Addis Ababa: The priority given to Ethiopia's startup ecosystem and the changes in terms of policy and investment are commendable, according to the Ethiopian Association of Startup Ecosystem (EASE). In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ethiopian Association of Startup Ecosystem (EASE) General Manager Nebiyou Yirga said the startup ecosystem used to be a bit fragmented and nobody shared any kind of information. 'What we are now demonstrating is that the ecosystem is not built by one person. It has to be built by a lot of people and there is no single owner of the ecosystem. It is owned by everybody.' Finding the gaps in the ecosystem and solving problems with all the ecosystem players, parties and the government are essential steps, he added. For the general manager, considering all the innovations and startup ecosystems in other continents 'we are late, but we have started at last; and it is good.' According to him, the startuppers have now learned that there are going to be some changes in the ecosystem; and they are optimistic to see the good effects of the changes that are being promoted. In addition to praising the very good start in the ecosystem, Nebiyou hopes to see the effect of the policy and the kind of investments in the ecosystem. The Ministry of Innovation and Technology reaffirmed recently that the government is making a concerted effort to foster a startup-friendly atmosphere in the country by offering essential resources, including funding, workspace, and technical assistance. Efforts will be intensified to help startups enter the market as their contribution to job creation, productivity in agriculture, industry, and tourism, among others, is crucial, it noted. In a recent post on X, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also wrote that 'Startup Ethiopia aims to cultivate an environment conducive to youth entrepreneurship, fostering innovative problem-solving businesses. Recognizing the youth as the nation's engine brimming with innovative ideas, policy support for the ecosystem is vital to translate these ideas into reality.' Recall that a three-week 'Startup Ethiopia Exhibition' opened at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa on April 4, 2024 with the goal of fostering business connections, providing resources, and showcasing the innovation of participants in the ecosystem. The exhibition was a national event hosting over 900 participating startups engaged in various fields, including information technology, agriculture, health, education, industry and finance. Source: Ethiopian News Agency