EDI, in Partnership with UNICEF, Expands Youth Entrepreneurship and BDS Capacity Building in Amhara and Tigray

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), in partnership with UNICEF and regional partners, is expanding its entrepreneurship and Business Development Service (BDS) capacity-building programs across multiple regions under the Biqu Wotat / Biqu’e Men’esey program.

In the Amhara Region, EDI conducted a six-day Entrepreneurship Training Workshop (ETW) beginning February 4, 2026, in Bahir Dar, Dessie, and Gondar, reaching over 130 BDS advisors. The training strengthened practical entrepreneurial competencies and enhanced advisors’ capacity to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in the poultry, agribusiness and other sectors.

This was followed by a 10-day Training of Advisors (ToA), which began on February 10, equipping participants with deeper expertise in professional BDS delivery, tailored enterprise support, and ethical advisory practices. Upon certification, these advisors will provide structured support to MSMEs across the region.

In the Tigray Region, the EDI flagship ETW program was launched in Mekelle on February 9, 2026, bringing together 89 youth (aged 18–29) from 22 districts. Organized in collaboration with the Adigrat Catholic Church and One-Stop-Shop Centers under the EDI-UNICEF partnership, the training equips young people with an entrepreneurial mindset, practical business skills, and the confidence to start and grow enterprises. Participants will advance to a 10-day BDS Training of Advisors, after which they will support youth-led enterprises within the Nutrition Value Chain.

The initiative is implemented jointly by EDI, UNICEF, and the Ethiopian Catholic Church, alongside regional and local government structures, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

Looking ahead, the program will expand to the Afar Regional State next week, marking another important step in strengthening youth entrepreneurship ecosystems and expanding access to quality Business Development Services across the country.