Navigating the latest Ethiopian Labor Proclamation: Key Changes and what it means for HR outsourcing firms
Navigating the latest Ethiopian Labor Proclamation: Key Changes and what it means for HR outsourcing firms In 2019, Ethiopia introduced Labor Proclamation No. 1156/2019, a significant update to the previous Labor Proclamation No. 377/2003 and its amendments, addressing the fast-paced changes in Ethiopia’s economy, employment dynamics, and global labor standards. As HR outsourcing firms play a crucial role in connecting talent with organizations, it’s essential to understand how these new regulations impact their operations and responsibilities. This article delves into the main updates relevant to HR outsourcing firms, from updated definitions and employee protections to new termination policies and compliance requirements. 1. Enhanced Protections Against Workplace Harassment and Violence One of the landmark changes in the 2019 proclamation is the clear, legal stance on sexual harassment and violence in the workplace, a topic previously lacking explicit definitions and enforcement mechanisms in Ethiopian labor law. For HR outsourcing firms, these updates require not only greater vigilance but also the need to advise clients on creating safer, harassment-free workplaces. Definition and Legal Consequences: Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome act for securing sexual favors. Sexual violence escalates to situations involving force or attempted force. Implications for HR Firms: Outsourced HR departments should work closely with client organizations to create policies that address harassment and provide clear reporting channels. They may also need to facilitate or deliver training sessions on workplace conduct and ensure compliance with these anti-harassment provisions. Employees who resign due to unaddressed harassment are entitled to severance pay, adding a layer of accountability for firms managing these employee relations on behalf of their clients. 2. Updated Probation Period Rules for Employee Suitability The 2019 Proclamation has extended the probation period from 45 consecutive days to 60 working days. This change gives employers more time to assess a new hire’s suitability for the role, a period that HR outsourcing firms can also use to demonstrate the value of thorough recruitment and assessment processes. Best Practices: During this probation period, firms should provide regular feedback and performance assessments to both clients and employees to clarify expectations and improve integration. By doing so, firms can reduce turnover and ensure more seamless staffing transitions. Why It Matters for HR outsourcing firms: HR outsourcing firms must adjust their contract structures to align with the 60-day probationary period. The extended period allows firms to employ advanced evaluation metrics and ensure clients receive well-vetted employees. 3. Streamlined Termination Policies for Attendance and Performance Issues Termination rules under the 2019 proclamation introduce more structure to address attendance and performance-related dismissals. Guidelines on Absenteeism and Tardiness: Now, eight instances of tardiness within six months, despite written warnings, justify dismissal. The previous law was vague on tardiness, often leaving it open to interpretation. Implications for Outsourcing Firms: HR firms are now better equipped to handle attendance-related issues for their clients. Clear guidelines provide outsourced HR teams with a standardized process, making terminations based on attendance less contentious. The Proclamation also stipulates that employee performance standards must either be set through collective agreements or regular assessments. This means firms should establish transparent, measurable KPIs and provide feedback mechanisms for their clients’ workforce. 4. Clearer Regulations on Overtime Work and Payments The revised proclamation permits up to four hours of overtime per day in special circumstances, increasing the flexibility for employers who may need extended shifts. Overtime pay has also been revised, with specific pay multipliers depending on the time and day the work occurs. Overtime Pay: Overtime during the day now pays at 1.5x the normal rate, and nighttime (after 10 PM) pays at 1.75x, up from 1.5x in the previous law. Work on rest days and holidays retains the 2x or 2.5x multiplier. HR Outsourcing Firm Compliance: These changes impact payroll and workforce management, areas where HR outsourcing firms often play a significant role. Firms must ensure accurate tracking of work hours, especially when managing large workforces or shift schedules for clients. They must also ensure that clients adhere to the prescribed overtime pay rates to avoid legal issues. 