Spotlight Ethio Digital Magazine: Issue 1 : simplebooklet.com

INSIDESPOTLIGHT ETHIOVOLUME1 ISSUE 1CONTENTS03THE FIRST DIGITAL EQUB APPpg. 03 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMFEBRUARY 2022INSIDEA traditional savings method with a modern twist. ETHIOPIA’S FIRST MORTGAGE BANKHow Goh Betoch Bank is making is easier to own a home. pg. 04HOTEL PICKSpg. 05pg. 06AFRICA’S TOP 10 WEALTHIEST COUNTRIESEthiopia ranks 7th and moved up the list after recent reforms.pg. 07SELF-DEVELOPMENT GUIDE: GOAL SETTINGEvery start of the year signifies another long list of new year’s resolutions – this is how to actually stick to them.pg. 08DINING PICKSThe Ethio Locate app is making it easier to find your next travel spot.ETHIO LOCATE APPpg. 09Ethiopia’s capital city jumped 197 spots on the Global Startup Ecosystem Index.ADDIS ABABA’S STARTUP ECOSYSTEMpg. 10pg. 11SANTYM: A NEW BORDERLESS BANKThe bank will enable Ethiopians and Africans to access USD and cryptocurrencies.Our selection of Top 5 Leaders and the results they produced within their business ventures.BUSINESS LEADERSpg. 12FEATURE STORY: DR. MEHRET MANDEFROpg. 13pg. 15A selection of four trailblazers across the African continent.AROUND AFRICApg. 16EVENTS TO WATCHpg. 17ACHIEVERSOur selection of Top 5 Achiever’s in their respective fields.pg. 18DIAMOND CLASSpg. 20CONTACT

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10STARTUP STORYThe “eQUB” app is blending modern technology and traditional savings practices to create a more refined approach to credit access. Equb is a traditional form of group savings where people agree to contribute a certain amount every month into a "pot", which is distributed on a rotating basis. The eQUB app operates with a similar model offering a digitized approach with several impressive features, giving users access to larger groups of people. Established by trust and sustained by commitment, eQUB is a social solution to finance. The eQUB app is currently available on Google Play Store with an Apple Store version coming soon. The startup is led by Yohana Ermias (Chief Technology Officer) and Alexander Hizikias (Chief Executive Officer). MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL: ETHIOPIA’S FIRST DIGITAL EQUB 03FEBRUARY 2022 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM

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12INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITYEthiopia's first private mortgage bank, Goh Betoch Bank SC, has received its license from the financial sector supervisory body and has officially begun operations.The mortgage bank will facilitate home ownership and address the home financing shortages in Addis Ababa and other urban cities. The bank will primarily target medium and low income households to become homeowners in major cities of the country.Goh Betoch Bank will provide financial loans for purchase, construction, repair and improvement of residential homes based on the needs of the borrowers.Also, the institution recently donated 1.5 million Birr for the rehabilitation of elderly people's homes in the city.Established by 6,658 founding shareholders, the bank joined Ethiopia’s financial sector with 1.1 billion Birr signed and 521.5 million Birr paid up capital.ETHIOPIA’S FIRST PRIVATE MORTGAGE BANK 04FEBRUARY 2022 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM

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11ECONOMIC UPDATEIn recent years, Ethiopia has opened its hard-fastened economy to international investors through deals in Ethio Telecom and other state-owned entities. Ethiopia ranks 7th and takes Angola’s place from last year’s list as the latter fell to the bottom of Africa’s wealthiest countries ranked by GDP.The Top 10 list:1. Nigeria – $514.05 billion2. Egypt – $394.28 billion3. South Africa – $329.53 billion4. Algeria – $151.46 billion5. Morocco – $124 billion6. Kenya – $106.04 billion7. Ethiopia – $93.97 billion8. Ghana – $74.26 billion9. Cote d'Ivoire – $70.99 billion10. Angola – $66.49 billionETHIOPIA RANKED 7TH WEALTHIEST AFRICAN COUNTRY 06FEBRUARY 2022 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM

