GEW-2025: Mekelle Discussion Unpacks Success of SME-LOOP Program

In a pivotal event marking Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with several key regional stakeholders, hosted a critical one-day discussion in Mekelle. The session, held at the Aksum Hotel on November 5, 2025, brought together leaders and experts to thoroughly review the achievements and capture the lessons learned from the impactful SME-LOOP Business Training and Coaching Program. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to fostering a resilient and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. The discussion began with a series of detailed and illuminating presentations from the core partners and beneficiaries. Representatives from EDI, the Tigray Chamber of Commerce, Mekelle University, the Technical Vocational Training (TVT) Bureau, the Job Creation Bureau, and the Industry Bureau all took the floor. They collectively shared compelling data, testimonials, and success stories from local entrepreneurs, highlighting the tangible positive effects of the SME-LOOP intervention in strengthening Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The presentations emphasized improvements in financial management, market access, and the successful adoption of digital tools by the trained businesses. The final segment of the session was dedicated to a collaborative exercise focused on capturing the lessons learned from the program's implementation. This crucial step aimed to identify best practices, address ongoing implementation challenges, and inform future strategies for private sector development and job creation. The insights gathered are essential for enhancing the sustainability and scalability of entrepreneurial support programs, ensuring that the successful model.