Images from past Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum held in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy photographs)
Tadias Magazine
Events News | Press Release
Published: Tuesday, July 8th, 2014
Washington, D.C. — The 9th Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum and the 3rd Pioneer Diaspora Business Person of the Year Award will be held on August 2-3, 2014 at The George Washington University and Grand Hyatt Washington, respectively.
This year marks the 9th year since The Ethiopian American LL, a Virginia based Ethiopian Diaspora business and investment group with offices in New York, began organizing the annual business Forum.
This year, the Forum will review opportunities and challenges on “Investing in Ethiopia’s Emerging Technology Sector,” in recognition of the growing importance of technology as a key driver of innovation in the Ethiopian economy. Investments in the power sector will also be closely looked at as one of the most attractive investment and technology transfer areas where investment from the Diaspora is poised to make lasting impact. One of the highlights of the Forum will be a panel discussion on investing in renewable energy. Daniel Gizaw, CEO, dVentus Wind Technology PLC, Behailu Assefa, VP, Terra Global Energy Developers LLC and Samuel Tesfaye, CEO, Flatbush Solar LLC will discuss developments in the sector.
The Ethiopian American, the convener of the Forum, is also organizing this year for the first time a Private Equity Pitch Session (PE Pitch Session) for companies seeking early stage growth debt/equity financing in recognition of the growing interest of Private Equity firms in the Ethiopian economy.
Diaspora entrepreneurs in many ways have led the way in attracting a significant share of Private Equity investments in Ethiopia. The PE Pitch Session is organized with the view that more investment could be attracted if the opportunity is presented both to businesses and PE firms. Thus far, four PE firms and five companies have signed up for this year’s inaugural PE Pitch Session. It is to be recalled that last year’s Proof of Concept Competition was held successfully and the three finalist are currently being incubated with the help of USAID.
Meanwhile, the 2014 Ethiopian Diaspora Pioneer Businessperson Selection Committee is currently accepting nominations from the public. The Committee will announce the awardee by July 18, 2014.
The 2013 Pioneer Ethiopian Diaspora Business Person Award was given to Amman Fissehazion, CEO of Ethiopian Broadcasting Service (EBS) in recognition of his pioneering leadership in establishing the first Ethiopian commercial global satellite Television company.
The Forum and Awards Dinner are expected to attract a large number of Ethiopians from the Diaspora and Ethiopia as well as American businesses and professionals who are interested in business and investment opportunities in Ethiopian and the U.S.
“This Forum and Awards Dinner will show case the work of Ethiopian Diaspora entrepreneurs in the technology sector and will serve as a crucial platform for sharing ideas and information for Diaspora business and other interested in investing in Ethiopia,” said Yohannes Assefa, Executive Director of The Ethiopian American.
Both the Forum and Awards Dinner will be covered by EBS and will be viewed by about 20 million Ethiopians all over the world.
The Ethiopian Airlines, Ernst & Young Ethiopia, The George Washington University, Altour Tech, Comex PLC, Metad Agricultural Development PLC, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Info Mind Solutions, EBS, and Vivid PLC are some of the sponsors of this year’s Forum.
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If You Go:
Registration is now open and can be made at www.theethiopianamerican.com.
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