This document provides an overview of blockchain startups shaping the future of technology in Africa. It discusses Ethiopia's first tech hub, which is focusing on blockchain startups to solve Africa's most complex problems. One startup highlighted is Yene Health, a digital health platform for women in Ethiopia that addresses family planning and maternal health needs. The document also mentions that Ethiopia has opened its banking sector to foreign investment, which could transform the economy through competition and improved access to foreign capital and jobs.

1. MARKOS LEMMA
issue
#4
“THESE BLOCKCHAIN
STARTUPS ARE SHAPING THE
FUTURE OF THE TECH
ECOSYSTEM IN AFRICA.”
TECH
TITAN
ETHIOPIA’S FIRST TECH
HUB IS SETTING ITS
SIGHTS ON THE
NEXT FRONTIER:
BLOCKCHAIN
STARTUPS THAT
SOLVE AFRICA’S
MOST COMPLEX
PROBLEMS.
p. 13
GROWTH Electric
Vehicles Now Tax Exempt
ECONOMY Africa’s Economic
Outlook Amid a Global Slowdown
STARTUPS Yene Health
& Kushineta Skate

2. INSIDE
SPOTLIGHT ETHIO
VOLUME1 ISSUE 4
CONTENTS
YENE HEALTH:
DIGITAL HEALTH
FOR WOMEN
pg. 03
This fem-tech start-up is the first
of its kind to address the need for
family planning and maternal
health in Ethiopia.
ETHIOPIA OPENS
BANKING SECTOR
What to expect from the latest
mandate to open the banking
sector to foreign investors.
pg. 04
HOTEL PICKS
pg. 05
pg. 06 AFRICAN PRIVATE
WEALTH TO REACH
$31 TRILLION
Discover the outlook of private
wealth trends across the African
continent.
pg. 07 SUCCESS TOOLBOX:
BETTER
DECISION-MAKING
Use this method to identify when
you can (and can’t) trust your
gut feeling and how to act more
mindfully to make better
decisions.
pg. 08 DINING PICKS
Meet the skateboard pioneer
start-up building the local
skateboard scene in Addis.
KUSHINETA SKATE:
SKATEBOARD
PIONEERS
pg. 09
What a global slowdown means
for Africa’s growth forecasts.
AFRICA’S ECONOMIC
OUTLOOK
pg. 10
pg. 11 TAX-EXEMPTING
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Ethiopia’s latest measures to
encourage the investment and
importation of electric vehicles.
Our selection of Top 5 Leaders
and the results they produced
within their business ventures.
BUSINESS LEADERS
pg. 12
FEATURE STORY:
MARKOS LEMMA
pg. 13
pg. 16
A selection of four trailblazers
across the African continent.
AROUND AFRICA
pg. 17 EVENTS TO WATCH
pg. 18 ACHIEVERS
Our selection of Top 5
Achiever’s in their respective
fields.
pg. 19 DIAMOND CLASS
pg. 20 CONTACT
NOVEMBER 2022
02
INSIDE

3. STARTUP
STORY
YeneHealth is an early-stage, fem-tech social
enterprise committed to helping adolescent girls
and women gain self-agency over their sexual and
reproductive health through the use of technology
and data analytics.
As the first of its kind in Ethiopia, YeneHealth
aims to address the unmet need for family planning
and maternal health. Founder Kidest Tesfaye and
the team at YeneHealth designed a digital
educational platform, community advocacy
network, innovative e-pharmacy, and call center
support line to help women make informed choices
about their bodies.
By securely enrolling for free on the web and
mobile application, users get access to exclusive
offers, health management tools, and doctor-
backed and trusted information.
YeneHealth’s services are rooted in promoting
overall wellness, social and economic resilience,
and digital and financial literacy for women. It is
committed to being a judgment-free, confidential,
safe, reliable, and personalized space for users.
Recently, YeneHealth won a grant prize for being
selected as a startup with the best progress during
the 2022 London, FemTech-focused accelerator
program.
YENEHEALTH:
EMPOWERING WOMEN WITH
DIGITAL HEALTH
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM NOVEMBER 2022
03

