We work towards a brighter future for children and youth in Ethiopia
About us
We choose change
Ethiopia boasts a significant youth population, offering a pool of talent, energy, and innovative ideas that can drive social ventures and initiatives forward. Many Ethiopians have already demonstrated their ability to innovate and develop impactful solutions to local challenges, showcasing the potential for social entrepreneurship to flourish. Reach for Change is ready to embrace this potential to drive positive change and tackle the country's most pressing issues.
Learn more
People behind change
Unleash the power of social entrepreneurs
The world is full of remarkable people who carry brilliant solutions to social problems. Since 2015 we have been empowering these people in Ethiopia to develop innovative solutions and to create a world where all children reach their full potential.
Learn moreOur impact
Since 2015, we have been empowering local social entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that improve the lives of children and youth.
352.264
children and youth impacted
Over 1000
entrepreneurs supported in our different programs
91%
of our Alumni are still in business
Our programs in Ethiopia
Get to know what we do.
Building Waste and Circular Enterprises
A three-year program consisting of two main components: the Green Business Incubator and the Green Innovation Lab. The program aims to develop an ecosystem that can support the growth of waste management and circular enterprises. Each component has specific focus areas and delivery approaches.
WITH the IKEA Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
A 3-year catalytic acceleration program designed to bridge the education gap for underserved young people in Ethiopia. Within the program we will support 3 cohorts, each comprising 12 growth-stage enterprises with tech-enabled solutions designed to increase access to inclusive learning opportunities for children and young people in Ethiopia to scale their impact.
WITH the Mastercard Foundation
Fostering economic growth and creating employment opportunities in Oromia and Amhara Regions
The project is dedicated to implementation of micro, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSME) business training and coaching loop in the identified project areas of GIC, with a particular focus on empowering women. Our approach involves enhancing the capabilities of selected MSMEs through transparent and equitable processes, including training, coaching, facilitating business linkages, and granting access to essential services such as financial support.
WITH GIZ
Amplifying the voices of female entrepreneurs
A collaborative project with one of the award-winning radio shows in Ethiopia. Within the project 5 interviews with notable women within the business/social sector in Ethiopia will be broadcasted, inspiring women and girls in urban and rural areas to pursue an entrepreneurial career.
With Swedish Institute & Erq Ma'ed
News from Ethiopia
Here we bring you the stories and updates that matter most.
Capacity development Impact
Catalyzing Green Business
Since 2021, Reach for Change, with the support of the IKEA Foundation, has been implementing a pilot project in Ethiopia aimed at inspiring young people to establish green enterprises. This innovative approach has been delivered in collaboration with four higher education institutions in Addis Ababa, consisting of two TVETs (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and two universities. The pilot has yielded valuable learnings and insights, including the implementation of a Green Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and a Green Innovation Lab.
Change Leader Story
Staying true to your dreams and identity against all odds
After all the challenges Hamere is now one of the most successful women in Addis Ababa, an example and inspiration for others. Hamere’s dream is to help children rediscover traditional values, bring out their talents and foster a culture of peace, tolerance, and respect.
Blogpost
Creating a green and equal future through social entrepreneurship: The case of Ethiopia
As developing economies like Ethiopia face the biggest challenges in the world with youth unemployment, high levels of inequality, and are the ones feeling the impact of the changing climate the most, we asked Lemlem to reflect on how social entrepreneurship is an important tool to tackle them and to share some of the inspiring examples and lessons learned from her work.
by Lemlem Sinkineh, Country Manager Ethiopia
Engage with us.
Tailored support, when it matters the most.
Partner up with us