Strengthening Entrepreneurial Resilience Through Psychosocial Support

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation through the SEED Program, concluded the third round of the Psychosocial Support Training of Trainers (ToT) on March 2, 2026, in Addis Ababa. Spanning eight intensive days from February 23 to March 2, 2026, the session equipped 21 professionals with the specialized skills necessary to fortify psychosocial support systems within their respective communities and institutions.

The program was designed to provide participants with a robust toolkit for trauma-informed care, stress management, and resilience-building. By addressing these psychological foundations, the initiative seeks to enhance a healthier and more productive entrepreneurial ecosystem, recognizing that mental well-being is critical for sustainable economic participation and business longevity. Through a blend of interactive workshops and practical simulations, trainers were prepared to cascade these essential mental health strategies to the wider community.

A highlight of the week-long program was a visit from the Honorable Dr. Negeri Lencho, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, Employment, and Technology Affairs in the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives. During the visit, Dr. Negeri underscored the strategic importance of integrating mental health and psychosocial support into the national entrepreneurship framework, noting that economic development is inseparable from the psychological readiness of the workforce.

Participants expressed high praise for the program’s depth, emphasizing its dual impact on their professional capabilities and personal growth. As the SEED program continues to scale, EDI remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate an empowered, resilient society where entrepreneurs are supported not just in their financial endeavors, but in their holistic well-being.