4. GROWTH
OPPORTUNITY
In the latest measure aimed at drawing investment
from abroad, Ethiopia’s government passed a
landmark decision to open the country’s banking
sector to foreign investors.
The historic move is said to transform the country’s
economy by fostering a better linkage with the
international market. In addition, bringing private
players into the financial sector would lead to
competition, improve foreign currency inflows and
create jobs.
The draft legislation proposes to allow foreign
banks to set up subsidiaries or open branches in the
nation. In addition, overseas lenders can acquire up
to 30% of domestic banks, and foreign individuals
can buy 5% of domestic banks. Altogether, the
maximum stock foreigners can hold of any
established Ethiopian bank is set at 40%.
Alternatively, international stakeholders can also
obtain permits to open commercial representative
offices. Permits have already been given to nine
multinational lenders since this was first allowed in
2015.
Although these representative offices could
directly lend nor take deposits, they were
permitted to conduct research and credit
assessments to allow lending from their
headquarters in their respective countries).
Within the last year alone, the total number of
banks in the nation has rapidly risen from 18 to
30, following NBE’s new banking proclamation
that allowed the establishment of interest-free
banks and the evolution of MFIs into banks.
However, with the opening of the banking sector
on the horizon, domestic banks will need to
prepare for eventual competition with foreign
banks.
ETHIOPIA OPENS
BANKING SECTOR TO
FOREIGN INVESTORS
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM NOVEMBER 2022
04

5. TRIBECA
LANE
05
Moda Hotel Emerald Resort Arba Minch
Namibia Ave, Bole Sub-City,Woreda 03, Atlas Area, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia
+251 11 639 3044
Off Shecha Road, Arba Minch,Ethiopia
+251 46 881 1895
Hawassa, Ethiopia
+251 93 052 7510
Rori Hotel Hawassa
Simien Mountains National Park, Gonder, Ethiopia
+251 91 877 6499
Limalimo Lodge
HOTEL PICKS
NOVEMBER 2022
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM

6. 06
The total private wealth currently held by
individuals on the African continent is US$2.1
trillion and is expected to rise by 38% over the next
ten years to $3 trillion, according to the latest 2022
Africa Wealth Report.
Notably, Ethiopia was the 3rd fastest-growing
market in Africa over the past decade, with a
growth rate of 52% during this period. In 2021,
Ethiopia ranked 9th place in total private wealth
($52 billion USD). However, the nation lagged on
a wealth per capita basis (or average wealth per
person) compared to other African countries.
AFRICAN PRIVATE WEALTH
WILL REACH $3 TRILLION
BY 2031
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM
The overall 38% growth forecast for Africa is
very healthy when compared to most other
regions globally. It will be driven by especially
strong growth in the technology and professional
services sectors in Africa.
While significant gains are expected in Kenya,
Morocco, Mozambique, and Zambia, three
countries—Mauritius, Rwanda, and Uganda—are
predicted to increase private wealth at the fastest
rates (at least 60%) in the next ten years.
ECONOMIC
UPDATE
NOVEMBER 2022

