Message from HE Roman Tesfaye Abneh;
First Lady of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
On the Global Entrepreneurship Week
Preparing this message to the 6th Celebration of the Global Entrepreneurship Week in Ethiopia; I was asking myself “what would be comparable to Entrepreneurship in its role of transforming economies?” Throughout the years many initiatives and interventions are tried, tested and implemented to alleviate poverty. But I would say; the power of Entrepreneurship to end poverty and pave the way to a prosperous nation is second to none! It is a fighting spirit and a weapon that lives within us and help us to rise above poverty. It is a language of innovators who turn intertwined and complex problems into sustainable solutions. By Innovators I am referring here to each and everyone who realized that behind every problem and gap there are business opportunities and took a step to seize them.
On this year’s celebration of the Global Entrepreneurship Week I would like to congratulate all Ethiopian Entrepreneurs; particularly women who are in this exciting yet challenging journey albeit the difficult conditions surrounding them. If they could achieve so much with so little imagine how much more they could accomplish if we do our work of removing the barriers facing Entrepreneurs!
I am happy to witness that now is the time more than ever the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has demonstrated its firm belief in the role of Entrepreneurship for nation building and economic transformation. Progressive steps are being taken to translate this conviction into practical actions that will create better operating environment for Entrepreneurs. Leveling the regulatory environment, facilitating access to finance, investing in skill development, aggressive promotion and marketing are some of the areas where serious effort is being exerted by the government together with its local and international partners. But if we want to rip the real benefits of entrepreneurship and rewrite the economic history of our nation there is a need to do much more in all directions. We need to address the initial challenges of business startups so that aspiring entrepreneurs are not discouraged and frustrated from the outset. We should provide strong business development service packages throughout the country to increase the chance of success and growth of local businesses. Here; I have very high expectations from the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC). The center needs to work with multipliers that can scale up and maximize its impact. The partnership started within Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) is a key instrument to unleash the entrepreneurial potential of Ethiopians and to encourage more people; particularly women to join the business sector.
In this spirit, it is my firm belief that this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration of our successes and a time to renew our commitment to create better conditions for Entrepreneurs; particularly women.
Roman Tesfaye
First Lady
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia