Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI)

Established as an autonomous entity under Proclamation No. 1263/2021, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) is a leading Ethiopian institution dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and ecosystem development. The proclamation consolidated two major national initiatives: the UNDP-supported Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC, founded in 2013) and the World Bank-financed Women Entrepreneurship Development Project (WEDP, founded in 2012). EDI delivers multi-tiered, integrated capacity-building programs, business support solutions, and access to finance across high-growth economic sectors.

Strategic Framework

| Component | Definition & Objectives | | --- | --- | | Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP) | Building resilient and prosperous individuals, communities, institutions, and society in Ethiopia and Africa through entrepreneurship and innovation. | | Vision | To see a dynamic and mature Ethiopian entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. | | Mission | To champion ecosystem collaboration and provide disruptive support programs that drive innovation and entrepreneurship across all sectors. |

Core Values

• Creativity and Innovation: Driving original thinking and novel approaches to market challenges.
• Learning and Feedback: Integrating evidence-based learning and continuous improvement into program design.
• Agility: Responding rapidly to shifting economic and entrepreneurial dynamics.
• Co-creation and Collaboration: Establishing cross-sector partnerships across public, private, and civil sectors.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Creating inclusive economic pathways that lift underrepresented groups and communities out of poverty.
• Futurist Thinking: Anticipating market transformations and embedding forward-looking solutions into the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Key Operational Focus Areas

• Entrepreneurship Education & Skill Development: Specialized training and capacity development tailored for innovative startups, high-growth SMEs, and individuals.
• Access to Innovative Finance & Resources: Connecting entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to capital networks and financing solutions.
• Public & Corporate Innovation: Designing and implementing high-end entrepreneurship frameworks for corporate organizations and public sector institutions.
• Inclusive Wealth Creation: Tailoring programs for underrepresented segments to generate sustainable employment and shared prosperity.
• Ecosystem Community Building: Facilitating ecosystem-wide collaboration, research, policy dialogue, and stakeholder integration.