Three Ethiopian Green Entrepreneurs Win Awards in UK-Backed Climate Initiative

Beating out more than 300 applicants, three Ethiopian entrepreneurs engaged in climate-friendly projects have received financial awards and international market opportunities after completing a two-month training under the Green Future Africa (GFA) initiative. Supported by the UK Embassy in Addis Ababa, Justicia Media, and Golden Sales & Marketing, the program supports youth-led enterprises engaged in sustainable entrepreneurship.

Each of the three winners who received about 150,000 Birr will also have the opportunity to showcase their products at international exhibitions and markets. The finalists are Surafel Belay from Afar Regional State, who produces bricks from the invasive Prosopis plant; Alemnesh Hadgu, who makes vermicompost, an organic fertilizer produced by earthworms; and the duo of Tewodros and Meklit, who manufacture packaging materials from the banana plant.

Abel Zewdu, CEO of Justicia Media, said the entrepreneurs have received training in business registration, financial literacy, branding, and management to scale their businesses. He pointed out that the finalists were engaged in sustainable businesses ranging from eco-friendly textile products to AI-based agriculture, which could have a significant communal impact.

“We wanted to help scale businesses that have already begun some work,” Abel told Shega.

With the British government supporting over 12 billion Euros to fight climate issues globally, the Embassy has been actively participating in climate-friendly initiatives for the past decade, focusing on the green economy and recycling. This year, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has partnered with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance on a project to strengthen access to climate finance. Running through March 2025, the programme focuses on building government capacity to manage green funding, drafting clear guidelines, and ensuring transparency in the use of climate resources. The initiative is designed to support Ethiopia’s ambitious plan to cut emissions by 68.8% by 2030 and achieve net-zero status by 2050. 

Luke Bullock, UK Deputy Ambassador, believes significant untapped potential exists for Ethiopian youth wanting to engage in green economic opportunities. He considers youth-led sustainable businesses can make a significant mark in addressing these problems with the necessary support.

“Addressing climate change in Ethiopia isn’t just an environmental imperative,” Luke told Shega. “It’s also about safeguarding economic stability, protecting public health, and preserving the country’s cultural heritage.

Lidya Alemu, one of the ten finalists, makes clothing by recycling textile products and garment waste. She claims to have benefited from GFA’s training program on how to scale her business and better manage her tasks.