Safaricom Ethiopia partnered with Vodafone Foundation, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Amref Health Africa to support the Kefeta (USAID Integrated Youth Activity) Project with 2.7 million dollars in a two-year commitment to empower youth through technology and digitized youth services. The announcement was made at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting. Kefeta project was originally established in 2021 by USAID to advance economic, social, and civic opportunities for young Ethiopians aged 15-29. The initiative will benefit youth in Mekele, Debre Berhan, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, Addis Abeba and Adama. The project empowers 2 million youth across 18 urban centers in Ethiopia, establishing a successful network of 48 corporate partners. The initiative also set up youth-owned and managed Savings and Credit Co-operative Organisations (SACCOs) with 8,000 youth stakeholders or members in 18 cities. The funding will augment the USAID Kefeta Integrated Youth Project, enhancing its youth centers with advanced technology infrastructure, improving primary and secondary education for internally displaced people, digitizing youth services, establishing youth-friendly digital incubation hubs to promote innovation and self-employment, and increasing youth employability by improving digital literacy and innovation. Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, said: “We are excited for the opportunity to partner for a such a transformative cause, Youth Development, by availing our Fast-Data Connectivity in the youth centres and incubation hubs building the next generation talent base to meet the demands of Digital Ethiopia.”