EDI Bridges Africa-Caribbean Entrepreneurship During GEW 2025

As part of the global celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) hosted a virtual event titled “Reconnecting Roots, Reimagining Futures: Entrepreneurship as a Bridge between Africa and the Caribbean.” Held on November 24, 2025, the high-level webinar convened a diverse group of scholars, practitioners, and changemakers united by a commitment to deepening the historical, cultural, and, crucially, economic ties between the two regions through the lens of entrepreneurship.

The session commenced with remarks from Hassan Hussein (PhD), CEO of EDI, who set the stage by emphasizing the critical role of cross-regional dialogue. He highlighted how Africa and the Caribbean, sharing a profound history, are increasingly exploring shared opportunities for mutual economic and social transformation, making this collaboration timely and essential.

The webinar featured two distinguished academic experts from the University of the West Indies (UWI): Claudius Fergus (PhD), a Lecturer in History and a member of the Trinidad & Tobago National Committee on Reparations; and Priscilla Bahaw(PhD) a Lecturer in Entrepreneurship.

Dr. Fergus opened the duscussion by underscoring the deep historical connections that bind Africa and the Caribbean. He powerfully noted that entrepreneurship has historically served as a vital mechanism for reclaiming identity, building resilience, and advancing economic empowerment across both continents. He emphasized that this rich, shared cultural heritage is not merely a historical footnote but a robust foundation upon which stronger, sustainable economic ties can be built today.

Following this, Dr. Bahaw provided an insightful perspective on the current entrepreneurial landscape. She outlined the common challenges faced by business owners in both regions, such as limited access to finance, fragmented markets, and technological disparities. Crucially, she balanced this by highlighting their shared strengths and identifying significant areas of opportunity. Dr. Bahaw further stressed that entrepreneurship acts as a powerful bridge between research, technology, and knowledge, enabling the innovation-driven collaborations necessary for sustainable development in both geographies.

The formal presentations transitioned into a dynamic Q&A session, fostering lively engagement between the speakers and a global audience spanning various countries in Africa and the Caribbean. Participants raised vital questions concerning diaspora collaboration the critical role of youth entrepreneurship, the potential of digital innovation, and a collective vision for the future of Africa–Caribbean partnerships.

In his closing remarks, Mr.boru Shana the Deputy CEO of EDI emphasized the importance of leveraging shared heritage as a foundation for long-term collaboration. He noted that by identifying and strengthening the common cultural capital between Africa and the Caribbean, both regions can design transformative programs that evolve into strong, sustainable partnerships. He further stressed that such joint initiatives will play a vital role in expanding and enhancing the Africa–Caribbean entrepreneurship ecosystem, fostering deeper cooperation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

The event reaffirmed EDI’s commitment to facilitating global connections that not only strengthen Ethiopia’s national entrepreneurial ecosystem but also broaden international partnerships. By providing this platform for meaningful exchange, EDI continues to champion conversations that inspire innovation, solidarity, and shared growth across continents.