7. SELF-DEVELOPMENT
TOOLS
The way you think dictates the decisions you make
and ultimately shapes how your life plays out.
Therefore it's essential to understand the bugs in
your personal thinking pattern.
According to Daniel Kahneman’s book, Thinking
Fast and Slow, there are two systems in your brain
that continuously fight over each other for control
over your actions and behavior--one is automatic,
and the other is conscious. The two opposing ways
of thinking often make us prone to making errors in
memory, judgment, and decisions.
Now that we know of these two systems, the next
question would be what we can do about it. Well,
fret not. Here are three key takeaways that can help
you understand and reclaim control over your
mind.
1. Understand When Our Brain Takes Shortcuts
System 1 is an automatic and intuitive system that
cannot be turned off – we use it to think fast, like
when we drive a car or recall our age in
conversation. Meanwhile, System 2 uses problem-
solving and concentration – we use it to think
slowly, like when we calculate a math problem.
Even though System 2 is useful, it takes effort and
energy to engage it. So when we feel stressed or
tired, our mind tends to take shortcuts that are
impulsively dictated by System 1, coloring our
judgment. One way to combat this is by practicing
mindfulness strategies and taking breaks.
2. Are You Jumping to Conclusions?
One of the main reasons we jump to conclusions is
because we tend to favor information that confirms
our previously existing beliefs, otherwise known as
confirmation bias.
System 1 is gullible and biased, whereas System 2 is
doubting and questioning. Rationally, we should
look for evidence that contradicts our beliefs so that
we can scrutinize and test our initial thoughts. By
thinking critically with System 2, you can form
well-thought-out opinions and make better
decisions, especially in high-stakes situations.
3. Disengage with Your Emotions
It turns out that people will usually prefer to avoid
losses rather than seek gains (also known as loss
aversion). Making judgments based on the pain that
we feel from a loss is based on emotion and is,
therefore, a result of System 1.
It permeates much of life. Loss aversion runs so
deeply people will take further risks for a small
chance of recovering from a large loss that has
already happened. So it’s important to be aware that
your emotions will try to confuse you when it’s time
to talk money. Instead, consider statistics and
probabilities to make the best decision possible.
Be at Your Best by Thinking Clearly
If you're having a tough time slowing down and
making decisions, it can be a great time to explore
your thinking pattern. That way, you can quickly
identify when you can (and can’t) trust your gut
feeling and how to act more mindfully to make
better decisions.
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM
BECOME A BETTER
DECISION MAKER
NOVEMBER 2022
07

8. DINING
&
ENTERTAINMENT
08
Verres en Vers The Kitchen
Radisson Blu Hotel Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa
A culinary adventure awaits you as Verres en Vers restaurant
is the first French Brasserie-style restaurant in Addis Ababa
offering guests dishes inspired by Paris, Geneva, and New
York.
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Meskel Square, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
With 177 seats, it is the largest restaurant where breakfast,
lunch, and dinner are served. Bread and other bakery items
are freshly baked, while the other live cooking stations
prepare hot and cold items of Levantine cuisine.
Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Gazebo is a poolside restaurant offering all-day dining,
Sunday brunches, and regular live entertainment. The
restaurant offers a great dining atmosphere, an extraordinary
view of the pool, and well-chosen local and international
dishes.
Gazebo Restaurant on the Park
Namibia Ave, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
This neighborhood restaurant and bar is frequented by many
and offers a memorable dining experience on its appealing
terrace. Enjoy delicious international and authentic Ethiopian
cuisines, drinks, and live band nights right in the heart of
Bole.
Mimi’s Addis
DINING PICKS
NOVEMBER 2022
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM

9. STARTUP
STORY
To support the Kushineta movement, check out
their online shop or their physical location in
Addis Ababa, Megenanya.
Kushineta Skate Club is a skateboard pioneer
start-up that helped build the local skateboard
scene in Addis Ababa. They also produce and sell
skateboards and streetwear and offer skate
lessons at an affordable rate.
Founded by four passionate skateboarders,
Kushineta is the first licensed Ethiopian
manufacturer of skateboards, skateboarding
apparel, and locally manufactured streetwear for
the young skate community.
With the skateboard scene in Africa rapidly
growing and Ethiopia already having a large
skate scene, Kushineta saw the opportunity to
produce and one day distribute skateboards and
streetwear to the growing African market.
Kushineta’s focus is to empower kids by giving
them access to affordable skateboards, training,
and skateparks, thus allowing them to practice
and gain skills. They also provide an opportunity
for them to learn a new sport and extracurricular
activity, in turn, building confidence and
empowering youth.
KUSHINETA SKATE CLUB :
ETHIOPIA’S SKATEBOARD
PIONEERS
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM NOVEMBER 2022
09

