The Genesis of Kidpreneurship at SEA

The idea for our Kidpreneurship initiative was born from a truly inspirational moment. During routine travel across Ethiopia for our entrepreneurial training activities, SEA team members often encountered young children selling small items on the roadside. Conversations with these 'kidpreneurs' revealed not just a need for income, but a surprising passion and vision—many dreamt of solving significant societal problems, such as building hospitals, once they succeeded in business. This profound aspiration inspired us to design the Kidpreneurship program, which aims to cultivate entrepreneurial competencies (curiosity, compassion, and courage) in young children. We recognized a global movement of similar initiatives and customized them for the Ethiopian context.

Success and Vision for Scaling

SEA successfully launched the initiative in partnership with the Oromia Bureau of Education (OEB), where the idea was immediately welcomed by the regional government president. We have co-designed new curricula for different age groups, and the implementation in Oromia has yielded excellent learning and best practices.

Why Kidpreneurship Matters?

High Youth Unemployment & Labour Out-migration By instilling entrepreneurial mindsets from an early age, SEA shifts the focus from job-seeking to job-creation and innovation. This boosts future aggregate supply and addresses the skills drain.

Generational Transformation (Combatant Mindset)

SEA promotes a shift from an 'induced combatant warrior mindset' to a competent civilian society by cultivating positive minds, civility, and a focus on solving societal problems through innovation.

Educational Quality Gap (Theory vs. Practice)

The program introduces practical entrepreneurial competencies and soft skills (curiosity, compassion, courage) into the curriculum from early childhood, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. Limited Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurs By equipping students with creativity and innovation skills, the program acts as a pipeline for future innovators and entrepreneurs who can address critical economic issues like the trade imbalance and foreign currency crunch through competitive export-oriented ideas.