Our Favorite Stories from 2024

In celebration of the new year, Shega Media’s editorial team reflects on some of our favorite stories from the past year.

In 2024, we published around 350 articles that reached hundreds of thousands of readers and received millions of views. As reporters, we stand firmly behind each piece of our coverage. Delivering insightful and impactful stories remains our top priority.

Our nine selections are based on audience engagement, impactful storytelling, and personal preferences. These stories taught us something new, kept us up late, sparked joy, stirred sadness, and reflected our purpose within Ethiopia’s evolving innovation and business landscape.

We hope you enjoy our picks as we embark on another year of dedicated service to our esteemed audience. 

1. Food Delivery Riders in Addis Ababa Earn Over 30,000 Birr Monthly

By Etenat Awol

This piece received significant attention long after it was published in early August. It juxtaposes youth employment in novel sectors with the expanding reach of food delivery companies in Addis Ababa.

2. Addis Ababa-based EV Startup Dodai Raises $4 Million in Series A Funding

By Kaleab Girma

Stories of Ethiopia-based startups raising funding are rare, and when they do emerge, the amounts often pale in comparison to the capital flowing into startups in Nairobi or Lagos. Dodai’s $4 million raise marked one of the largest funding rounds for an Ethiopian startup.

3. Automation Results in Hundreds Losing Jobs at Moha Manufacturing Plant

By Daniel Metaferia

A powerful story published in late March illustrates a clash of technology and traditional employment. The piece also foreshadows the imminent transformation of the labor market amid increased digitization.

4. How a Holiday Hassle Spawned a Thriving Culinary Business.

By Daniel Metaferia

The story follows the journey of a female entrepreneur who turned her holiday challenge into a thriving business. Holiday spirits, Ethiopian cuisine, and an ambitious spirit are infused into the story.

5. Hunting the Hamster: Ethiopia's Youth Tap Out on Crypto

By Munir Shemsu  

A story published in October featuring disappointed youth who hoped to make big bucks on the crypto-craze. The story includes diverse perspectives and provides insights into the dawn of Web 3.

6. Subscription Stumble: Ethiopian E-Commerce Platform Learns Hard Lessons, Seeks Reinvention After Closure

By Etenat Awol

2024 was the year when we kicked off our Shega Forensic series which looks into the failures of startups, products, and business models in our ecosystem.

The first edition of the series demonstrates the importance of business planning for startups. It highlights the shortcomings of a product launched with great ambitions and loose foundations

7. Ethiopia’s Delicate Dance with Personal Data Protection

By Munir Shemsu

This story dives into a landmark proclamation by contrasting it with historical precedents. Experts and officials chime in with interesting perspectives.

8. Hidden Horror: How Ethiopia’s Digital Underground Revenge Porn Industry Preys on Young Women

By Kaleab Girma

This investigative story explores the hidden corners of Ethiopia's online world. As the digital realm increasingly intersects with society, stories emerge not only of opportunities but also of harrowing dangers.

9. Meet the Farmer Who Built Artificial Pond in Addis Ababa to Harvest Fish

By Daniel Metaferiya

This article introduces an amazing farmer who created an artificial pond for an aquaculture business. The pond containing over 60,000 fish quickly turned into a profitable business and tourist attraction.