Addis ababa: Young African entrepreneurs said that the 3rd Africa Job Creation Forum, hosted by Ethiopia, created a conducive opportunity for them to learn from each other and promote their products. The three-day forum, held in Addis Ababa, concluded yesterday with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable economic opportunities for Africa's growing youth population.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, African young entrepreneurs who showcased their products at an exhibition held alongside the forum stated that the event provided them with valuable input to create connections and improve their product development. Kaikara Babra, Founder of Imaro Innovations from Uganda, highlighted her focus on adding value to agricultural products and bringing them to market. She noted that her participation in the forum will enable her to enhance product quality through fostering connections.
''The networking part of it, there is a way it changes our lives. One, you get money because at the end of the day we are working business because we need money. You get money, you get exposed. Even mentally, you're thinking. There is a way to grow. It doesn't mean that you have to go to school and sit in the desk and learn some things. There are things that when you move, when you network with people, there is a way your mind changes. The opportunity is the networking opportunity where I will be.''
Babra also mentioned the cleanliness of the city and the welcoming nature of Ethiopians.
Gertrude Chambati, Director of Majestic Africa Pvt Ltd from Zimbabwe, stated that she is engaged in agricultural product processing and marketing. She added that the Africa Job Creation Forum, beyond providing market linkages, offered her a chance to learn from others and promote her products. Chambati emphasized that the experience gained in creating connections will help transform lives.
''we can be able to network with like-minded people, which is also an opportunity for me to learn from others. Not only that, it is also a platform for me to showcase what I am doing so that I will be able also to help others when I get feedback of what I am doing.''
Participants, who noted this was their second visit to Ethiopia, observed the country's rapid development and the conducive activities being undertaken for youth job creation. Chambati shared her impressions from previous visits, expressing optimism about Ethiopia's infrastructure progress and industrialization efforts, which promise benefits for entrepreneurs.