Dawit Gadisa is a 25-year-old Ethiopian tech whiz who’s on a mission to electrify Addis Ababa’s streets with the power of education and innovation. He is the co-founder of MuyaSpace and Early Start IT Solution PLC. His journey began in a small town called Ambo, far from the city’s tech hubs, he was a determined student with a deep love for learning. Yet, it was his relentless pursuit of technology that eventually led him to become a change-maker in the educational technology sector, where he now leads initiatives that are bridging culture, creativity, and economic opportunity.
From his earliest days in Ambo, Dawit had an unshakeable focus on academic excellence. “Education was always a priority for me,” he recalls. “By the time I was in Grade 10, I had achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in my national exams. I knew I wanted more than just good grades—I wanted to build something impactful, something that could change lives.” His academic prowess was a sign of his discipline, but the journey that followed would reveal the depth of his passion for technology and entrepreneurship.
At the age of 16, Dawit’s family moved to Addis Ababa, where his ambitions would take root. In the capital, the high school years became a transformative phase in his life. Here, Dawit crossed paths with his best friend and future co-founder, Abdulaziz Wendesen, whose influence would shape Dawit’s entrepreneurial vision. “Abdulaziz was always passionate about technology, and he introduced me to the stories of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs,” Dawit reflects. “He told me about the world of tech entrepreneurship and how these people had built companies that changed the world. That was the moment I realized that I could do the same.”
This new realization set him on a path to study Software Engineering at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, where he delved into the world of coding, digital solutions, and startup culture. The more he learned, the clearer his vision became. “It wasn’t just about technology anymore. It was about creating solutions that had a lasting impact on people’s lives.”
During their university years Dawit, along with his co-founders, Hiwot Zelalem and Bruktawit Getachew, embarked on a journey that would lead them to launch MuyaSpace—a company dedicated to transforming the EdTech space through the teaching of crafting skills. MuyaSpace was born from a simple yet powerful idea: the preservation and sharing of African crafting heritage. “When we looked at the EdTech sector, we realized there was a huge gap in the market. Crafting skills were often passed down through families, from mothers to daughters, and yet there was no formal platform to teach these valuable skills. That’s when we decided to create an LMS (Learning Management System) dedicated to teaching crafting skills.”
MuyaSpace: A Digital Revolution in Craftsmanship Education
MuyaSpace began as a response to the untapped potential in the crafting sector—an industry rich with cultural heritage but lacking digital representation. The team knew that teaching crafting skills through a professional, curriculum-based platform would unlock new opportunities for both preserving culture and empowering individuals.
The challenge was immense. “When we first started offering crafting skill courses online, it was an entirely new concept. Traditionally, people learned these skills from family members—mothers, grandmothers, and other relatives—rather than through structured lessons. People were skeptical about learning hands-on skills like crochet or pottery through a digital platform,” Dawit recalls. But what started as skepticism quickly grew into widespread appreciation for MuyaSpace’s innovative approach.
The platform now offers a broad range of courses, including crochet, pottery, painting, candle making, and more. Over the past two years, more than 2,000 students have benefited from MuyaSpace’s educational offerings. With a team of over 40 employees, including remote instructors and administrative staff, MuyaSpace has created a thriving digital environment where learning and entrepreneurship intersect. Dawit and his co-founders have also introduced a marketplace for artisans to sell their handcrafted creations, offering them an economic lifeline and an opportunity to share their culture on a global stage.
Challenges persist, however. One of the biggest obstacles facing MuyaSpace is the limited access to raw materials for crafting, which prevents many students from scaling their newfound skills into sustainable businesses. Dawit and his team are working tirelessly to solve this issue by building partnerships and exploring sustainable sourcing options for crafting materials. In addition, the platform is constantly seeking ways to increase digital literacy and expand access to online learning across Ethiopia, where the adoption of digital tools in education is still in its infancy.
Early Start IT Solution PLC: Fueling Innovation with Digital Solutions
Alongside his work with MuyaSpace, Dawit co-founded Early Start IT Solution PLC, a tech company that focuses on website and mobile app development, branding, and networking. This venture was born from Dawit’s belief in the power of technology to drive business transformation. “At Early Start, we aim to deliver cutting-edge solutions that help businesses thrive in an increasingly digital world,” Dawit explains.
Working with a talented team of professionals, including his close friends Abdulaziz Wendesen and Samuel H/Mariam, Dawit has helped a variety of businesses navigate their digital transformation. “Our goal is to help companies build their online presence, improve their customer engagement, and innovate in their product offerings,” he says. Early Start has already helped several organizations create successful mobile apps, websites, and digital marketing campaigns, providing clients with the tools they need to scale their operations in today’s competitive market.
The company’s growth is a testament to Dawit’s ability to balance his technical expertise with his deep understanding of business needs. “As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that the real value lies not just in having a great product, but in understanding the market and how to create solutions that resonate with customers,” Dawit reflects. Early Start’s work has positioned it as a key player in Ethiopia’s growing tech ecosystem.
Impact Beyond Business
What sets Dawit apart is his unwavering commitment to social impact. His ventures are not just businesses; they are platforms designed to change lives. The collaboration with Gebeya Inc. and the MasterCard Foundation’s Mesirat Program to create one million jobs within five years is a prime example of this. This initiative aims to boost Ethiopia’s gig economy and provide employment opportunities for young people. Similarly, his work with Reach for Change Ethiopia is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that his work continues to contribute to long-term, sustainable development.
MuyaSpace has already impacted over 10,000 people through its creative space and social media platforms, and the team is working to expand its reach across Africa. “Our goal is to showcase Africa’s crafting heritage to the world and empower young people to earn sustainable incomes through their creativity,” Dawit says with pride. The marketplace being developed by MuyaSpace will provide artisans with a platform to sell their handmade products, further promoting African craftsmanship on a global scale.
Growing, Learning, and Giving Back
Dawit’s entrepreneurial journey has been filled with lessons that have shaped both his businesses and his personal growth. He shares, “Your business grows as you grow. The way you think, act, and invest in yourself directly impacts your company.” This mindset drives his continuous quest for knowledge, which is why he is committed to sharing his story and insights with others. Soon, he plans to launch a TikTok and YouTube channel where he will document his journey, engage with aspiring entrepreneurs, and share valuable lessons from the startup ecosystem.
With MuyaSpace poised to make a lasting impact in the EdTech sector, Dawit is particularly excited about the possibilities of AI. The integration of AI into the platform will allow for more personalized learning experiences and help scale the impact of MuyaSpace’s courses. “AI has the potential to revolutionize how we teach and learn,” Dawit says. “We’re actively working on AI-driven solutions that will make learning more engaging and effective for our students.”
The future looks incredibly bright for Dawit Gadisa and the companies he’s built. His vision for empowering individuals through education, culture, and technology is a testament to his belief in the power of innovation to change lives. As he continues to expand the reach of MuyaSpace and Early Start IT Solution PLC, one thing is certain—Dawit’s journey is far from over, and the impact he’s having will resonate for years to come.