10. 10
According to the IMF’s recent economic
growth projections, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
should expect a challenging year ahead.
After bouncing back to 4.7% in 2021, SSA’s
real GDP growth will slow sharply this year to
3.6%—as a worldwide economic slowdown,
rising interest rates, and unpredictable
commodity prices spill into a region already
drained by a continuing series of shocks.
Growth is predicted to remain low at 3.7% in
2023.
Similarly, growth forecasts have been scaled
back globally, slowing from 6.0% in 2021 to
3.2% in 2022 and 2.7% in 2023.
Expected economic performance among SSA
countries will widely vary next year, ranging
from 8.1% in Senegal to -3.1% in Equatorial
Guinea. Ethiopia’s economy is projected to
expand by 5.3% in 2023, a boost from the end-
2022 rate of 3.8% but still below its 2021
growth of 6.3%.
AFRICA’S ECONOMIC
OUTLOOK AMID A GLOBAL
SLOWDOWN
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM
With Michu, users can apply for loans and receive
a decision based on credit scoring logic. The loan
application process, from eligibility and
verification to analysis, scoring and loan
disbursement is completed within a few minutes.
ECONOMIC
UPDATE
NOVEMBER 2022

11. ETHIOPIA TAX EXEMPTS
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
SALES
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM
Furthermore, it will support the government’s
10-year strategic plan, in which it plans to
introduce at least 4,800 electric buses and
148,000 electric automobiles.
The announcement comes almost two years after
the first locally assembled EV was introduced to
the Ethiopian car market by Marathon Motors
Engineering Plc., a joint venture between
Hyundai Motor Company and Olympic
Champion Haile Gebrselassie.
In the latest round of tax reforms, Ethiopia is aims
to supercharge the adoption of environmentally-
friendly Electric Vehicles (EVs) by incentivizing
local assembly and EV importers while driving
down user costs.
The revised regulation exempts both imported and
domestically produced EVs from value added tax,
excise tax, and surtax. Also, it will lower the
customs tariff imposed on EVs based on their
assembly status. (EVs fully assembled in Ethiopia
with be exempt from customs duty tax, while
partially assembled ones will only have a 5% duty,
and those fully built abroad will face a 15% duty.)
These reforms are a step forward in addressing
Ethiopia’s traditionally challenging tax
environment, which has been criticized for making
imported and locally made vehicles unaffordable
for many citizens.
NOVEMBER 2022
GROWTH
OPPORTUNITY
11

12. 12
TOP
LEADERS
TOP LEADERS
SHANI SENBETTA
Shani Senbetta is the founder and CEO of the for-profit social enterprise Kidame
Mart and the COO of Zeleman Communications, Advertising, and Production. As
Ethiopia's largest last-mile distribution network, Kidame Mart empowers over 3,000
female micro-entrepreneurs while bridging gaps between suppliers and rural
communities. Her passion lies in addressing social problems with innovative
private-sector solutions.
“It’s not that people are necessarily smarter than
another, but it is about getting access to
opportunities; access to the information.”
“You do not have to have all of the knowledge
before starting a business. Be diligent with
research then start with what you know and grow
with what you learn.”
NATHAN ARAYA
As a full-time Professor at Concordia University Texas, Nathan Araya passionately
focuses on empowering underrepresented learners with skills-based curriculum for
economic mobility. Nate lectures on digital marketing, advertising, business ethics,
and entrepreneurship. In addition to being an award-winning film director, he is a
coffee enthusiast and owns his own coffee brand, Ground Zero Coffee.
HELEN HADUSH
Led by Founder Helen Hadush, Helaz Beauty is redefining the beauty market by
bringing affordable, quality cosmetics to Ethiopia and the greater African diaspora.
It was also the first local makeup brand in Ethiopia when founded in 2017. Helaz
Beauty also donates 20% of the sales proceeds from their Berchie lipstick to provide
underprivileged girls with basic school supplies.
BETHELHEM DEJENE
Bethelhem Dejene is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zafree Papers, a company
introducing 100% tree-free paper pulp using agricultural waste instead of wood. In
addition to saving trees from being cut, Zafree provides an additional income for
over 8,000 smallholder farmers in Ethiopia by buying their crop residue to produce
paper pulp. The company already has a strong customer pipeline in Ethiopia and all
over Africa.
“We need to answer these questions because
water is critical for survival and can be used to
make fuel for further exploration.”
DR. BERHANU BULCHA
Dr. Bulcha, an engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, recently
developed a tiny high-powered laser to find water on the Moon, a discovery crucial
for humans to further explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond. He hopes to continue
the work to make a flight-ready laser for NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to
put the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024.
“I believe we need more African-created and
owned brands. We should be the ones creating
solutions to our problems.”
“I have lost count of how many times I have
failed. To make a success of a venture, you've
got to take calculated risks. Otherwise, you're
going to get stuck somewhere along the way.”
KIDAME MART
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
HELAZ BEAUTY
ZAFREE PAPERS
NASA
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM NOVEMBER 2022