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SELF-DEVELOPMENT TOOLS08Every start of the year signifies another long list of new year’s resolutions made by almost everyone. However, in reality, it’s common to realize that very few of those resolutions end up being completed once the end of the year rolls around.In 2022, it’s time to make a change. Say goodbye to that despairing process of creating a long list of resolutions without having a plan of checking them off of your list. This START Goal-Setting method will help you set your desired goals and achieve them based on your ideal timeline.1. Set your Priorities.To aim for your goal, you need to know first if what you're aiming to achieve is worth achieving. Take this time to get a notepad and list all the things you want to prioritize this year. It could be a hobby, career, lifestyle, or something you are passionate about doing. Be as specific as you can be in making your list. After creating your list, trim it down to the most important ones.2. Translate your list into PlansIt’s good to know your priorities, but you need to have a concrete plan on how you’re going to hit those goals.From your list, create a simple plan on how you’re going to come up with that goal. It doesn’t have to be that complex. Start with the easiest and smallest step possible. The most important thing that could happen in your goal is to progress. So, start small, plan, and enjoy the journey.3. Determine a Timeline.According to Robert Herjavec, a goal without a timeline is just a dream. Yes, it’s essential to have goals in life. However, it’s especially vital to set a timeline for those goals as well. This will give you an idea of how far or near you are to reaching your desired goal. In setting a time frame, make sure that it’s logical and attainable based on your current status. Set a realistic timeline and respect it to make your goals come to life.4. Review your Process.It’s imperative to check your overall process after creating it. Go through your priority list, action plans, and timeline. Check on it, assess, and dare to revise what’s appropriate for you. It’s also effective if you take time to revisit and review your process periodically throughout the year.5. Take Action.It’s when the rubber meets the road. If a goal without a timeline is a dream, then a goal without action is just a thought. No matter how good your goals, plans, and timelines are, if you are not going to take action, everything will be in vain.Final ThoughtsThe possibility of becoming successful this 2022 lies in how you will start the year. There’s nothing more fulfilling than building a habit that improves your direction in life. With the help of the START Goal Setting method, you will have a higher chance of fulfilling your dream and becoming the person you want to be. 07FEBRUARY 2022 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMSET ATTAINABLE GOALS IN 2022

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT08Union Cocktail Bar & RestaurantThe Canteen Restaurant & GrillAfrica Avenue, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaUnion offers an explicit view and ambiance of the Addis Ababa metropolitan. They also provide an exceptional dining experience with top of the line food and beverages.Meskel Flower area behind Waterfall Hotel, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaAll dishes at Canteen are freshly made and the menu includes tasty grilled chicken, pulled meat, home-made sausages, rich paninis, and a variety of pizzas.Airport Road, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaKnown as one of the traditional restaurants in the country, customers often enjoy authentic specialty kitfo and tej along with a live show of traditional performances during dinner.Dessalech KitfoCameroon Street, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaTheir meat and vegan dishes are prepared with a variety of unique spices, which lend an unforgettable outstanding aspect to its out of the ordinary cuisine. Kategna RestaurantDINING PICKS

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STARTUP STORY04You can download their app on the Google Play Store and visit their website to uncover the best places to eat, drink, and shop nearest to you.The Ethio Locate app is making it easier to find your next travel spot. Founded by Yishak Amdeselassie, Ethio Locate is a travel guide platform that helps users find locations and builds digital profiles for businesses to advertise their services and products online.Users can locate guest houses, museums, parks, hotels and restaurants in cities across the country and discover nearby places, ratings and reviews in multiple languages.The team at Ethio Locate began working on the platform due to the personal struggles they faced. Similarly, tourists coming from other parts of the globe have also faced similar challenges.In response, the platform provides a universal solution and fills the inconvenience gap by offering customers “organized and filtered digital data” in a single place. ETHIO LOCATE: POWERING LOCAL DIGITAL SOLUTIONS 09FEBRUARY 2022 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM

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ECONOMIC UPDATE Addis Ababa ranks 495th in StartupBlink’s 2021 Global Ecosystem Index Report, registering a significant jump of 197 spots from last year. Addis Ababa is the only city representing Ethiopia in the global top 1000 and is the 4th highest ranking city in Eastern Africa. According to StartupBlink, Addis Ababa is an ideal place to locate for Energy & Environment, Foodtech and Transportation startups. Additionally, Ethiopia as a country has jumped 5 spots to secure its position in theglobal top 100.07ADDIS ABABA JUMPED 197 SPOTS ON GLOBAL STARTUP ECOSYSTEM INDEX IN 2021 10FEBRUARY 2022 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM

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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY 11Santym is a borderless bank that allows Ethiopians and Africans to open a USD bank account as well as a Bitcoin and Stablecoin wallet.Santym customers are able to receive USD from 150 countries by Wire and ACH, as well as Bitcoin and Stablecoins. Santym also allows users to change their dollars to cryptocurrencies in the platform.Users can open a business or personal account, allowing importers/exporters, travel agents, software developers, or anyone who does international business and/or needs access to a U.S. bank account with optional cryptocurrency integration.The platform will also add new functionalities to include a Debit Card feature and interest-earning accounts with 4-12% APY. There are no fees to open an account or hold currencies, and there is no minimum balance required. You can visit their website to join the waiting list. The startup is founded by two Ethiopian entrepreneurs, Mathias Abdissa and Yeabsra Hailu. FROM USD TO CRYPTO: ETHIOPIA’S NEW BORDERLESS BANKFEBRUARY 2022 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM

