Ethiopia is positioning entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of its future economic transformation. In a significant step forward, the Ministry of Labor and Skills, in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, brought together stakeholders from government, private sector, academia, civil society and development partners to review the Draft National Entrepreneurship Policy and Strategy. The national consultative workshop, held in Addis Ababa, placed special emphasis on the voices of youth and women entrepreneurs, ensuring inclusivity and relevance. The draft policy aims to build a comprehensive framework where innovation and entrepreneurship become the driving forces of Ethiopia’s social and economic progress.
The discussions highlighted how this initiative could transform Ethiopia’s growth agenda by placing entrepreneurship at the center of economic and social development. By creating a framework that supports corporate, public, social and everyday entrepreneurship, the policy aims to make innovation and entrepreneurial thinking a way of life across institutions and communities. Startups were recognized as a vital driver of innovation, competitiveness and job creation, especially in a country where young people make up the majority of the population.
Panelists and participants emphasized that the new policy is not just another government document but a blueprint to turn Ethiopia’s development dreams into reality. It is designed to help the country unlock opportunities and create pathways for inclusive growth. The draft policy envisions entrepreneurship as a catalyst for public value creation, strengthening Ethiopia’s competitiveness across economic, social, cultural and technological spheres. It also seeks to drive institutional transformation, ensuring that organizations and systems are modernized to meet the needs of a changing world.
Central to the policy is the creation of a strong support system for entrepreneurs. Participants discussed how effective entrepreneurship development requires accessible business development services, financial inclusion, modern infrastructure and stronger market linkages. The policy calls for addressing these needs by creating an environment where entrepreneurs at every level can thrive. Corporate and public entrepreneurship are expected to play a leading role in boosting productivity and transforming institutions, while social and everyday entrepreneurship are highlighted for their ability to solve pressing societal challenges and build more resilient livelihoods.
H.E. Muferihat Kamil, Minister of Labor and Skills, opened the workshop with remarks that underscored the government’s strong commitment to fostering innovation and unlocking Ethiopia’s entrepreneurial potential. She emphasized that entrepreneurship is central to economic transformation and to creating opportunities for the country’s youth and women. The Minister called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure the final policy reflects Ethiopia’s ambitions while also addressing real challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
The Entrepreneurship Development Institute presented the draft policy, outlining how it aims to accelerate economic growth by promoting social and corporate entrepreneurship, addressing regulatory gaps and ensuring inclusivity. A strong focus was placed on empowering women and marginalized groups, recognizing that an inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem is vital for sustainable development. The draft also seeks to make Ethiopia a more attractive environment for investment by reducing barriers and supporting innovation.
The workshop featured a panel discussion and an interactive Q&A session, where stakeholders openly debated the challenges and opportunities that come with strengthening Ethiopia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Issues such as access to finance, regulatory bottlenecks, limited infrastructure and the need for more coordinated support systems were raised. At the same time, participants pointed to the enormous opportunities in agriculture, digital technology, manufacturing and social innovation that Ethiopia could leverage with the right policies in place.
Organizations such as the Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE) also participated, adding important perspectives on how women entrepreneurs can be supported to play a bigger role in driving economic transformation. Their input highlighted the importance of ensuring that the policy addresses structural barriers while also creating incentives for women-led businesses to scale.
The Ministry of Labor and Skills, together with EDI, reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the final policy is practical, inclusive and forward-looking. They stressed that it will not only focus on vision but also on clear implementation strategies that can create a dynamic and competitive Ethiopia powered by entrepreneurship. The closing remarks, delivered by H.E. Muferihat Kamil, reflected the collective optimism in the room: a belief that with the right policy in place, Ethiopia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem can become a driver of prosperity for millions.
As the draft moves closer to adoption, this consultative process marks a critical milestone. It demonstrates that Ethiopia is serious about listening to its entrepreneurs and building a framework that reflects both ambition and reality. If successfully implemented, the National Entrepreneurship Policy and Strategy could become a turning point, helping the country harness the energy of its young population, attract investment and unlock new possibilities for inclusive growth.
