Ethiopia Moves to Implement Startup Proclamation with Fund of Funds, Naming System, and 15-Year Master Plan

EBR_News Apr 15, 2026

By Betegbar Yaregal

The National Startup Steering Committee has held its second round of consultations to review implementation of Ethiopia’s Startup Proclamation, with discussions focused on establishing a Fund of Funds, grants, and loan guarantee programs to address startup financing gaps.

State Minister of Innovation and Technology and Committee Chairperson Bayisa Bedada (PhD) noted that the proclamation will lay a crucial foundation for national economic growth by creating a conducive environment for startups and positioning Ethiopia as a competitor in global technological development. The implementation of twenty-four activities identified in the national implementation plan was presented at the consultation.

The committee emphasized that financial support mechanisms particularly the Fund of Funds, grants, and loan guarantee programs, should be implemented quickly to benefit the country’s technological and economic progress. A Startup Designation system to accelerate proclamation implementation, including naming guidelines, a digital platform, and a naming committee, is being prioritized. The Designation launch digital platform was presented at the forum, with officials indicating that the full naming process should be completed soon.

A 15-year master plan for the startup ecosystem, developed by consulting firm BCG under a three-year joint project, was presented in the presence of Hiroyuki Yakusha, Chief Representative of JICA in Ethiopia. Yakusha assured that JICA’s cooperation in building the startup ecosystem will continue to be strengthened, noting that Ethiopia can ensure sustainable development by utilizing its high potential in the sector.

Performance reports were presented by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ethiopian Investment Commission, and financial institutions on their participation in proclamation implementation. The committee concluded the forum by setting directions for next-phase activities and reaching a consensus to assess implementation at each stage.