empowering Entrepreneurs

Welcome! We trust you had a fantastic week. In this edition of our newsletter, we have curated a diverse range of stories covering the realms of telecom, fintech, startups, and exciting opportunities.

Government Explores Telebirr for Public Salary Settlements

According to The Reporter, the Ministry of Finance is considering using telebirr to facilitate the payment of public employees’ salaries. Read more.

Democratizing USSD: Removing Barriers to Financial Inclusion Through Zero or Reduced USSD Fees in Ethiopia

In their guest contribution to Shega, the author contends that high USSD fees pose a considerable obstacle to achieving financial inclusion in Ethiopia. Service providers, which include banks and mobile money services, face a fee of 0.21 Birr per USSD session imposed by Ethio Telecom. Read more.

Ethiopia Set to Launch International Tender for Third Telecom License

The Ethiopian Communication Authority (ECA) has announced that Ethiopia is in the final stages of preparation to issue an international tender for the third telecom operator license in June 2023. Read more.

Ethiopian Startup Shewaber Pivots from Online Bookstore to Reward Platform

Originally making a name as an innovative online bookstore, Ethiopian startup Shewaber has now transformed its business, unveiling a fresh concept in the local dining scene with its newly launched reward platform. Read more.

Post-Paid Electric Bills Go Fully Digital, Addis Ababa Takes the Lead

The Ethiopian Electricity Utility (EEU) has announced that Addis Ababa will be among the first to embrace the digital era in post-paid electricity service payments. Read more.

GITEX Africa 2023: Marrakech to Host Largest Tech Event on the Continent, Driving Digital Innovation and Collaboration

GITEX Africa 2023, the largest all-inclusive tech event in Africa, is set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco. With a focus on driving digital innovation and collaboration, the event will gather tech giants, governments, SMEs, start-ups, investors, and academia.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, GITEX Africa aims to accelerate new ventures in the African digital landscape and promote a sustainable and inclusive tech-driven economy. Find more about GITEX Africa.

Ethiopian Agritech Challenge Invites Innovators to Compete for $20,000

The AYuTe Ethiopia Challenge, an extension of the AYuTe Africa Challenge, seeks innovative, technology-based agricultural solutions that can enhance production and productivity, with three outstanding projects to be awarded a total of $20,000. Read more.

Mobile Money Accounts in Ethiopia Climb High to Nearly 60 Million

Mobile money accounts in Ethiopia have seen a significant increase, reaching close to 60 million subscribers, according to data released by the National Bank of Ethiopia. Read more.

Ride Collaborates with Wingu Africa Data Center, Reveals Plans for Expansion

RIDE, a leading ride-hailing firm, has announced a strategic partnership with Wingu Africa, a data center provider in East Africa. Read more.

LakiPay Partners with Ethiopia’s Hotel Industry to Enhance Payment Solutions

LakiPay, a newly established payment solution provider, has entered into a partnership agreement with the Ethiopia Tourism and Hotel Market Association, which serves as the representative body for more than 2,500 hotels throughout the country. Read more.

STEMpower Inaugurates 100th STEM Center in Sub-Saharan Africa, 60th in Ethiopia

STEMpower, a non-profit organization that promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education across sub-Saharan Africa, has reached a significant milestone with the inauguration of its 100th STEM center in the region and the 60th STEM center in Ethiopia. Read more.

NTF V Calls for Applications from Tech Start-ups in Ethiopia

The Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) program, a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands and the UN International Trade Centre (ITC), has announced a call for applications from tech start-ups in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Uganda. This initiative aims to provide support and opportunities for entrepreneurs in the selected countries. Read more.