13. 13
MARKOS LEMMA:
From the Early Start-Up Movement
to the Future of African Tech
In a short period, Ethiopia’s start-up scene has
quickly mushroomed into an ecosystem with many
players—entrepreneurs, incubators, hubs, tech
enthusiasts, investors, and others. However, it was
virtually non-existent when Markos Lemma co-
founded the country’s first innovation hub and
start-up incubator, iceaddis, in 2011. “What we
really achieved in the last decade was bringing the
topic of start-ups to the mainstream in Ethiopia,”
Markos says in an exclusive interview with Spotlight
Ethio.
His work as an early advocate for the start-up
movement in Ethiopia has made a lasting impact on the
country’s start-up scene and has been mentioned in
several international media outlets such as The
Economist and BBC. Markos also brought his
advocacy to the TEDx stage as a speaker in 2014. In
addition to leading iceaddis, Markos founded
SelamCompany (an ed-tech venture working on
primary education and literacy) and co-founded 3BL
Enterprises (a for-profit social enterprise that works
with villages to lower the cost of piped water systems).
Despite playing a pivotal role in the start-up movement,
Markos never imagined he’d be working with tech
start-ups while growing up. And with good reason too
—when he founded iceaddis back in 2011, internet
penetration in Ethiopia was less than 1%, and there was
no clear definition of a start-up in the local context.
The environment was not conducive to innovation or
business. But Markos always believed that with
adequate access to technology and critical thinking, it
was possible to drive human development in the
country. “We need to build tools and create
environments where people think critically. There is no
problem-solving without critical thinking, and there is
no scalable business without problem-solving.”
This dilemma prompted Markos to start iceaddis and
kick-start the models where the tech start-up ecosystem
could finally flourish. Iceaddis has galvanized the tech
community in Ethiopia by introducing several events,
such as hackathons, competitions, and barcamps which
were popular in Silicon Valley. Additionally, the hub
turns ideas and early-stage start-ups into viable,
market-focused businesses through their flagship
incubation program. Their accelerator program
supports growth by dissecting and reconstructing every
aspect of a business.
Over the last decade, iceaddis has helped launch over
160 start-ups and plans to expand its outreach to other
countries. Markos also nods to other new important
players shaping the tech ecosystem, such as iCog_Labs
and xHubAddis. “There are over 14 VCs now looking
to invest in Ethiopian start-ups; angel investors are
interested in high-risk, high-reward businesses. So we
definitely want to increase our linkage to investors and
look for new financing models.”
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM
An Exclusive Interview
with Spotlight Ethio
NOVEMBER 2022

