The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia (MinT) are kicking off the NINIJA acceleration program with six Ethiopian startups landing 500,000 birr in funding.

The program, which aims to support exceptional startups that address social issues and contribute to economic growth and employment in Ethiopia, selected Taywan, Fibermart Trading, Gebeta Software, Guzo Technologies, Sehamch, and Wecare from around 100 applicants.

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As part of the program, these startups will undergo Proof of Concept (PoC) with JICA and receive four months of business development training. Additionally, the selected startups will fly to Japan in mid-2023 to receive a knowledge co-creation program.

JICA and MinT are officially opening the program on April 7, 2023, with an event titled “Ethiopia Acceleration Program Kickoff & Pitch Event.” Please register here.

As an element of Project NINJA (Next Innovation with Japan), the event aims to draw investors and companies from Japan and across the globe, as well as those with an interest in Africa. Participating startups will have the opportunity to refine their business plans based on audience questions and feedback.

Co-organized by JICA, MinT, and implementing partner Renew Capital, the event is slated to take place between 9 am-11:30 am (EAT), and 3 pm-5:00 pm (JPT). The agenda features opening remarks, a panel discussion on Ethiopian startups, pitches from the six startups, and a voting session by online attendees to determine the top startup.

The Ethiopia NINJA Acceleration Program, a collaborative effort between JICA and MinT, aims to enhance the startup environment by providing entrepreneurs with training, funding access, and connections to essential resources.