Addis Ababa, July 20, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s newly approved Startup Proclamation is set to transform citizens’ creative ideas into tangible results and accelerate the country’s shift toward an innovation-driven economy, according to Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla.
The House of People’s Representatives passed the proclamation during its second emergency session on Thursday, marking a key milestone in efforts to build a strong national startup ecosystem.
Minister Belete noted that the proclamation is a strategic move to support Ethiopia’s multi-sectoral economic growth by making creativity and innovation central pillars of national development—complementing the country’s traditional economic sectors.
Designed to create a favorable environment for startups, the new legal framework aims to unleash the potential of Ethiopian youth and empower them to play a more active role in shaping the country’s future. The minister emphasized that the proclamation not only tackles long-standing challenges in the startup space but also opens new avenues for aspiring entrepreneurs to seize emerging opportunities.
“It provides a legal foundation to convert innovative ideas into impactful businesses,” Belete said, adding that the move positions Ethiopia to compete more effectively on the global startup stage.
In addition to fostering homegrown innovation, Mr. Belete told local news agency ENA that the proclamation is expected to pave the way for the growth of large-scale technology companies within the country.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring its successful implementation and supporting the next generation of innovators.
Belete concluded by underscoring that the new proclamation will help Ethiopia become a competitive player in the global digital and innovation economy.