Inhlanyelo Hub empowers Ethopian alumni with business development skills

As an essential stakeholder in Unisa, the Ethiopian Regional Office joined Inhlanyelo Hub to reach students and alumni in Addis Ababa through a five-day programme, including a two-day ideation session and an engagement dinner with alumni.

Phumelele Mokoena, the Business Development Manager at Inhlanyelo Hub, guided a group of alumni through a process of identifying a business idea, shaping the concept into a more substantial proposition, and preparing a business model canvas. The idea generation during the active sessions was sometimes challenging, as attendees were asked to evaluate their ideas and seek input from others critically.

Some business ideas focused on agriculture, textiles, learning systems, and rehabilitation centres for elderly people. The unique contexts of Ethiopian policies, practices, and operational settings served as key discussion points during the workshop. Mokoena, with more than 25 years of experience in business development, said: "I loved the engagements and heard some fascinating business proposals." Over the two days, more than 15 alumni actively participated in the ideation workshop.

Caption: Inhlanyelo Hub empowers Ethopian alumni with business development skills

On the evening of 27 August 2024, the Inhlanyelo Hub hosted the Ethiopian Alumni at a dinner. The purpose of the dinner was to introduce the hub to the Ethiopian stakeholders and invite participation in its various programmes.

Dr Tsige Aberra

Professor Annemarie Davis, a Project Leader at Inhlanyelo Hub, opened the event, and Mokoena introduced the hub and its offerings. He emphasised the importance of the Unisa ecosystem and shared thoughts on collaborative engagement across borders that could leverage this ecosystem. Later, Davis reaffirmed the partnership between Inhlanyelo Hub, the Ethiopian Regional Office, and the Ethiopian Alumni Chapter. Together, they aim to create an ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship, stimulates job creation, and drives economic growth. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, they are dedicated to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and access to funding.

Dr Tsige Abbera, Director at the Ethiopian Regional Office, lauded the positive energy of the Inhlanyelo Hub delegation and, in her address, stressed the importance of conversation and engagement.

For more information on Inhlanyelo Hub, visit www.inhlanyelo.com

*Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub