Losing Sight Didn't Stop His Vision: Dinsefa Misbah's GEW 2025 Award-Winning Journey Enhances Paving the Way for Progress: A Story for IDPD 2025

On the eve of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, 2025, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) proudly showcases the exceptional journey of Dinsefa Misbah. His story of unyielding determination perfectly embodies this year’s IDPD theme: “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”

Known as “The Invincible”, 33-year-old Dinsefa, an Addis Ababa resident, has transformed profound personal loss into inspiring leadership. After years of hard work, he tragically lost his sight by age 30 due to occupational hazards in the traditional cloth ironing business. The devastating setback led to months of isolation, but his mother’s simple yet profound wish to see him live an independent life—ignited his fierce resolve to reclaim his future.

Dinsefa's path to recovery began with vocational training in leather manufacturing through ECDD’s Tila Project. Starting with a modest capital of 1,200 ETB, his very first products were two pairs of shoes—one for himself and one for his mother.

“When he got home and presented the shoes to his mother, he felt joy through her tears and her joyful sound with an echo: ‘You made it.’”

This emotional triumph marked his rebirth. The key turning point came with a crucial 150,000 ETB loan facilitated by the Tila Project, which empowered him to scale his operation significantly.

Today, Dinsefa’s thriving leather business is valued at over 350,000 ETB. It is far more than just a successful enterprise; it is a commitment to building an inclusive economic model. Dinsefa actively trains other youth, including people with disabilities, solidifying his workshop as a center for skill development and opportunity.

As part of the GEW 2025 event, Dinsefa also shared his powerful narrative at the EDI Story Night (Fireside Chat) on November 23, 2025, titled "Voices of Resilience." His account resonated deeply, teaching many about the indomitable power of perseverance.

Dinsefa’s impactful journey received national acclaim when he was officially honored as the Promising Entrepreneur with Disability of the Year at the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025 Ethiopia closing ceremony on November 27, 2025, in Addis Ababa. This prestigious recognition celebrates his success as a powerful role model within Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem.

His bold vision remains clear: to expand his workshop into a dedicated training hub, creating stable employment opportunities for vulnerable communities, especially persons with disabilities.

Dinsefa Misbah’s story is a reminder that disability is not a barrier to ambition or success. It showcases how targeted support, coupled with personal resilience, can transform lives and contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive and prosperous society. EDI celebrates Dinsefa and champions all entrepreneurs who are building a more inclusive Ethiopia.