Empower | Engage | Elevate
Welcome to the Ethiopian Entrepreneurs Association (EEA)
EEA builds a entrepreneurs ecosystem by empowering founders and fostering innovation
EEA empowers Ethiopian founders and organizations through expert support and consultancy. We serve as a collaborative hub that drives technological innovation, creative projects, and startup growth.
Team
Executive Committee
Kalkidan Shashigo
President
To Our Esteemed Ethiopian Entrepreneurs,
The journey of building a business in Ethiopia requires unparalleled resilience, vision, and determination. We, your Ethiopian Entrepreneurs Association (EEA), see your challenges, and we recognize the immense potential you carry for our nation’s future.
Our mission is the foundation of our partnership: we are here to Empower you by enhancing access to tailored finance and critical capacity-building resources. We are committed to Engaging with all key stakeholders: government, financial institutions, and partners to champion the policies that reduce barriers and incentivize innovation. Finally, we will work tirelessly to Elevate your entrepreneurial journey, ensuring your success contributes to a truly dynamic and globally competitive ecosystem.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem is not built by one, but by all. By unifying our voices and committing to informed action, we can transform challenges into opportunities and ensure entrepreneurship is the engine of sustainable growth across Ethiopia. Let us embrace the work ahead with optimism and unity.
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”— Helen Keller
We are stronger together.
Sintayehu Fisaha ( Assistant Professor)
Vice President
We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Ethiopian Entrepreneurs Association, a dedicated organization formed to support and promote entrepreneurial growth and innovation in Ethiopia. This association was founded to address the growing need for a unified platform that tackles the challenges entrepreneurs face and fosters an environment conducive to business success. Its mission is to encourage innovation by creating spaces where ideas can thrive and transform into viable opportunities, provide support through mentorship, training, and resources tailored to startups and small businesses, advocate for entrepreneurs by representing their interests in policy discussions, and promote collaboration by connecting entrepreneurs with investors, partners, and industry experts. Our ultimate goal is to empower entrepreneurs to drive economic development, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant and sustainable business ecosystem in Ethiopia.
“Entrepreneurship is not about waiting for opportunities to knock; it’s about building the door, pushing it open, and creating your own path to success.
We are excited to announce the Ethiopian Entrepreneurs Association, established to support innovation and address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Ethiopia. The association aims to foster business success by encouraging innovation, providing mentorship, training and resources, advocating for entrepreneurs in policy matters, and promoting collaboration with investors and partners. Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs to drive economic growth, create jobs, and build a sustainable business ecosystem.
Dr. Desalegn Amlaku
Secretary
This powerful statement encapsulates the core of our mission at the Ethiopian Entrepreneurs Association. Since the inception of our center, we have been striving to create a conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ethiopia, one that leverages the country’s two most abundant resources—its youth and its agricultural sector. This strategic focus is the key to driving Ethiopia toward sustainable growth and prosperity.
We firmly believe that the future of our nation depends on how effectively we utilize these resources. Agricultural entrepreneurship is not just a concept—it is the key to sustainable farming. By unlocking the potential of both our land and our youth, we can address the growing population’s food security needs while simultaneously promoting widespread economic development. The integration of these two sectors will provide the foundation for a more prosperous Ethiopia.
We commend the focus on empowering millions of smallholder farmers and landless youth—who form the backbone of our economy. These groups require our support to engage in entrepreneurial ventures that increase agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, and gain access to high-value markets. This will enhance their income and contribute to a more resilient and diversified economy.
Our center wholeheartedly supports the vision of all Ethiopian Entrepreneurs by facilitating connections among entrepreneurs and relevant stakeholders. We are committed to working alongside all partners who share our dedication to bringing about lasting change and fostering a brighter future for Ethiopia.
Let us remember, as the saying goes, “If either the agriculture or the youth goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right.” Together, we can ensure that these two pillars of our economy remain strong, setting the stage for a prosperous future.
Dr. Wasihun Mohammed
Director of Research Innovation and Entrepreneurial Impact
“True innovation lies in empowering the next generation to think boldly and create fearlessly.”
Entrepreneurship and innovation are the beating heart of progress in today’s fast-paced world! As we navigate an era bursting with technological breakthroughs and global connectivity, entrepreneurship emerges as a boundless ocean of potential—sparking new industries, driving efficiency, and creating transformative solutions that shape the future. By championing robust development programs and harnessing the collective energy of associations like the Ethiopian Entrepreneurs’ Association, we have the power to cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that propels nations forward. With my deep roots in business academia, industry consultancy, and relentless passion for mentorship and research, I am thrilled to contribute to unleashing the extraordinary possibilities of entrepreneurship and lighting the path toward a brighter, more innovative tomorrow.
Mekidela Mekuria
Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement
Entrepreneurship drives growth, and the Ethiopian Entrepreneurs Association is here to support and uplift the people behind it. By joining, you’ll connect with like-minded innovators, gain access to resources, and find the guidance you need to succeed. Supporting the association means helping build a community where ideas thrive, challenges are tackled together, and Ethiopian talent shines. Let’s work together to create a future full of opportunity and progress!
Upcoming Event
Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards (ASEB) 2025 in Ethiopia
EEA Co-Organizes the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards (ASEB) 2025 in Ethiopia
Ethiopian Entrepreneurs Association (EEA) proud to be a co-organizer of the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards(ASEB) 2025 Ethiopa. This event is a unique opportunity to highlight the exponential growth of Ethiopia’s entrepreneurial #ecosystem and its commitment to becoming an entrepreneurial state. We’re also excited to create a networking bridge with other African ecosystem builders.
We Work
