It all began with a screwdriver. A 14-year-old boy named Abel Tefera Balkew hunched over a broken radio in the heart of Addis Ababa, turning screws with the precision of someone much older. The neighborhood kids watched in awe as Abel, with his steady hands and relentless curiosity, brought life back to worn-out electronics. For him, it wasn’t just about fixing things; it was about gaining control, understanding how things worked, and proving to himself that he could shape the world around him.
“I remember the first time I got paid for fixing something,” Abel recalls, his voice carrying the weight of nostalgia. “It wasn’t much, but it was mine. And that changed everything.” From repairing radios and televisions in his neighborhood, his youthful curiosity transformed into a lifelong passion for engineering and leadership. This journey evolved into a mission to empower others, build businesses, and help reshape Ethiopia’s future.
“Entrepreneurship is more than just a career; it’s a path that demands persistence, learning, and, above all, a deep commitment to creating value for others,” Abel reflects as he recalls those formative years.
A Strong Foundation in Engineering
His early interest in fixing gadgets led him to embrace the technical side of life, paving the way for a deeper commitment to understanding the mechanics behind what he loved. “I was drawn to machines, to understanding how things worked. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an engineer. And while most kids my age were thinking about sports or playing with friends, I was trying to solve problems and make things work.”
By the time he reached university, Abel’s interest in engineering had developed into a focused pursuit. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious Addis Ababa University Institute of Technology.
“University sharpened my technical abilities and taught me the science behind the passion I had for engineering. But it wasn’t just about learning theory—it was about how to apply knowledge to real-world problems.”
The Call to Serve: Volunteerism and Leadership
Abel’s journey extended beyond academics; his commitment to service and volunteerism became central to his identity. After graduating, he engaged with the Ministry of Education’s “Egna Legna” initiative, quickly rising to volunteer coordinator due to his leadership skills. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a key role in repatriating over 250,000 Ethiopian citizens from the Middle East, particularly from Saudi Arabia.
“That was a defining moment in my life. It wasn’t just about logistics or getting people back home. It was about the human element—helping families reunite, giving people hope, and providing real solutions during a time of uncertainty,” he explains, his voice tinged with the gravity of the experience.
Transitioning to Education and Project Management
Abel’s leadership skills drew him into the education sector through the National Science and Engineering Fair, where he served as a technical advisor and exhibitors’ coordinator. This role highlighted his passion for youth development in Ethiopia and reinforced his realization that his true calling lay in leadership, beyond just engineering or volunteerism.
“I realized that I could make a bigger impact not just through teaching, but through leadership. Leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about inspiring, mentoring, and nurturing potential,” Abel says with conviction. This was the moment he decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Project Management at Saint Mary’s University, a decision that would prove pivotal in his career.
Paving the Way for Entrepreneurs
In 2021, Abel discovered his entrepreneurial calling while leading a three-year Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy program at STEMpower, co-funded by VISA Inc. The initiative empowered over 2,600 young adults in Ethiopia with the skills to launch their own startups, shaping a new generation of entrepreneurs.
“My goal was to create opportunities, not just jobs. Entrepreneurship is about providing individuals with the skills to create something of their own, to innovate, and to lead. And with financial literacy as the foundation, we could build a robust, sustainable economy,” Abel shares, his passion for business development evident.
Over the next few years, Abel’s expertise in entrepreneurship grew as he mentored over 65 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), guiding them through challenges and helping them scale. One of his proudest achievements was mentoring Ezedin Kamil, the founder of IBEX Technologies and Promotion. Abel’s belief in the power of mentorship became central to his philosophy: “You don’t just help someone by giving them advice; you help them by empowering them to think for themselves and navigate challenges on their own.”
Founding ET5amClub
In 2023, Abel took a bold step into the entrepreneurial world by founding ET5amClub, a company focused on human capital development, with an emphasis on time management and habit formation. The core mission of ET5amClub is to help individuals overcome the pervasive “latecomer’s excuse” by teaching them the value of time, discipline, and productive habits.
“Too many people fail to realize the importance of time management. We’ve grown accustomed to making excuses for being late, for not being productive. My goal is to change that culture—to create a community where people value time, rise early, and achieve greatness in everything they do,” Abel explains with determination.
ET5amClub, driven by Abel’s vision, has already reached over 117,700 people through its programs, all designed to help individuals unlock their potential. His ultimate ambition is to establish Ethiopia’s premier Time Management Institute, eventually positioning it as the leading institution across Africa. “We want to create a movement—a society where people embrace productivity, time management, and personal growth.”
A Legacy of Empowerment and Change
For Abel, entrepreneurship is never just about business—it’s about creating lasting change. His relentless pursuit of empowering others through education, leadership, and time management reflects his deep commitment to improving his community and his country.
“My journey from a self-taught technician to a business leader has been shaped by the lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, and the opportunities I’ve seized. But ultimately, it’s been about making a difference. I want to inspire others to believe in their potential and take the steps to create their own success stories.”
As he reflects on his journey, Abel acknowledges that entrepreneurship is an ongoing challenge. Yet he remains unfazed, driven by the belief that every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory. His story is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. And as he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of change-makers, his impact will undoubtedly echo far beyond the borders of Ethiopia.
“Entrepreneurship is about solving problems, creating solutions, and most importantly, empowering others to rise,” Abel concludes, his eyes lighting up with a hope that resonates through his entire journey.
