ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund (EDTF), a pioneering diaspora-driven organization, is making waves as it expands its mission to drive transformative change across Ethiopia. By mobilizing resources, forging global partnerships, and investing in innovation, EDTF is positioning itself as a key force in Ethiopia’s development—and a bridge connecting U.S. investors with high-growth opportunities in Africa.
Since its founding in 2018, EDTF has focused on empowering Ethiopian communities through strategic investments in education, healthcare, and agriculture. The upcoming Great Rift Valley Innovation Summit 2025, taking place January 31 to February 1 in Addis Ababa, represents the next phase of EDTF’s mission.
The Summit will serve as a transformative platform for global leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to collaborate on tackling Ethiopia’s critical challenges. Its centerpiece, the Pitch Competition and leadership accelerator, will provide vital mentorship, resources, and $750,000 in non-dilutive funding to 18 startups. Winners of the Pitch Competition will also benefit from ongoing support through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As an official partner for the competition, UNDP’s Innovative Finance Lab will deliver a leadership accelerator and capital readiness program to help winners continue their development in the months following the Summit.
This initiative underscores EDTF’s commitment to leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to empower women, youth, and underserved communities, driving innovation across Ethiopia’s most vital sectors.
Building on its success, EDTF is actively seeking strategic collaborations with global organizations and initiatives to accelerate Africa’s economic growth. With a focus on empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering innovation, EDTF is dedicated to ensuring that underserved communities have access to the tools and resources needed to thrive in today’s dynamic economy.
“As a diaspora-led organization, EDTF is uniquely positioned to bridge continents and create opportunities for transformative collaboration,” said Lulite Ejigu, EDTF Board Chair. “By aligning U.S. investors and global partners with Ethiopia’s brightest innovators, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.”
Through these alliances and its commitment to engaging U.S. and international leaders, EDTF aims to broaden its reach, strengthen Ethiopia’s economic resilience, and position the country as a global leader in innovation and sustainability.
For more information, please visit https://www.ethiopiatrustfund.org/ and www.undp.org/ethiopia.
ABOUT THE ETHIOPIAN DIASPORA TRUST FUND
The Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund (EDTF) was founded to mobilize the global Diaspora community to support sustainable development projects in Ethiopia, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or politics. Donations are tax-deductible, and all decisions are made by the EDTF Board to help facilitate and empower the global diaspora’s impact in the lives of communities in need.
Official website: https://www.ethiopiatrustfund.org/