14. Obstacles in the Road Ahead
Although there’s been notable progress over the years,
Markos believes there are still several challenges that
need to be addressed to build a thriving tech ecosystem
in Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. Markos points out,
“we are still consuming technology instead of creating
it. The capacity to build technology requires a lot of
effort from everyone, but policy, market regulations,
and linkages are weak.”
To bring real impact, he says governments need to
reform and move faster in adopting innovative policies
to cope with the ever-changing tech landscape. This
would help solve domestic issues like competitiveness,
strengthening capital markets, developing local talent,
and building global influence. “There is huge talent in
the continent, but educational institutions have a big
role in tapping into that and building the required
knowledge, skills, and attitude,” says Markos.
There is also “the big elephant in the room—the
mindset.” He explains that it takes a long time for this
to change but requires continuous interactions to build
trust among different actors. “Our founders should have
a relentless mindset in building businesses while being
open to new ideas and embracing them.” But, there’s a
disconnect among wealthy individuals, whom he says
are still investing in low-risk businesses.
14
FEATURE
STORY
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM
“We are still consuming technology instead of
creating it.”
“The promise of blockchain is to create transparent, decentralization transactions without
manipulation. The world is at the start of the evolution of Web3, and
Africa can be a front-runner and leapfrog.”
Adopting Blockchain Technology in Africa
Another global movement that’s been increasingly
gaining attention from African policymakers and
individuals is blockchain technology—which aims to
create transparent, decentralization transactions without
manipulation. “The world is at the start of the evolution
of Web3, and Africa can be a front-runner and
leapfrog,” says Markos.
Blockchain technology, he says, can bring financial
inclusion to the many unbanked individuals in Africa
and facilitate cheaper and more reliable remittance
transactions. Also, “NFTs bring a completely new
revenue model for artists and experts in the creative
industry in Africa. And applications like 3Air will help
to connect several people to broadband internet.”
Markos sees widespread adoption as a challenge like
any other innovation but is optimistic that the large
youth population will accelerate it.
As one might’ve guessed, iceaddis is doing its part to
bring blockchain to the masses. For the past two years,
iceaddis has been working closely with Input Output
Global, a blockchain engineering and research
company best known for its Cardano blockchain
platform.
This significant collaboration resulted in the joint
launch of Ariob incubator, which intends to elevate
African-focused Project Catalyst experiments into
competitive blockchain ventures within Africa’s
ecosystem. “These startups are building the Web3
applications and shaping the future of the tech
ecosystem in Africa. And this is just the beginning.”
With the emerging technology space evolving so fast,
well-connected business communities are creating new
tools and protocols—and it's Markos' vision to "bring
in the expertise, talent, and business intelligence for
ventures in this space."
NOVEMBER 2022

15. In addition to seeking mentors, cultivate value-based
relationships where you challenge, put forth ideas, and
create solutions with others. This dynamic relationship
is longer-lasting and will inadvertently foster growth
and opportunities. Markos highlights that “it’s not
really about the technology at the end; it’s about the
relationships you can build.”
Even with many things to consider when building a
high-value company, it's essential not to get bogged
down by the process and let projects stall. “Time is
limited. We need to build fast. Fear of failure is the
enemy of innovation,” advises Markos. If you can
endure more micro-failures from moving fast, you will
learn more and become better than your competitors.
“Time is limited. We need to build fast. Fear
of failure is the enemy for innovation.”
“I don’t think I focus on impacting the world one way or another. The most important thing for
me is to draw a small circle and to make sure that anything in that circle flourishes. With enough
support, collaboration and empathy, the circle will get bigger
and bigger.”
15
FEATURE
STORY
First is having a clear vision and the mindset of “if we
don’t do it, no one will.” Also, he insists that trusting
and listening to others is crucial. “In every given room,
there is always a more informed and experienced
person than me.” Lastly, having clear communication is
paramount.
Undoubtedly, the repercussions of Markos’ impact can
be felt throughout Ethiopia’s start-up community and
beyond. But for Markos, being an effective leader starts
with empowering those around you. “I don’t think I
focus on impacting the world one way or another. The
most important thing for me is to draw a small circle
and to make sure that anything in that circle flourishes.
With enough support, collaboration and empathy, the
circle will get bigger and bigger.”
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM
For more interviews go to www.SpotlightEthio.com
How to Build a High-Valued Company
For aspiring start-ups who aim to build high-valued
companies, Markos suggests first identifying the
market size—how many people truly have the
problem? He reminds us that customers don’t care
about our solutions; they only care about their issues.
“As young founders, we are more attached to our
products than the clients’ problem. So we need to
understand clients’ needs and motivations.” He also
adds that “it’s essential to conduct a critical diagnosis
on the severity of the problem.” These tools will help
you to accurately assess and address a suitable market
gap.
Another salient principle to remember is that the
product cycle changes over time, but the management
team usually stays the same. So he advises choosing
your co-founders carefully and being the co-founder
everyone wants to work alongside. He stresses that
“these traits are irreplaceable.”
Markos also underscores the importance of having a
mentor, especially in the early stages. “A good mentor
will show us the blind spots we cannot see. We have
great benchmarks to build on, so we need to tap into
that.”
Making an Impact as a Leader
Being the leader he is today in the tech start-up world,
Markos credits his journey to three critical skills.
NOVEMBER 2022

