Unlocking Rural Opportunity: Fana Youth Cooperative Expands Finance Access for Young Entrepreneurs in Hiwane

Fana Youth Saving and Credit Cooperative has officially launched a new branch in Hiwane, taking a major step toward expanding rural finance access for emerging young entrepreneurs. The inauguration was held in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025, with both organizations promoting the event under the global theme “Together We Build.” The event gathered local government leaders, cooperative members, youth founders, and community representatives, showcasing strong grassroots commitment to inclusive economic growth. Addressing participants, Mr. Kahsay Hailu, Member of the Board of Directors, underscored that limited access to finance remains a major barrier for rural entrepreneurs. He emphasized that cooperatives are key to changing this reality by providing affordable credit, structured savings schemes, and mentorship support that allow young innovators to start, grow, and strengthen their enterprises. He also acknowledged EDI as a key partner in bringing expert entrepreneurial coaching to the community. The launch program also highlighted the importance of community partnerships, entrepreneurial coaching, and stakeholder collaboration to build a thriving rural business ecosystem. The new Hiwane branch is expected to become a gateway for accessible finance, enterprise support, and youth-driven innovation, enabling the next generation of rural entrepreneurs to turn local ideas into sustainable businesses. Fana Youth Saving and Credit Cooperative and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute reiterated their shared commitment to ensuring that young people in Hiwane have the financial tools and business knowledge to succeed.