Green Revolution Startups Aim a Million-dollar Kickstart

Apr 30 , 2024


Ethiopia's fight against waste and the promotion of a circular economy received a 1.6 million dollar boost to empower young entrepreneurs focused on lowering waste generation and promoting environmental sustainability. Reach for Change and the IKEA Foundation have joined forces, launching a three-year project that aims to support reusing, repairing, and recycling materials. Building on a successful pilot project that created over 150 jobs, the new program seeks to empower a total of 105 green businesses. Elsabeth Tsegaye, program manager at Reach for Change said they will receive crucial support, including training, coaching, access to markets, and equity-free funding ranging from 5,000 dollars to 10,000 dollars to help them develop sustainable business models and expand their operations. This initiative comes at a critical time. Ethiopia currently struggles with low recycling rates and underdeveloped markets for recyclable materials. The program recently unveiled finalists from its previous Green Business Incubator, including Husky Energy & Technologies and Askema Engineering. During the launch event held at Hyatt Regency, Africa Avenue (Bole Rd), some of the participating startups showcased their innovative ideas, such as transforming plastic waste into building materials.


Radar

Ethiopia Buys Time, Not Relief as Creditors Stall on Debt Write-Off

Ethiopia's official creditors expect to finalise a draft restructuring of the country's debt in the coming months, granting the government more time to repay its obligations while avoiding a direct reduction to the initial debt amount. Ethiopia defaulted on its external debt in December 2023, before its leaders announced a preliminary deal in March with its Official Creditor Committee to reorganise 8.4 billion dollars, an essential step in moving beyond sovereign default. Under the agreement...


Radar

Road Injuries Increase by 35pc, with Pedestrians Most Affected

Addis Abeba's streets continue to present fatal risks for pedestrians, who account for 86pc of all traffic fatalities reported in 2023/24. Megenagna emerged as a particularly hazardous area, logging the highest number of fatalities, including 13 deaths. While the number of pedestrian deaths has dipped slightly, overall injuries have surged by 35pc since 2020/21, with eight out of 10 injuries involving those on foot. The Addis Abeba City Administration revised its 13-year road safety strate...


Radar

Awash Insurance Customer Week Discount

Awash Insurance Company(AIC), serving for over 30 years, gives a 25pc discount on Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI), Individual Life Insurance, Education Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance, and Fire & Lightning Insurance. This was announced during the celebration of Customer Week at their headquarters, on April 7,2025. Jibat Alemneh, CEO of the company said, Vehicles owners that purchased thier cars with full insurance coverage will receive enhanced benefits at no extra cost at...