In a world constantly racing towards the next big tech breakthrough, the most powerful innovations often stem from something deeply personal and profoundly simple. For Abiye Tadeos, founder and CEO of Anabi, that moment arrived not in a laboratory or boardroom, but during a routine trip home, carrying a bottle of honey to make traditional Tej. It was there, in that quiet moment, that a revolution began brewing—one that would intertwine Ethiopia’s rich agricultural roots with the future of artificial intelligence.
From Addis Ababa to Anabi
“I am Abiye Tadeos, the founder and CEO of Anabi,” he begins, with the calm assurance of someone who’s earned every bit of that title. Born and raised in the buzzing capital of Addis Ababa, Abiye pursued a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University. Early on, he was drawn to embedded systems and the potential of data to unlock solutions for some of Africa’s most persistent challenges.
But before Anabi, there was BlueMoon Ethiopia, the business incubator that refined his entrepreneurial instincts. “I gained valuable experience there, particularly in business development, product design, financial modeling, and personal development,” he says. It was here that he built the network that would later become essential to his startup journey.
His first job, though, was where the idea truly began to bloom. Working as a junior developer in humanoid robotics R&D, Abiye traveled extensively across Ethiopia. “It was during one of these trips that I purchased honey for Tej and took it home. That moment planted the seed of what would become Anabi.”
The Birth of Anabi
“Anabi is an agritech startup based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that develops AI-powered smart beehives to double honey production, reduce bee loss, and ensure sustainable apiculture,” he explains. “Our technology provides real-time data to beekeepers, optimizing hive health and productivity.”
By embedding sensors within the beehives, Anabi turns traditional beekeeping into a data-driven science. The result? Healthier bees, increased honey yields, and a shot at global competitiveness for African honey.
“We currently operate with a core team of five and are onboarding partner beekeepers through our revenue-sharing business model,” says Abiye. The technology isn’t just smart; it’s transformative. It speaks to a future where data and agriculture go hand in hand.
A Changing Landscape
The entrepreneurial terrain in Ethiopia is shifting. Abiye has witnessed it firsthand. ” We’ve been operating for almost five years now. The past two years have been exciting. There’s been a significant change in the startup and business landscape, not just in Ethiopia but across Africa.”
He notes improvements in regulation, funding, and support systems. Yet, critical decisions still remain. “The ecosystem is brewing and maturing. As a player in the landscape, coping isn’t hard for me,” he adds, his tone a mixture of realism and hope.
A System Forged in Adversity
For Abiye, change is not a threat but a canvas. However, that doesn’t mean the path has been smooth. “We’ve faced various challenges. Maybe not unique to us. COVID-19 and Ethiopia’s northern conflict were completely against Anabi’s growth,” he recalls.
He elaborates on some of the toughest hurdles: “There’s a need for tailored finance. The nature of agribusiness correlates with seasonality, which makes operations hard, just to mention a few.”
Yet through these difficulties, he never veered from the vision. Instead, they became part of the process, chapters in a story of determination and resolve.
Seeds of Success in the Southern Soil
Anabi now operates in southern Ethiopia, where it has partnered with reliable farmers. “Forming these strategic partnerships, which are part of our business model, is a huge win,” says Abiye.
But partnerships are just the beginning. “Smooth tech development with our team and going into production are huge wins,” he adds. His quiet confidence is rooted not just in belief, but in demonstrable progress.
More Than a Startup
While Anabi is Abiye’s primary focus, he is clear-eyed about the value of collaboration. “Nothing to mention yet,” he says, when asked about other projects. “I would love to use this opportunity to call for any collaboration.”
In an industry where resources are scarce and hurdles are high, his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is refreshingly honest: “Jump with a full heart. It’s definitely not going to be easy.”
He speaks not from theory, but experience, hard-earned lessons from years of innovation, setbacks, and grit.
Harnessing the Beauty of Technology
As for what lies ahead, Abiye remains optimistic. “Technology trends are ever-growing and it’s just beautiful. The real beauty is harnessing their value and building something great. As for Anabi, we know where our limitations are and we know we are not far even from industry setters.”
His vision is both grounded and expansive, a rare combination in a space where ambition often outpaces reality.
The Patience of a Beekeeper
Abiye’s philosophy, like his company, is steeped in the wisdom of nature. ” Be patient but stay alert. Don’t let time pass you or your work by. Every moment is a chance to learn, so stay open and seize every opportunity.”
These words are not a soundbite, they are the soul of a man who has walked through uncertainty with grace and resolve. Like the bees he seeks to protect, he moves with intention, pollinating the future with ideas, dedication, and unshakable faith in what is possible.
Closing the Hive
And so the boy from Addis Ababa who once traveled for robotics, who bought honey for a humble bottle of Tej, now stands at the helm of one of Africa’s most exciting agritech ventures. Anabi is more than a company; it’s a symbol of what can be built when tradition meets innovation, when hardship fuels ingenuity, and when one man dares to believe that even the smallest creatures can inspire the biggest change.
The bees are buzzing. And thanks to Abiye Tadeos, the world is finally listening.