16. AROUND
AFRICA
16
Mo Abudu Foluso Ogunwale
In her quest to change global perceptions about Africa, Mo
Abudu launched EbonyLife TV, Africa's first global black
entertainment and lifestyle network, in 2013. The media
mogul then took the plunge into filmmaking with the creation
of EbonyLife Films in 2014, which has produced a string of
high-grossing and internationally recognized films.
Foluso Ogunwale, the Founder and CEO of I-Fitness, is on
a mission to make sure Africa’s most populous country is
also a healthy one. As one of the fastest-growing fitness
chains in Nigeria, Foluso has ambitious plans to expand
from its current 16 chains to 40 chains in 30 months.
Kobina Ackon, widely known as Wode Maya, is Ghana’s first
YouTuber to hit over a million subscribers. Although he
studied to become an aeronautical engineer, his videos
focusing on positive African content have, over the years,
amassed a massive following and revenue streams.
Kobina Ackon (Wode Maya)
Kekeletso Tsiloane, alongside her sister Kedibone, founded
Ramtsilo Manufacturing and Construction to combat South
Africa’s plastic waste pollution. Together, they provide a
sustainable solution by using plastic for manufacturing
ecological and economically sustainable bricks.
Kekeletso Tsiloane
AROUND AFRICA
SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM NOVEMBER 2022

17. BOARDWALK
EVE
Sixth Annual African Mosaique Fashion
Festival
On November 19 and 20, 2022, the sixth Annual
African Mosaique Fashion Festival will take place
at the African Mosaique Design Center and
Manufacturing Hub, Legetafo. This event attracts
more than 1,000 guests annually from the business
and international community, government officials,
the diplomatic community, designers, and the
press. As the first of its kind in Ethiopia, it will
celebrate local fashion while promoting emerging
designers.
BIC Africa Annual Gathering 2022
The first BIC Africa Annual Gathering 2022 will
occur on the 17th of November at Radisson Blu
Hotel Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It will bring
together a panel of esteemed senior-level
decision-makers, business incubators experts,
entrepreneurs, and business experts from BIC
Africa project countries (Angola, Ethiopia,
Madagascar, and Somalia) and Europe. You will
have the chance to exchange knowledge and
discuss how to overcome the challenges faced by
the business incubator communities today to
support current and future entrepreneurs.
DevFest Addis 2022
Devfest Addis is an annual developer conference held by
Google Developer Groups all around the world, aiming to
bring developers, students, companies, and excellent speakers
together in one place to share their experiences. The event will
take place on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the science
museum. It will feature keynotes and sessions on Compose
Camp, Machine Learning, GC Next, Google Map Platform,
Firebase, Flutter, Web, Google Assistant, and many more.
Digital Connect Expo
In collaboration with CoSpace Ethiopia and
AWAQI Ethiopia, Fox events bring you Digital
Connect EXPO on Saturday, November 05. Digital
Connect expo will be the first-of-its-kind event
here in Addis Ababa, focusing solely on digital
entrepreneurs, with a panel discussion where
industry professionals share helpful and
informative content on starting, growing, and
sustaining a business in the digital age.
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YIDIDIYA DAMTEW
Founder of Aklill
WUBET GIRMA
Country Director (Ethiopia) for Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
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