• helina
• August 24, 2026
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Read this article and discover more content from the series on our Substack: Activating the Float: How to Turn Idle Mobile Wallet Capital into National Wealth Right now, billions of Birr are sitting completely sterile inside the Ethiopian financial system. By law, 100% of the aggregate electronic money float issued by non-bank payment platforms must be backed by cash held …

• helina
• August 15, 2026
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For decades, getting a loan has often meant proving your financial past before anyone considers your financial future. Traditional credit systems depend heavily on credit histories, collateral, income statements, and other records that can be difficult for informal workers, small businesses, farmers, and first-time borrowers to provide. But across Africa, a different model is emerging. AI-powered credit is beginning to …

• helina
• August 11, 2026
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Every day, your smartphone learns something new about you. It knows what catches your attention, where you shop, what time you wake up, how often you travel, and even when you’re likely to make a purchase. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have become remarkably good at understanding human behavior. Now compare that to your bank. Despite managing one of …

• helina
• August 3, 2026
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Last week, Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem reached an important milestone as the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT) hosted the official review session for Ethiopia’s Draft Master Plan for Startup Ecosystem Enhancement. The session was part of the Startup Ecosystem Enhancement (SEE) Project, a three-year initiative led by MInT in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with support from …

• helina
• July 27, 2026
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming one of the defining technologies of our time. From automating businesses and improving healthcare to transforming finance and education, AI is reshaping economies around the world. While much of the conversation has centered around countries like the United States and China, Africa is beginning to carve out its own place in the global AI …

• helina
• July 20, 2026
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When people think about artificial intelligence in finance, they usually picture chatbots, robo-advisors, or customer support. But one of AI’s biggest transformations is happening behind the scenes, in compliance. For decades, compliance has been viewed as a necessary but expensive function. Teams manually reviewed transactions, checked customer identities, screened sanctions lists, and prepared regulatory reports. As financial systems become faster …

• helina
• July 13, 2026
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When people talk about startups, the conversation usually revolves around founders, funding, or the next big idea. But successful startup ecosystems are built on much more than innovative companies. Behind every thriving innovation hub are organizations that provide founders with the tools, knowledge, networks, and support they need to succeed. Incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, mentors, policymakers, and technology platforms all …

• helina
• July 6, 2026
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Digital transformation is reshaping economies around the world. Governments are delivering more public services online, businesses are embracing cloud computing, financial institutions are expanding digital payments, and artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday operations. These advancements are improving efficiency, expanding access to services, and creating new opportunities for economic growth. However, digital progress comes with an equally important responsibility. …

• helina
• June 30, 2026
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Read this article and discover more content from the series on our Substack: Leapfrogging the Honeypot: Why Ethiopia’s Fayda ID Needs a Decentralized Blockchain Future Ethiopia is currently undertaking one of the most ambitious digital transformations in Africa. By 2028, the National ID Program (NIDP) aims to issue a digital ID- known as Fayda, to 90 million citizens and residents. Backed by the …

• helina
• June 22, 2026
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Read this article and discover more content from the series on our Substack: Unlocking Innovation: Why Ethiopia Must Adopt Tiered Fintech Licensing   Ethiopia’s current regulatory landscape for digital financial services is built for giants. Under the cornerstone Payment Instrument Issuer (PII) framework (Directive No. ONPS/09/2023), the regulatory barriers to entry are incredibly high. To issue digital value or run …