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    Enhancing MSME Development in Ethiopia

    A Sustainable Approach to Income and Employment Generation

     
    Introduction

    In the regions of Oromia and Amhara of Ethiopia, the  project is focused on empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the wheat, legume, and honey value chains. Through the promotion of modern agricultural technologies, tailored training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Beekeeping Practices (GBP), and the provision of high-quality seeds and inputs, we aim to significantly improve agro-processing and marketing in these regions.

     
    About the SME Business Loop

     

    Fostering economic growth

     

     

    Our initiative, the “SME Business Loop,” seeks to support the development of MSMEs, especially those led by women and youth, by enhancing their entrepreneurial mindset and business skills. Originally piloted in West Africa, this systematic capacity development program has shown remarkable success in fostering business growth and increasing income and employment opportunities. The SME Business Loop is structured around three core elements: mindset (attitude), skills, and knowledge development, followed by coaching to support the practical application of these skills in real business scenarios.

     
    Reach for Change’s Role

    Reach for Change (RFC) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to unleashing the power of social entrepreneurship to create positive change. Since 2015, we have been working in Ethiopia to foster job creation for youth, empower women economically, and promote innovation in education, with a special focus on climate change and child protection. Our experience in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly in the agricultural value chain, positions us uniquely to lead this project. We have successfully implemented similar initiatives in partnership with organizations like the IKEA Foundation, 

    Through the partnership with the GIC,  we aim to foster sustainable business practices, enhance agricultural productivity, and ultimately contribute to a greener and more inclusive economy in Ethiopia.

    Planned Project Intervention

    The primary goal of this project is to enhance income and employment generation in Oromia and Amhara through the capacity building of selected MSMEs. The project will be implemented using RFC’s well-tested curriculum and will involve 100 MSMEs (50 in each region). The intervention includes:

    Fair and Transparent Selection

    We will call for applications and assess the entrepreneurial skills and training needs of potential participants to ensure a fair selection process.

    Training

    Participants will receive training tailored to their specific needs, focusing on practical, contextually relevant entrepreneurship skills.

    Coaching

    Ongoing coaching will help entrepreneurs apply their new skills to their businesses, with support for linking up with business partners and relevant service providers.

    Facilitating Access to Services

    We will help participants gain access to financial services and other necessary resources to grow their businesses.

    In partnership with