Building Entrepreneurial TVET Institutions for resilient and Innovative Ethiopia

Introduction

As part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), Mohas Consult, together with the Poultry Industry Center of Excellence (PICE), the Bureau of Labor and Skills (BoLS), the Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS), and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), organized an event focused on strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
The event brought together representatives from TVET colleges, BoLS, FTI, PICE, and members of the private sector, fostering a platform to discuss opportunities, challenges, and pathways for empowering TVET graduates through entrepreneurship.

Opening Session

Mr. Admasu from PICE opened the session by welcoming all participants and acknowledging the importance of collaborative efforts in supporting the entrepreneurship agenda. His remarks highlighted the commitment of PICE to advancing entrepreneurial thinking within its institutional framework.
Keynote Presentation

Mr. Nega from BoLS delivered a keynote presentation focusing on “The Direction of TVET Towards Entrepreneurship.”
His presentation explored:
•    Policy-level efforts to elevate entrepreneurship within TVET
•    The need for mindset shifts among trainees and instructors
•    The role of institutions in preparing graduates for self-employment and innovation-driven careers
Panel Discussion

A diverse and experienced panel provided valuable perspectives on the role of TVET and institutions in nurturing entrepreneurs. The panelists were:
1) Abel H/Giorgis – Entrepreneur
•    Presented his entrepreneurial journey and showcased his MVP product, the Bamboo Hybrid Bicycle.
•    Emphasized the importance of focus, discipline, and clarity throughout the entrepreneurial journey.
•    Highlighted the role of innovation in addressing local challenges.
2) Dagmawi – Incubation Center Director, FTI
•    Addressed the curriculum gaps within TVET that hinder entrepreneurial development.
•    Stressed the need for incubation support, mentorship, and practical exposure for graduates.
•    Recommended harmonizing curriculum with real industry needs.
3) Dagmawi – Instructor, General Wingate TVET College
•    Discussed the foundational role of self-awareness and mindset in entrepreneurship.
•    Highlighted the economic importance of entrepreneurship for national growth.
•    Shared insights from Israel’s rise as a startup nation, showcasing the power of creativity and resilience.
4) Teshome – PICE
•    Reflected on PICE’s transitions and strategic readiness to become an entrepreneurial institution.
•    Emphasized the importance of institutional culture and leadership commitment.

Key Outcomes

The event generated strong discussions and actionable insights, including:
•    Recognition of the need for updated and practical TVET curricula aligned with entrepreneurship.
•    The importance of incubation centers and institutional support systems.
•    The essential role of mindset development for trainees and instructors.
•    A strong shared commitment among institutions to strengthen collaboration and ecosystem building.
Conclusion

The GEW event successfully created a collaborative platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and identify pathways to enhance entrepreneurship within the TVET sector.
Mohas Consult expresses its gratitude to all partners—PICE, BoLS, MoLS, and EDI—for their invaluable contributions and to all participants for their active engagement. As a registered GEW activity, the event proudly contributed to the global movement promoting entrepreneurship as a driver of innovation, job creation, and economic growth.