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12TOP LEADERSTOP LEADERSSARA NURUAs a social entrepreneur, model, speaker, and author, Sara is known for her drive to step out of her comfort zone. Through nuruCoffee, she aims to create awareness of sustainable consumption, help local farmers, and reinvest the profits into women’s projects that enable Ethiopian women to implement their business ideas and lead a self-determined existence. “I am driven by Ethiopia, the country of my parents, and the desire to show it from a new perspective. And to enable women in particular to have a self-determined existence.”“Running a business always comes with challenges whether it is in Ethiopia or anywhere else in the world. Nevertheless, I believe what makes Ethiopia different is that the market is still at the early stages but it is growing fast.”TSEDAY ASRATTseday is the founder and Managing Director of Ethiopia’s largest coffee shop chain, Kaldi's Coffee. The store chain operates in more than 35 shops in Addis Abba and other cities in Ethiopia. It is said that whenever Kaldi’s open a branch, they select one outstanding Grade 8 student from an underprivileged family and provides them with a private school education.HABTAMU TADESSEHabtamu is the Founder and CEO of ZayRide, one of the pioneer ride-hailing platforms in Ethiopia. He has since branched out to the fintech sector and founded Arifpay, Ethiopia’s first mobile point of sale system which officially began operations after receiving its license and raising $3.5 million in a private placement round from 31 investors.MARKOS LEMMABeing an early advocate for the startup movement in Ethiopia and the CEO/co-founder of iceaddis (Ethiopia’s first innovation hub and tech startup incubator), Markos has made a lasting impact on Ethiopia's startup scene. The innovation hub has helped launch more than 160 startups over the last 10 years and plans to expand its current reach in 5 African counties to 25 in the near future. “Decentralization and democratization of tech, data, talent, and content will drive the next biggest innovation disruptions.”SOLOMON KASSASolomon Kassa is the producer and host of "TechTalk with Solomon" television show for the past eight years, tech strategist, author and public speaker. In his continued pursuit of digital disruption, Solomon recently created 1888EC, a unique and innovative tech startup studio and co-working hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.FEBRUARY 2022"As Africans we cannot do nothing and wait until things get better. We have take the driver seat and do everything we can to address the different problems of our continent.""When I look ahead ten years from now, our tech ecosystem will have a capacity to develop technology instead of just consuming it."NURU COFFEEKALDI’S COFFEEZAYRIDE / ARIFPAYICEADDIS1888EC SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM

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13DR. MEHRET MANDEFRO: HOW THE ARTS HELP SOCIETIES THRIVEOver the past few years, Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in terms of economic growth, health, and education. However, the importance of the creative arts in powering economic growth is often overlooked. The creative economy is a powerful catalyst for job growth, innovation, social cohesion and understanding, and civic engagement among other benefits. Emmy-nominated film/television producer, writer, physician, and anthropologist Dr. Mehret Mandefro has advocated that the creative sector has the ability to serve as an engine for economic growth while simultaneously preserving democracy. Dr. Mandefro believes that the creative arts has the power to create a more just society. As a true champion for the arts, Dr. Mandefro co-founded the multimedia production companies Truth Aid in New York and its sister company A51 Pictures in Ethiopia and was most recently executive producer of Kana Television. She has several production credits, including the recent feature documentary film How It Feels To Be Free, which is nominated for an Emmy Award. Her track record in scaling media businesses from launch, influencing national policy about the creative sector, and creating award-winning content has secured her a spot on Variety’s 2021 list of most impactful women in global entertainment. Aside from film production, Dr. Mandefro has also been working in the field of global public health for two decades. She is a trained physician, medical anthropologist, and public health researcher with a Medical Doctorate from Harvard University and PhD from Temple University. Truly, she embodies her statement, “I am focused on healing the world one story at a time.”Dr. Mandefro highlighted that she didn’t find filmmaking, but instead, filmmaking found her. As “one of the most effective ways to teach people”, Dr. Mandefro thinks about film as visual medicine, believing that stories can heal, whether in Ethiopia or any country in the world. She feels that there are still many untold stories that would shift the course of history for everyone. FEBRUARY 2022 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMAn Exclusive Interview with Spotlight Ethio

