Orbit Innovation Hub has announced an exciting opportunity for young entrepreneurs across Ethiopia to turn their ideas into impactful businesses. Through the SEED (Sustainable Employment through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development) Program, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), this initiative aims to create one million dignified jobs for Ethiopian youth and women over the next five years.
The program is designed to support innovative startups and aspiring entrepreneurs based in Lalibela, Bale Robe, Shire, Adama, Semera and Wolayita Sodo. It targets those working in key sectors such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism and Hospitality, Digital Technology, Health and the Green and Circular Economy. The goal is to nurture new businesses that not only drive economic growth but also contribute to solving real challenges in local communities.
At its core, the SEED Program offers more than just training. It is a comprehensive support system built to strengthen the foundation of new businesses. Selected participants will receive tailored training covering essential topics like design thinking, business modeling, financial planning and management. These learning modules are meant to give young entrepreneurs the knowledge and confidence to grow their ventures sustainably.
In addition to the training, the program provides access to finance, mentorship from experienced professionals and opportunities for networking and market linkage. Participants will also gain business consultation and incubation support to refine their business ideas and scale their operations. The focus is not only on building businesses but also on developing long-term entrepreneurial mindsets that can thrive in Ethiopia’s evolving economy.
Orbit Innovation Hub’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and EDI ensures that the SEED Program has the reach and resources to make a tangible difference. By connecting emerging entrepreneurs with expert mentors, funding avenues and strategic networks, the initiative aims to transform creative ideas into viable businesses that can employ others and contribute to the national economy.
The program is open to individuals or teams of up to three members, with each applicant required to have completed at least a 10th-grade education. Eligible participants must be residents of Ethiopia, aged between 22 and 35, and have a business idea or a startup that has been operating for less than two years. These requirements are designed to ensure inclusivity while targeting youth who have the drive and readiness to take their ideas to the next level.
However, the SEED Program maintains clear ethical boundaries to ensure that supported ventures align with social and economic values. Business ideas related to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, weapons, gambling or explicit content are excluded. The program also does not accept state-owned enterprises or ventures already funded by Orbit Innovation Hub or other Mastercard Foundation-supported initiatives.
For young innovators in Ethiopia, this opportunity could be a life-changing one. The SEED Program is not just about launching startups; it is about unlocking potential and building the next generation of job creators. In regions like Lalibela and Bale Robe where access to entrepreneurial support is often limited, such initiatives represent a pathway toward inclusive economic growth.
As Orbit Innovation Hub continues to expand its reach, the hope is to see more young people equipped with the skills, confidence and support to transform their ideas into thriving businesses. With the collaboration of dedicated partners like the Mastercard Foundation and EDI, the SEED Program is set to empower Ethiopia’s youth to take charge of their futures, one innovative idea at a time.
Applications for the SEED Program are now open, offering a unique chance for aspiring entrepreneurs to join a transformative journey toward employment creation and sustainable development.
