EDI and University of Gondar Launch strategic partnership to install University championed Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), in partnership with the University of Gondar, officially launched a 10-day intensive Training of Trainers (ToT) for the Entrepreneurship Training Workshop (ETW) on February 7, 2026, in Gondar.

The training aims to equip 32 academic staff over the next 10 days providing a rigorous training led by senior EDI experts, designed to certify them as entrepreneurship mentors.

The program was implemented as part of EDIs Program Model for the Entrepreneurial Universities in Ethiopia which aims in Turning Universities into Hubs for Entrepreneurship and Innovation by installing entrepreneurialism as the core driving mission.

Representing the Vice President for Research and Collaboration, Dr. Misaye Mulate opened the program by emphasizing the strategic importance of the initiative. He noted that the training is a cornerstone of the university’s ongoing transformation into a regional hub for creativity.

"This ToT is not merely about teaching entrepreneurship; it is about building a sustainable culture of Entrepreneurship and innovation," Dr. Misaye stated. "By empowering our faculty to become trainers, we are building the foundation of our future. Their leadership will be the driving force behind the university’s goal to stand as a national Center of Excellence in Innovation and creativity."

Dr. Misaye also extended his appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation at the University of Gondar for its instrumental role in facilitating the program.

In his keynote address, Mr. Boru Shana, Deputy CEO of the EDI, stressed the national relevance of the training, explaining that the collaboration seeks to embed innovation in universities and shift learning from theory-based teaching to practical, mindset-focused growth.

"This training will help to strengthen the critical role of higher education in realizing Ethiopia’s ambitious economic aspirations," Mr. Boru remarked. Embedding entrepreneurship in education goes beyond supplying skilled talent to industry; it is about positioning education as a central driver of national economic growth.

Upon successful completion and certification, the trainers will be responsible for cascading the program throughout the institution, bridging the gap between academic theory and national economic development.