Ethiopia’s ICT Innovation Competition awards10 finalists with substantial prizes of Rs 100 lakh each

Inobiz-Ki Ethiopia Incubation Center has held its ICT Innovation Competition at the Ethiopia Information Technology Park with an impressive showcase of groundbreaking ideas from female-led startups in the ICT sector. The competition which brought together over 37 creative and innovative projects witnessed 10 finalists receiving substantial prizes of Rs 100 lakh each.

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the Ministry of Employment and Skills, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the competition highlighted the incredible potential of female entrepreneurs to drive technological advancements in Ethiopia.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, expressed admiration for the achievements of the female participants. He stated that the necessity of encouraging women to continue excelling in the ICT sector, not only to overcome challenges in the workplace but also to create technologies that can enhance their quality of life. He explained that the economic environment in which women participate is poised for growth and transformation, and efforts should be made to ensure that women, who represent half of Ethiopia's population, play a pivotal role in its economic activities.

The Minister of State for Employment and Skills, Mr. Solomon Sokha, also lauded the achievements of the competitors, highlighting the diverse problem-solving technologies presented. These innovations span key sectors such as e-commerce, education, healthcare, and other economic and social areas, reflecting the government’s broader objective to realize a digital Ethiopia.

According to Mr. Sokha, the solutions developed through this competition offer promising prospects for driving forward Ethiopia’s digital transformation and addressing critical issues facing the country.

By: Nana Appiah Acquaye