In Jigjiga, Ethiopia, the International Labour Organization (ILO) recently concluded a groundbreaking Business Plan Competition (BPC) aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs from refugee and host communities in Ethiopia’s Somali region. In partnership with HASI Consulting, the initiative selected and awarded the best 50 business ideas that have the potential to drive economic growth and create sustainable livelihoods.
Launched in June 2023, the BPC received an overwhelming response with 1,931 proposals from young entrepreneurs across various sectors. After a rigorous evaluation process, 100 promising business plans were selected as first-round winners, who underwent intensive training and mentorship provided by the Business Development Services Providers Association of Ethiopia (BDSPA). This training equipped the entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to refine their business ideas, develop comprehensive plans, and enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities.
The BPC culminated in a pitching event where the first-round winners presented their refined business plans to a panel of judges and industry experts. Out of these presentations, 50 outstanding businesses were chosen to receive grant funding to kickstart or expand their ventures, along with ongoing business coaching and mentorship for long-term sustainability.
Key stakeholders and program partners emphasized the impact of the BPC in fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. The collaboration between ILO PROSPECTS program, HASI Consulting, regional bureaus, and local communities in the Fafan zone has created an environment where innovative ideas can thrive, benefiting both refugees and host communities.
The BPC was implemented in close collaboration with the National Business Development Service Providers Association, Ethiopia’s Refugees & Returnees Service (RRS), Somali Region’s Skills and Job Creation Bureau, and financial service providers. The 50 winning business ideas will receive continued support in technical assistance, business coaching, and mentorship to establish and strengthen their ventures, with assistance in obtaining work permits and business licenses.
Furthermore, the PROSPECTS Programme, a partnership between IFC, ILO, UNHCR, UNICEF, and World Bank funded by the Government of the Netherlands, aims to shift the approach to forced displacement crises towards development. The program’s success has led to its continuation in Ethiopia and other participating countries, with the recent regional launch of PROSPECTS 2.0 coinciding with the BPC winners award event.
HASI Consulting, a regional consulting firm established in 2013, provides a wide range of services including strategic management, research, marketing, and trade facilitation. The firm serves businesses, NGOs, and government institutions, offering expertise in project management, proposal development, and policy drafting.
For more information, please contact Eirmyas Kaase, Senior Programme Officer at ILO ([email protected], +251 911 16 76 047) or Muktar Omer, Deputy Managing Director at HASI Consulting ([email protected], +251 961 26 68 10).