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The Rise of WomenWhen asked about her outlook on the current rise of women in shaping society, she proudly shows her joy towards those brave female personalities and nods to the increasing educational attainment over the years. In fact, Dr. Mandefro says that “Ethiopia has a long tradition of women working in the public space”. For example, Meaza Ashenafi, who is Ethiopia’s current President of the Supreme Court of Justice, was an attorney and women’s advocate who famously fought a game-changing case against the patriarchal tradition of bridal abduction.This captivating story was adapted into a critically acclaimed Ethiopian drama, Difret, that speaks on the intersection of traditional culture and the much-needed progress. Though the film was produced by Dr. Mandefro’s company, Truth Aid, she didn’t take credit for the inspiration of Difret, as the idea came from her husband, Zeresenay Berhane Mehari who was the writer and director of the film. When she first read the script, she was struck and immediately fell in love with the story and the fact that an Ethiopian man had written it. Despite the progress to date, Dr. Mandefro elucidated that Ethiopia is still a gendered space. In her experience, powerful men still get intimidated talking to her or feel more comfortable talking with male colleagues. “I think there are so many things about the way gender is still expressed [in Ethiopia], so I long for the time when that is not the case anymore.” She firmly reckons that there is still more work to be done until the day comes where a woman’s voice can be heard in the same way that a man’s voice is heard. “The best ideas come from a diverse view of perspectives.” “I AM FOCUSED ON HEALING THE WORLD ONE STORY AT A TIME.”“I HOPE MY LEGACY IS SPEAKING TO THE PEOPLE WILLING TO THINK DIFFERENTLY—THE MISFITS SO TO SPEAK, AND MAKING PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT IT’S THOSE PEOPLE WHO OFTEN PUSH A CULTURE FORWARD.” Pushing the Culture ForwardDr. Mehret is a firm believer that “young people are always the ones who change things”. Given that the young generation consumes media differently from the past generation, she understands how vital it is to use their language and meet them where 14FEATURE STORYthey are at. This is why her work (such as Yegna, Ethiopia’s first-ever teen drama series) is focused on “creating stories that speak to youth” so that they have the tools to understand the world and the power they have in shaping the world of the future.“I would like to make it a little easier to think outside of the box, for the culture to not punish people who think outside of the box.” Dr. Mandefro warns of how the pressure of conforming can lead to bad things in a culture, and hopes that her legacy is “speaking to the people willing to think differently—the misfits so to speak, and making people understand that it's those people who often push a culture forward.” FEBRUARY 2022 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMListen to the entire interview on Spotify or Apple Podcast at Spotlight Ethio.

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AROUND AFRICA15Tayo OviosuSibongile SamboTayo is the founder and CEO of Paga, a leading mobile payments company in Nigeria. Paga focuses on digitizing cash for emerging economies, with a highly-anticipated plan to enter the Ethiopian market in 2022. Sibongile is a South African airline executive who founded the SRS Aviation. She graduated from University of Zululand and was named as one of the 20 Young Power Women in Africa in 2013. Saran is a social entrepreneur and a clean water advocate from Liberia. She is known as the founder of FACE Africa, an organization that deals with water, sanitation, and hygiene services in rural communities across sub-Saharan Africa.Saran Kaba-JonesSydney is the founder of Workplace Global, a platform that offers support to entrepreneurs and organizations with brand identity, design, print, digital marketing, web development, photography, and video.Sydney SamAROUND AFRICA

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BOARDWALK EVEEthiopia International Trade ExpoThe annual international trade exhibition in Ethiopia will once again commence this year. It will be held from February 17 to 20 at the Addis Ababa Exhibition Center. The event's goal is to attract foreign investors to partner with local Ethiopians in expanding their business. Be sure to mark down these dates, as it will be an excellent opportunity to develop a foreign partnership.AWiB Ethiopia: Gala ExtravaganzaThe Association of Women in Business, also known as AWiB has joyfully announced its upcoming fundraising Gala. This exciting event is said to be one of a kind. It will include fashion, music, excellent food, and its first-ever Silent Auction. The event will take place at the Addis Ababa Hilton on February 26, 2022, at 5:30 PM. This Gala will definitely be a memorable event, with the Silent Auction being the main highlight. The auction will comprise various exquisite collector items which guests will surely love.Jorka Real Estate ExpoThe most prominent real estate fair in Ethiopia will once again take place from February 10 to 13, representing the whole supply chain of the country's real estate sector. Typically, almost everything about real estate will be covered, from conception and design to investment and financing, from construction, finishing, and marketing to operation and use. International Conference on Business Analytics and Operations Research The World Research Organization has announced that the International Conference on Business Analytics, and Operations Research (ICBAOR) will be held from February 9 to 10 in Gondar, Ethiopia. The Organizing Committee welcomes participants worldwide who are interested in developing professional ties and exploring career opportunities in the region. 16BOARDWALK AVEFEBRUARY 2022 SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM

Spotlight Ethio Digital Magazine: Issue 1

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