There are moments when a continent feels united. The African Startup Ecosystem Builders Awards at GEW Ethiopia 2025 was one of those moments. As guests arrived the air was filled with celebration and purpose. It was a night dedicated to applauding the individuals and organisations who are shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial rise through dedication collaboration and vision.
The ceremony showed how much impact a strong and connected ecosystem can have on entrepreneurs and how these efforts are laying a foundation for economic growth across Africa. By recognising leaders who support startups, build networks and champion innovation, the event highlighted a future where African entrepreneurship can grow with confidence and shared purpose.
The awards ceremony focused strongly on the positive change ecosystem builders are creating. Their work is helping entrepreneurs access the right support, funding, training and mentorship which are all essential for sustained success. The event showed that when ecosystem players collaborate, the result is a healthier and more productive environment for startups to thrive.
Celebrating Impact Across the Continent
The ceremony opened with remarks from Sally Njoh speaking on behalf of ASEB. She reminded the audience that “ecosystem builders are the backbone of Africa’s innovation story,” setting the tone for a night centered on appreciation and purpose. Her message was followed by words of support from special guests including Ms. Zamimou Ahamadi, Vice President of the Departmental Council of Mayotte and Dr. Philasande Sokhela from Johannesburg Business School.
A powerful keynote by Mekdim Gullilat, Country Manager of Reach for Change, highlighted how a strong and connected ecosystem can transform entrepreneurship in Africa. His remarks supported the core message of the evening: when people who build ecosystems work together, entrepreneurs benefit and entire communities move forward.
Ethiopia’s growing presence in the startup space was made clear through its impressive wins across several categories. Kazana Group took home Startup Financing Initiative of the Year, showing the country’s rising capability in investment readiness and financial support. Iceaddis was named Incubator of the Year, continuing its reputation as a strong local innovation hub. Henok Asefa earned Angel Investor of the Year, while Melela Partners won Startup Service Provider of the Year. Afomia Andualem was celebrated as Woman in STEAM of the Year, representing Ethiopia’s expanding talent pipeline in science and technology.
Beyond Ethiopia, the ceremony recognised talent from across Africa. Cindy Sibanda from Botswana and Chantal Claassen from Namibia shared the award for Startup Mentor of the Year. Rwanda’s Inkomoko secured Social Entrepreneurship Support Initiative of the Year. Growth Accelerator Malawi was named Ecosystem Collaboration Champion. Youth Startup Ecosystem Builder Champion of the Year went to Abigail Epongseh MBA’AH MBATU from Cameroon. The Immigrant Ecosystem Builder Champion of the Year award was jointly received by Olatokunbo Ige (Nigeria to Togo) and Amadou Daffe (Senegal to Ethiopia). The top honor in ecosystem building, Startup Ecosystem Builder Champion of the Year, was jointly awarded to Ethiopia’s Abenazzer B Tadese and Namibia’s Silas Newaka.
Honouring Leaders Who Built the Foundation
The evening reached its peak with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Hassen Hussien, CEO of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, honored Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin for her groundbreaking work in entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa. Her contributions have shaped policy, inspired new ventures and empowered countless innovators. For many in attendance, this recognition served as a reminder of what long-term commitment to ecosystem building can achieve.
The ceremony also gave special recognition to Reach for Change and the E4Impact Foundation, two organisations that continue to deliver meaningful support to entrepreneurs across the continent. Their consistent work reflects the theme of the evening: collaboration, impact and dedication.
As the event came to a close, Addisu Deresse, Lead LOC, delivered a message of gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of GEW Ethiopia 2025. His remarks led into a networking session where guests connected, shared ideas and discussed future collaborations. This final part of the evening brought the purpose of the awards to life. It showed that celebrating excellence is not only about recognition but also about inspiring even more action.
The event was organised by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), Rise Addis Podcast, the Ethiopian Association of Startup Ecosystem (EASE), the Ethiopian Entrepreneurs Association and Velocity Marketing. Through efforts like this, GEW Ethiopia 2025 continues to strengthen the entrepreneurial landscape and encourage ecosystem builders who are shaping a more innovative and prosperous Africa.
