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?

#ASEBSummit2025 #ReachForChange #SocialInnovation #GreenInnovation #AfricaEntrepreneurship

Reach for Change Recognized at the ASEB Awards

Reach for Change was honored to be recognized at the African Startup Ecosystem Builders Awards for our continued work in strengthening systems and supporting early stage and growth stage innovators in Ethiopia.

In her remarks, our Country Manager Mekdim Gullilat shared a message that reflects our mission. “When you give an entrepreneur the right support at the right moment, you help a community move forward.” This recognition signals a rising and increasingly connected ecosystem where collaboration is becoming a shared priority.
We extend our appreciation to all partners and ecosystem builders who make this progress possible.

#ReachForChange #ASEBAwards #EcosystemStrengthening #AfricaRisingTogether #ImpactInnovation

Reach for Change partnered with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) Ethiopia for the CoBuild Ethiopia AI Hackathon launch, bringing together young innovators building AI solutions with real impact.

Abel Gebremeskel, Project Officer for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, represented Reach for Change and shared insights from more than 10 years of supporting social entrepreneurs in Ethiopia. He stressed that meaningful progress happens when local innovators gain access to mentorship, networks, and strong learning pathways.

Hackathon participants will access opportunities through our ecosystem support, including: • Mentorship and internship pathways
• Free learning options for selected innovators through Carnegie Mellon University courses

Abel invited founders building education solutions to apply for the ongoing Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, Cohort Three.

Start your application for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eGdJjGFZ

Reach for Change is pleased to be present at the AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola, where leaders from both continents are setting priorities for cooperation grounded in innovation, youth opportunity, and shared prosperity.

The opening ceremony featured messages from H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and H.E. José de Lima Massano, highlighting entrepreneurship as a key driver of collaboration and economic transformation.

Reach for Change is represented by Country Manager Mekdim Gullilat and Partnership Manager Madeleine Rosberg and is hosting an information booth to engage partners and showcase the power of social entrepreneurship.

Our presence at the Summit strengthens partnerships with governments, foundations, and private sector leaders while reinforcing our commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and expanding opportunities for children and youth across Africa and beyond.