5. New Framework for Minimum Wage Policy Development While the revised proclamation does not set a specific minimum wage, it empowers the Council of Ministers to establish a Wage Board. This Wage Board will be responsible for periodically reviewing and setting minimum wages based on Ethiopia’s economic conditions. Future Implications: Though the minimum wage is yet to be defined, HR outsourcing firms should prepare to adjust salary structures accordingly once minimum wages are introduced. Strategic Guidance: Firms can advise clients on budgeting and workforce planning to anticipate potential minimum wage adjustments. By staying updated with Wage Board announcements, HR firms can ensure their clients are always in compliance. 6. Enhanced Annual Leave and Parental Leave Policies The new proclamation increases annual leave to 16 working days, plus an additional day for every two years of service, up from one day per year. Parental leave also sees positive changes, with post-natal leave extended to 90 days and a new three-day paternity leave introduced. Managing Leave Entitlements: HR outsourcing firms must update their leave management policies to reflect these entitlements. By implementing digital leave-tracking systems or payroll software, they can simplify compliance with these new leave requirements for their clients. This update reflects the Proclamation’s focus on employee well-being, and HR firms can add value by offering leave-management solutions to ensure their clients are compliant and support work-life balance. 7. Broader Employee Protections and Affirmative Action New protections are included for vulnerable groups during workforce reductions, such as newly added protections for individuals with disabilities (even those unrelated to work) and new mothers with infants under four months. Additionally, the Proclamation emphasizes affirmative action, giving women priority in hiring, promotion, or benefits if they score equally with male applicants. These changes underscore the importance of equitable recruitment and retention practices. Firms can enhance their recruitment services by aligning candidate evaluations with these updated affirmative action requirements. The Ethiopian Labor Proclamation 1156/2019 not only brings labor laws closer to international standards but
Unlocking Africa’s Outsourcing Potential: A Focus on Ethiopia
Unlocking Africa’s Outsourcing Potential: A Focus on Ethiopia In the global landscape of business process outsourcing (BPO), Africa often finds itself overlooked as a viable option. However, the continent, particularly Ethiopia, is emerging as a significant player, ready to challenge the status quo and redefine outsourcing dynamics. With a growing talent pool and a wealth of opportunities, Africa offers distinct advantages that global businesses should consider. Despite the burgeoning talent and potential, many ecosystem players still regard Africa as a latecomer in the BPO sector. This perception is rapidly changing, especially as countries like Ethiopia demonstrate that they can offer competitive advantages in outsourcing. Over 60% of Ethiopia’s population is under 30, and each year, more than 150,000 young people graduate from higher education institutions in the country. Among these graduates, 70% focus on STEAM fields—science, technology, engineering, art, and math—equipping them with skills that align well with global business needs. Ethiopia has made significant strides in improving its tech landscape, positioning itself as a hub for innovation and efficiency. Companies that outsource services to Ethiopia not only gain access to a dedicated workforce but also benefit from a culture that values learning and adaptability. A study by Everest Global and CCI Global predicts that the BPO workforce will more than double by 2030, driven by global companies’ increasing demand for outsourced customer service. This growth is expected to create up to 1.5 million new BPO jobs in Africa over the next six years, with South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt poised to benefit significantly while emerging hubs like Ghana, Ethiopia, and Rwanda also show potential for substantial growth. Several factors are contributing to this expansion. Africa offers considerable cost advantages, with labor costs up to 80% lower than in Western markets. Nearly 45% of surveyed companies noted that African governments are business-friendly environments through tax breaks, infrastructure development, and workforce training programs. Furthermore, Africa’s young, multilingual population enhances its attractiveness as an outsourcing destination. East Africa and Ethiopia present unique advantages in BPO, including a skilled, tech-savvy workforce eager to enter the job market. Labor costs in Ethiopia are significantly lower than in traditional outsourcing locations such as India and the Philippines, allowing businesses to optimize operations without compromising quality. Additionally, Ethiopia has been investing in technology and infrastructure, improving connectivity and digital services, which boosts its appeal. The resilience and determination of the