Reach for Change Ethiopia joined the global Partnering for Change celebration livestreamed from Stockholm, marking 15 years of impact through social entrepreneurship. The programme featured voices from Sweden, Ukraine, Ethiopia, and global partners reflecting on how entrepreneurship strengthens development and community resilience.

Our Country Manager, Mekdim Gullilat, highlighted the role of social entrepreneurship in Ethiopia and the inspiring work of our Change Leaders. The Ethiopia team and Change Leaders joined the livestream and later gathered for a local celebration, followed by a creative team activity focused on collaboration and shared purpose.

Mekdim expressed appreciation to our Change Leaders and partners and reaffirmed our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs who are transforming lives across Ethiopia.

Together, we continue advancing social entrepreneurship and driving lasting impact.

At the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit, Mekdim spoke about the new wave of African innovators who are turning ideas into meaningful solutions for their communities. She shared that the challenge is rarely the talent or the passion. The real struggle is navigating an ecosystem that still lacks the coordinated support needed for early stage growth.

She highlighted how Reach for Change is helping bridge these gaps by strengthening capacity, connecting partners, and engaging in conversations that shape a healthier and more supportive environment for social enterprises. Her reflections invited leaders across sectors to think more intentionally about the role each of us can play in making the ecosystem work better.

In your view, what is the one barrier we must fix first to help social entrepreneurs grow?

At the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit, Reach for Change moderated a key discussion on strengthening Africa’s startup ecosystems through social entrepreneurship. Led by Mekdim Gullilat, the panel explored how coordinated support and cross-sector collaboration can help mission-driven founders scale with confidence.

We also showcased our GBI and Green Innovation Lab Change Leaders, funded by the IKEA Foundation, who presented their products and connected with ecosystem actors from across Africa — opening opportunities for market linkages and partnerships.

What is the one shift Africa needs to build stronger, more inclusive startup ecosystems?

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