Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
SME LOOP Program Concludes in Tigray with Final Graduation Event in Mekelle
By Chekole Alemu
The Entrepreneurship Development Institute EDI, in partnership with GIZ, concluded the SME LOOP Training and Coaching Program with a final graduation ceremony held in Mekelle on January 17, 2026.
According to information shared by the institutions, a total of 124 entrepreneurs completed the six month program, which focused on digital marketing, financial management, and business planning. The initiative aimed to strengthen the operational and financial capacity of small and medium enterprises operating in post conflict settings.
The Mekelle event marked the final stage of a broader rollout across Tigray. Similar graduation ceremonies were held earlier in Adigrat, Wukro, Mehoni, and Maichew. Participants represented a range of sectors, including manufacturing and services, with organizers reporting early signs of revenue growth and job creation among several graduating businesses.
The ceremony was attended by Mekelle City Mayor Dr. Redai Berhe, Deputy Head of Industry Mehari G Michel, GIZ Private Sector Development for Employment Program Deputy Director Sarah Khols, and EDI Deputy Director General Boru Shana. Speakers highlighted the role of small and medium enterprises in economic recovery and local employment generation, particularly in regions emerging from prolonged disruption.
The SME LOOP program forms part of broader efforts by EDI and GIZ to support entrepreneurship, improve business resilience, and contribute to sustainable economic recovery in Ethiopia.
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