Ethiopian workforce a strong commitment to quality and service, supporting fruitful business partnerships. One of the most significant advantages for African BPO companies is their ability to learn from global weaknesses and strengths. By observing successful models in established outsourcing hubs, Ethiopian companies can adopt best practices while innovating to meet local needs. This unique perspective allows African firms to develop tailored solutions that resonate with international clients, bridging the gap between diverse business cultures. Ethiopia’s Digital Transformation Strategy, launched in 2020, aims to address challenges related to digital infrastructure. Government market liberalization policy allows private organizations to invest in telecom connectivity and data centers, which are crucial for enhancing the operational capabilities of BPO companies. The strategy also promotes policy reforms to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurship and investment, attracting more BPO firms to the country. To address the skills gap, the government is implementing initiatives like the 5 Million Coders program, which aims to teach market-oriented coding skills to 5 million youth. This initiative directly addresses the skills gap and increases innovation, building a large pool of qualified professionals to meet the demands of the BPO industry and enhancing Ethiopia’s appeal as a destination for these services. Overall, the Digital Transformation Strategy seeks to improve citizens’ lives and drive economic growth through technology. Despite its significant potential, the country faces challenges such as infrastructure development, skills enhancement, and the need for supportive policies. The strategy focuses on improving digital infrastructure, investing in broadband and data centers, and digitizing government services to create a favorable environment for BPO companies. Together, these initiatives enhance Ethiopia’s appeal as a competitive Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) destination by offering relatively low salaries—often lower than in other African countries—a favorable time zone, and a strong commitment to quality and technology adoption. At GITEX GLOBAL, the largest tech and startup show in the world, I highlighted Africa’s rise as a key outsourcing destination, emphasizing the global competence of African talent. Ethiopia’s determination to increase a robust digital ecosystem and the readiness of the private sector to scale and absorb work is crucial in this endeavor. Additionally, the dedication of Ethiopia’s talent positions the country advantageously in the BPO sector. Events like GITEX GLOBAL support this growth by providing valuable networking opportunities and showcasing innovation, further establishing Ethiopia as a leader in the BPO landscape. The company co-founded by Mr. Wondwesen, R&D Group Ethiopia, is a great example of an African firm becoming a hub for technology and outsourcing. As the largest football analysis firm in Africa, R&D Group combines its expertise in data analytics with a deep passion for the sport, providing valuable insights to teams, coaches, and organizations across the continent. In addition to its leadership in the service export sector, the R&D Group actively creates job opportunities for IT professionals through offshore outsourcing. By integrating training with job placement, the company ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet industry demands, thereby contributing to Ethiopia’s burgeoning tech landscape and overall economic growth. Related Blogs All Posts Blogs Unlocking Africa’s Outsourcing Potential: A Focus on Ethiopia November 5, 2024/ How tech companies are positioning Ethiopia for the outsourcing boom October 10, 2024/ Advancing Ethiopia’s Digital Economy: A Collaborative Endeavor by ICT Park Corporation and R&D Group October 10, 2024/
How tech companies are positioning Ethiopia for the outsourcing boom
How tech companies are positioning Ethiopia for the outsourcing boom Tech companies have banded together to push for policy changes and to market the country as a top outsourcing destination, looking to replicate South Asia’s success in using digital skills to transform the economy. More than 10 tech companies have joined together to form the Ethiopian Outsourcing Association, driven by the firm belief that their industry can create more and better jobs than any other part of the economy. ‘Every member is very passionate about this,’ said Wondwesen Zewdie, president of the new association. The company he co-founded, R & D Ethiopia, has more than 120 employees supporting companies located around the world. He believes that’s just the beginning, with outsourcing poised to bring major changes to the national economy. ‘We can see that it’s going to create an immense amount of jobs, and not just jobs but dignified jobs,’ he said. ‘Our employees get to know technology, they get to know how development works, they get more globalized.’ There are growing pains. Until the association was formed, Ethiopia didn’t have a single license for all outsourcing companies. Instead, they were registered by the specific type of work performed — cybersecurity versus software development, for example. One early result of the association’s outreach to the government is the creation of a new license, the kind of administrative change that makes business development easier, said Tadios Tefera, chief technology officer of MMCY Tech. ‘The association gives us more power when it comes to influencing policy from government and other institutions. Our challenge was previously I would go to a certain ministry to say, for example, we’re having challenges with telecom. We always went to the government to explain how we lose business, and when we lose business we have to lay off people,’ he said. ‘Each one of the association members had a similar experience. When we create an association, we have a more powerful voice and we are taken more seriously than if we speak individually.’ Growing the impact of tech hubs The International Trade Centre (ITC), through the Netherlands Trust Fund V Ethiopia Tech project, supported the association’s creation by bringing an international expert to help design its strategy. That’s part of the program’s mission to work with digital businesses and business support organizations, including tech hubs, to increase their impact. For Ethiopia, harmonizing regulations and the tech ecosystem can help attract more business to a growing sector — key points that emerged during the strategy sessions. ‘This was a three-day course that was very beneficial to us,’ Tefera said. Their strategy boils down to two key planks. Within Ethiopia, they want to create a conducive environment for outsourcing, by engaging with the government to make sure they have the right policies for the industry. The second part is marketing outside of Ethiopia to attract business to the country. Outsourcing businesses here see a model in India, where tech companies turned the country into a back office for global businesses. Zewdie sees outsourcing as a way to create jobs in his country, where 70 percent of the population are youth and eager for decent work. ‘The domino effect is quite big,’ he said. ‘The $4 billion that Ethiopia exports every year, that is an amount that we can generate in the coming years just in this industry.’ About the project The Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF) (July 2021 – June 2025) is based on a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands and the International Trade Centre. The program supports MSMEs in the digital technologies and agribusiness sectors. Its ambition is two-fold: to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable transformation of food systems, partially through digital solutions, and drive the internationalization of tech start-ups and export of IT&BPO companies in selected Sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia. Related Blogs All Posts Blogs How tech companies are positioning Ethiopia for the outsourcing boom October 10, 2024/ Advancing Ethiopia’s Digital Economy: A Collaborative Endeavor by ICT Park Corporation and R&D Group October 10, 2024/ Ethiopia’s Outsourcing Industry: A Bright Spot in the Economy October 10, 2024/
Advancing Ethiopia’s Digital Economy: A Collaborative Endeavor by ICT Park Corporation and R&D Group
Advancing Ethiopia’s Digital Economy: A Collaborative Endeavor by ICT Park Corporation and R&D Group Ethiopia’s Information Technology Park Corporation (ICT Park) is driven to play a pivotal role in driving the nation’s digital economy forward. In a recent development, executives from the R&D Group engaged in a constructive meeting with the CEO of ICT Park Corporation and the General Manager of ICT Park. The focus of this meeting was on collaborative strategies aimed at elevating Ethiopia’s digital landscape. This meeting holds significance as it aligns with ICT Park Corporation’s initiative to reinvigorate one of the park’s key original purposes: serving as a hub for promising private sectors, especially outsourcing enterprises. The objective is to provide these enterprises with a supportive environment within the park, facilitating growth through sustained assistance and market connections. ICT Park aspires to evolve into an ecosystem aggregator, streamlining services for businesses in the ICT sector and acting as a comprehensive destination for their diverse needs. Discussions also explored strategies to enhance the park’s value and attract interest from the private sector. R&D Group’s executives highlighted that Shared services should be a key consideration to streamline operations and reduce costs, ultimately enhancing efficiency for both new entrants and existing park residents. This approach is designed to alleviate administrative burdens, enabling businesses to focus on operations