Hijra Bank has awarded five young Ethiopian innovators in the final round of its “Sirara” Creative Spark Awards, selected from over 27,000 applicants. The programme targets practical innovations in agriculture, sustainability, and appropriate technology. Top winner Milkias Ahmed (PhD) received a 300,000 Br prize and a 3 million Br interest-free loan for developing an organic soil conditioner from animal bones. Second and third prizes went to Yusuf Ali and Muhammad Juhar for a crop-harvesting machine and a low-power egg separator, earning them 200,000 Br and 100,000 Br, along with loans of 1 million Br and 500,000 Br, respectively. Acting CEO Dawit Keno said the Bank will support youth innovations beyond the awards. Board Chairman Abduselam Kemal announced a Halal finance literacy programme with universities. With youth unemployment high, the Bank sees its Sharia-compliant Kerdel Hassen financing as a tool for inclusive entrepreneurship.
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