Issue 89: Inaugurations & Shutdowns

Welcome to Shega Weekly, your go-to source for the latest updates on Ethiopia’s thriving innovation ecosystem. As we kick off the week, we are excited to bring you a curated collection of captivating stories that provide an in-depth insight into the most recent developments within the local startup scene. So, let’s dive right in!

Africa Digital Summit Held in Capital

The 7th Innovation Africa Digital Summit, centered around the theme “Digital Africa”, was held in Addis Ababa last week. The two-day summit provided a platform for policymakers, regulators, service providers, and major end users from across Africa to come together and cultivate opportunities for collaboration. Read more.

Prominent Ethiopian Online Marketplace, Qefira, Shuts Down Following Acquisition

Qefira, one of Ethiopia’s prominent online marketplaces, has ceased its operations after its new owners made the decision to shut it down. Read more.

Wingu Africa Inaugurates Data Center

Wingu Africa, a prominent new player in Ethiopia’s digital economy catering to data center demands, has inaugurated its facility at ICT Park in Addis Ababa. Read more.

Fintech Startup SantimPay, Berhan Bank Deploy mPOS Devices 

Fintech startup SantimPay has partnered with Berhan Bank to deploy the first mobile-point-of-sale (mPOS) devices accessible to the public in Ethiopia. Read more.

Ethiopian E-commerce Platforms Buy2Go, Zmall Set Sight on Merger, Agri Supply Chain

In a strategic move to consolidate their respective market strengths, two Addis Ababa-based e-commerce platforms, Zmall Delivery and Buy2Go, are initiating a merger and expanding their operations into the agricultural supply chain. Read more.

Ethio-Danish Fintech Startup Jamii.one Raises €200,000 in Just One Day

Jamii.one, a Denmark-based fintech startup serving traditional savings communities in Ethiopia, has announced that it has surpassed its fundraising goal of €200,003 (11.7 million birr) in just one day. Read more.