and contribute to economic growth through increased foreign currency income and employment. The park’s strategic location, offering proximity to affordable housing, food, and transportation options, positions it as an ideal partner for ICT Park’s initiatives. According to Mr. Henok Ahmend, the park is actively working on initiatives to make it an attractive destination for enterprises to relocate. The resident program is structured to foster partnerships between resident companies and relevant public stakeholders for onshoring opportunities and market linkages, aligning with the vision of facilitating overseas outsourcing activities. Concurrently, Ethiopia’s standing in the global outsourcing sector is gaining momentum. Despite the industry’s growth within the country, Ethiopia’s global market share remains relatively low. Mr. Henok Ahmed, CEO of ICT Park Corporation, and R&D’s founders, Rahel Boon-Dejene and Mr. Wondwesen Zewdie, share the vision of establishing Ethiopia as the preferred Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) destination in Africa. R&D Group’s executives emphasized the substantial benefits of joining ICT Park for outsourcing companies during their discussions. Collaborative support for offshore outsourcing companies in the same geographic location is deemed the most impactful way to create a significant industry influence. This support encompasses a well-functioning infrastructure, easier market linkage, and collaborative policy dialogue. The collaboration between ICT Park and R&D Group aims to attract more outsourcing companies, creating job opportunities for Ethiopians and propelling the outsourcing sector to generate immense foreign currency for the country. Mr. Henok Ahmed, CEO of ICT Park Corporation, encourages potential partners to initiate conversations and join the park resident program, provided that they align with the park’s vision. As Ethiopia’s outsourcing sector expands, it stands at a pivotal juncture with a young workforce, a conducive business environment, and a growing ICT sector. To capitalize on this growth, investments in infrastructure, training, and marketing are imperative. The proactive approach taken by ICT Park Corporation is a significant step forward in creating a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive and drive economic momentum. As a pioneer in the outsourcing sector since 2010, R&D Group is committed to propelling this movement forward and supporting initiatives that contribute to making the outsourcing industry a significant contributor to Ethiopia’s economy. Through strategic partnerships, tailored strategies, and a collective vision, Ethiopia has the potential to establish itself as a key player in the global outsourcing market, fostering economic growth and providing opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. Related Blogs All Posts Blogs Entrepreneurship Programs Featured Projects Advancing Ethiopia’s Digital Economy: A Collaborative Endeavor by ICT Park Corporation and R&D Group October 10, 2024/ Ethiopia’s Outsourcing Industry: A Bright Spot in the Economy October 10, 2024/ TAF (Technical assistance facility) of Ethiopia’s Innovative finance lab (IFL) October 10, 2024/ Diaspora Entrepreneurship Accelerator October 10, 2024/
Ethiopia’s Outsourcing Industry: A Bright Spot in the Economy
Ethiopia’s Outsourcing Industry: A Bright Spot in the Economy Outsourcing has become a popular business strategy for many companies around the world. Outsourcing is the practice of hiring a third party to perform services or create goods that were traditionally performed in-house by the company’s employees and staff. It is a business practice that can affect a wide range of jobs, ranging from customer service representatives/ customer support, manufacturing up to the ICT sector to the back office. One example of outsourcing is when a company hires a third-party vendor to handle its customer service operations. Instead of managing an in-house customer support team, the company contracts with an external call center or customer service provider to handle inquiries, complaints, and other customer-related issues. This allows the company to focus on its core business functions while benefiting from the expertise and resources of the outsourced vendor. This helps enterprises to focus most of their resources on the main activity. Why business chooses Outsourcing Cost savings: Outsourcing can help businesses to reduce their costs by hiring third-party providers that offer lower wages and other operating costs. Increased focus on core competencies: By outsourcing non-core functions, businesses can free up their resources to focus on their core competencies. Improved access to specialized skills: Outsourcing can give businesses access to specialized skills and expertise that they may not have in-house. Ethiopia’s Outsourcing landscape In Ethiopia, there are various outsourcing service provider companies that have