Fostering Prosperity: Cultivating a Resilient and Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Distinguished guests, esteemed entrepreneurs, partners, and friends, It is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand before you today as we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Sheger Entrepreneurs Association. Five years ago, we embarked on a journey to empower Ethiopia’s aspiring entrepreneurs, to ignite the spark of innovation, and to drive sustainable economic growth.
Today, as we gather under the theme “Fostering Prosperity: Cultivating a Resilient and Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem,” we not only celebrate our achievements but also reaffirm our commitment to building a brighter future for Ethiopian entrepreneurship. Looking back, our journey has been one of remarkable progress. We have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of entrepreneurship in creating jobs, driving innovation, and building resilient communities. The numbers speak for themselves: we have trained over 212,474 young people and members of growth-oriented entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive. We have facilitated access to over 362 million ETB in loan guarantees, enabling countless entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality. We have seen over 52,639 jobs created, offering hope and opportunity to young Ethiopians. And we have witnessed the birth of businesses valued at over 17 billion ETB, demonstrating the significant contribution of our alumni to the national economy.
These achievements are not just statistics; they represent the stories of individuals who dared to dream, who persevered through challenges, and who are now contributing to the prosperity of their communities. Hey are stories of resilience, innovation, and the unwavering spirit of our entrepreneurs. However, SEA work is far from over. We recognize that significant challenges remain in building a truly thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Access to capital, particularly for early stage ventures, continues to bee major hurdle. Capacity building must go beyond basic training to include advanced skills development, mentorship, and access to markets. And we must ensure that the benefits of entrepreneurship are shared by all, including women, rural communities, and other marginalized groups. Therefore, as we look to the future, SEA is committed to a bold vision. It will expand access to capital through innovative financing mechanisms and strategic partnerships. SEA will enhance its capacity building programs to provide entrepreneurs with the advanced skills and knowledge they need to compete in a rapidly changing world. SEA will drive innovation by promoting technology-driven solutions and fostering a culture of creativity.
SEA will champion inclusive growth by ensuring that entrepreneurial opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of background or location. Furthermore, SEA will embrace the principles of regenerative entrepreneurship, fostering knowledge-based wealth creation that is both sustainable and resilient. SEA will introduce innovative idea financing mechanisms to support promising ventures in their nascent stages. And we will double down on our Kidpreneurship program, nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation of innovators.
This vision requires a collective effort. We need the support of government, the private sector, academia, and development partners to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to flourish. We need to foster a culture that celebrates innovation, embraces risk-taking, and supports entrepreneurs throughout their journey. To our esteemed sponsors, thank you for your belief in our mission. Your support is not just financial; it is an investment in the future of Ethiopia. By partnering with SEA, you are empowering the next generation of Ethiopian leaders, driving economic growth, and building a more prosperous and inclusive society. To our entrepreneurs, you are the heart and soul of our organization. Your passion, resilience, and creativity inspire us every day. We are committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to succeed. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, let us renew our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ethiopia. Let us work together to unlock the full potential of our entrepreneurs and build a brighter future for all.
Thank you