Newsroom > Blog

Browse more

Ethiopia Angel Trip 1: Overview and Photos, Cont.

By Laura Davis | Thu Mar 08 2012
During the Ethiopia Angel Trip 1 (ETAT 1), from February 26 to March 4, 2012, a group of five angel investors from around the United States joined the RENEW team in Addis Ababa to learn about Ethiopia's business climate, meet local entrepreneurs, build relationships with partners, and experience Ethiopia's vibrant culture. Everyone agreed that Ethiopia is in a period of significant growth and that good investment opportunities can be found across multiple sectors.
During the trip, the group conducted site visits to local businesses, toured the city, met with the U.S. Ambassador and other partners, visited the Ethiopian Commodities Exchange, purchased hand-made goods and enjoyed the local cuisine and coffee. Several from the group rounded out the trip with a weekend visit to the northern town of Lalibela, known for it's rock-hewn churches.
Multi-Sector Entrepreneurs
Project Overview:
This family conglomerate participates in a variety of sectors in and around Addis Ababa including construction, manufacturing, agriculture and gravel mining. This group of businesses is an example of what a recent HBR article deems a positive trend towards cross-sectoral entrepreneurship and diversification among African entrepreneurs.
Cement Block Factory
Project Overview:
As the largest producer of cement blocks in Ethiopia, this factory runs 24 hours a day and still experiences significant purchase backlogs. An investment to modernize the facility would help meet demand in a city with what seems like hundreds of buildings currently under construction.
Ethiopian Coffee
Project Overview:
This well known coffee destination in Ethiopia is the largest domestic purchaser of Ethiopian coffee, participating throughout the coffee supply chain. A trip to Ethiopia is not complete without a visit to the original store in the Piazza area of Addis. The group was able to see the entire supply chain of coffee - from plant to cup.
Lalibela Ethiopia
Respite Overview:
A short flight away from Addis on Ethiopian Airways, Lalibela offers visitors a variety of amazing experiences and views including the monolithic churches dating back more than 900 years and widely accepted to be a replication of Jerusalem. If you go, be sure to visit Ben Abeba in time for sunset and dinner.
Renew Capital is an Africa-focused impact investment firm that backs innovative companies with high-growth potential. Renew Capital manages investments made on behalf of the Renew Capital Angels, a global network of angel investors, foundations and family offices who seek financial returns and sustainable social impact. For the latest on investing in Africa, subscribe and follow us at our social links below.

Related Posts