been operating for over a decade. However, many public and private companies are unaware of their existence, and the government has not provided sufficient coverage for this sector. In 2020, the formerly Jobs Creation Commission and the now Ministry of Labor & Skills, recognizing the impact of the gig economy, established the Freelancing, Outsourcing, and Gigs (FROG) Taskforce. The aim was to place FROG at the core of Ethiopia’s service sector transformation. A significant milestone in the sector is the recent establishment of the Ethiopian Outsourcing Association, which serves as the representative body for offshore outsourcing services and providers in the country. The association’s main objective is to promote Ethiopia as a global outsourcing destination, while also focusing on enhancing the policy framework and addressing talent gaps within the industry. One of the primary advantages of outsourcing for Ethiopia lies in the creation of employment opportunities. Numerous companies from developed nations opt to outsource their work to Ethiopian companies due to lower labor costs compared to their home countries. This cost differential allows Ethiopian workers to be employed at a more affordable rate, making the outsourcing business model in Ethiopia highly attractive to foreign companies. In addition, outsourcing possesses a distinct advantage over other sectors in Ethiopia due to its minimal resource requirements and conditions. Unlike manufacturing companies that demand substantial capital, equipment, and raw materials, or the tourism sector that necessitates extensive infrastructure and world-class hospitality standards alongside stable peace and security, outsourcing companies solely rely on skilled manpower, computers, and stable telecom infrastructure. As a result, outsourcing emerges as the optimal business model for Ethiopia, offering efficiency and accessibility without the need for extensive resources. Why Ethiopia is attractive for outsourcing Availability of abundant talent: Ethiopia has a large and young population, with more than 70% under the age of 30. It also has a high number of graduates in STEM fields, with over 200,000 students graduating each year from universities and colleges. over 42% of public university graduates are unable to secure employment after completing their studies. Of these graduates, more than 70% hold STEAM degrees, and considering that over 70% of the country’s population is under the age of 30, there is a significant need for job creation in the IT sector. These talents are eager to learn and grow in their careers and can provide quality services to global clients. Very low attrition rate: One of the challenges of outsourcing is retaining employees who may leave for better opportunities or higher salaries. However, Ethiopia has a very low attrition rate compared to other outsourcing destinations such as India, the Philippines, and China, as its workers are loyal, motivated, and committed to their employers. This reduces the cost and time of hiring and training new staff and ensures continuity and stability of service delivery. Strategic location and time zone: Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa, which gives it access to both African and Middle Eastern markets. It also has a favorable time zone, which allows it to work with clients from Europe, Asia, and North America with minimal overlap. This means that Ethiopian outsourcing providers can offer round-the-clock services and respond to customer needs quickly and efficiently. In conclusion: Outsourcing companies can help fill the gap in the employment market for Ethiopian youth talented graduates by offering a stable and competitive employment market. By partnering with foreign companies, graduates can gain valuable experience across industries and technologies. They also stand to benefit from salaries, professional development opportunities, and access to cutting-edge technology. In addition to creating job opportunities, outsourcing companies can boost market visibility and generate revenue for the country, making them an important player in the Ethiopian economy. Related Blogs All Posts Blogs Ethiopia’s Outsourcing Industry: A Bright Spot in the Economy October 10, 2024/ The BIC Ethiopia Project: A Promising Path to Revitalize the Agricultural Sector September 21, 2024/ R&D Ethiopia: a pioneer for change through the Ethiopian Outsourcing Association September 21, 2024/
TAF (Technical assistance facility) of Ethiopia’s Innovative finance lab (IFL)
Featured Projects TAF (Technical assistance facility) of Ethiopia’s Innovative finance lab (IFL) The IFL (Innovative Finance Lab) is a collaborative initiative between The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP), aimed at advancing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by promoting access to finance. A key component of the IFL, the Technical Assistance Facility (TAF), supports SMEs and startups to ensure they are investment-ready. For this program, R&D, in partnership with MDF, developed a comprehensive training curriculum, organized sessions to upskill trainers, and trained over 90 growth-oriented SMEs. The SMEs were supported in developing viable business plans and financial projections. Significant emphasis was placed on helping SMEs identify realistic investment needs based on their financial capabilities. This was achieved with the guidance of finance experts through Business Development Services. At the end of the program, all the SMEs had the opportunity to pitch their businesses to banks, with the best SMEs being awarded a $5,000 grant as bridge finance. Other Projects All Posts Featured Projects Human Capital and Corporate Social Responsibility Solutions – Sher Ethiopia – Copy HR Restructuring – Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture Development of Human Resource Guidelines for Ethiopian Industrial Parks – Ethiopian Investment Commission
Diaspora Entrepreneurship Accelerator
Featured Projects Diaspora Entrepreneurship Accelerator The diaspora community is believed to be catalyst in promoting economic development and job creation through business engagement. With this view the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has assigned R&D Group and MDF West Africa, a Dutch/Ghanaian based consulting firm, to support 20-30 potential diaspora partners that are interested in starting or expanding business activities in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. These entrepreneurs will be provided with an intensive incubation program where they go through modern and practical trainings business coaching and mentorship services Other Projects All Posts Entrepreneurship Programs TAF (Technical assistance facility) of Ethiopia’s Innovative finance lab (IFL) Diaspora Entrepreneurship Accelerator Digital Innovation Acceleration
Digital Innovation Acceleration
Featured Projects Digital Innovation Acceleration The Innovation Factory Digital Innovation Accelerator is a multi-stage program that includes a 6- month acceleration program and a final competition. The accelerator is funded by GIZ and is implemented by Adelphi and R&D in Ethiopia and 4 other countries (Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, Senegal) with local partners. Accelerator participants receive a tailored support package combining peer-learning approach & capacity building support for business model refinement to become Investment ready and optimize SDG impacts and also develop a comprehensive business plan. Other Projects All Posts Entrepreneurship Programs TAF (Technical assistance facility) of Ethiopia’s Innovative finance lab (IFL) Digital Innovation Acceleration RISE Program
RISE Program
Featured Projects RISE Program The RISE program was funded by British Council Ethiopia and designed by R&D in cooperation with a Scottish social enterprise expert company, Challenges International. We worked with 20 social enterprises based in Ethiopia to become investment ready as part of a six-month project that also provided 20 young professionals with the opportunity to participate in a business analysis mentorship program. It is designed to up-skill young people while also supporting sustainable business growth in the country. As a result, we had social enterprises who scaled up to investment readiness and have completed their due diligence for investment. As for the junior associates, most of the youths were able to get employment in the enterprises and most of them pursued their own entrepreneurship route. Other Projects All Posts Entrepreneurship Programs TAF (Technical assistance facility) of Ethiopia’s Innovative finance lab (IFL) RISE Program Catalyzer and Starter support program with BIC Ethiopia
Catalyzer and Starter support program with BIC Ethiopia
Featured Projects Catalyzer and Starter support program with BIC Ethiopia The BIC Ethiopia project, funded by the European Union, is targeted at strengthening business incubators’ support for agri-tech and agri-business startups and MSMEs. The primary objective is to enhance market access, increase income, and create jobs by providing the necessary tools to develop business growth at various stages of maturity. R&D’s participation in this project is part of a capacity-building initiative targeting incubators and accelerators, aimed at helping businesses flourish. As one of the leading private sector development firms in Ethiopia, R&D was selected as one of the accelerator enterprises. As an implementer of BIC Ethiopia, R&D has conducted multiple accelerator programs designed to overcome challenges within the Ethiopian startup ecosystem, specifically targeting young entrepreneurs and agri-businesses Other Projects All Posts Entrepreneurship Programs TAF (Technical assistance facility) of Ethiopia’s Innovative finance lab (IFL) Catalyzer and Starter support program with BIC Ethiopia Resilience Business Development Services (RBDS)