SEED Program Disburses Over Birr 2.2 Billion, Powering 10,000+ Ethiopian Enterprises in Two Years

The Sustainable Employment through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED) Program, an initiative led by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is celebrating a monumental two-year achievement in accelerating financial inclusion across Ethiopia.

The program has reached a key milestone. In collaboration with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), the SEED Program has successfully disbursed over Birr 2.2 billion to 10,22O new and existing Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and innovative startups nationwide as of September 2025.

This significant access to finance stands as clear evidence of the programme’s commitment to enhancing a vibrant, dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. The vast majority of these funds specifically over Birr 2.19 billion was disbursed as essential loans to 9,920 new and existing enterprises through CBE, providing the critical capital for expansion, job creation, and sustainable growth. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of nurturing disruptive ideas, the SEED Program strategically deployed Birr 67.7 million in grant funding to 300 innovative startups, positioning them to scale and drive technological and market advancements.

As EDI prepares to celebrate the two-year accomplishment of this transformative program, we invite all stakeholders and partners to acknowledge the progress made on multiple fronts. While the access to finance component remains a vital pillar, the program’s full impact extends far beyond financial metrics.

This comprehensive approach includes the transformation of Technical and Vocational Training (TVT) institutions, the enhancement of youth entrepreneurial skills, and the improvement of the enabling environment for entrepreneurship nationwide.

In the coming weeks, EDI will share more detailed reports highlighting the comprehensive progress being made toward the program’s ultimate goal: creating one million dignified and fulfilling jobs for Ethiopians.