GOPA Worldwide Consultants is pleased to announce the official launch of the EthioBDS Vouchers System in Ethiopia, in collaboration with The Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) and GIZ Ethiopia and Djibouti. This landmark initiative, underpinned by a 1 million Euro grant from GIZ, is set to revolutionise business development services (BDS) in Ethiopia, directly supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The new EthioBDS Vouchers system implements a cost-sharing strategy, designed to alleviate financial burdens on SMEs while promoting access to high-quality business development services. By using vouchers, SMEs can afford services that were previously out of reach, with the cost partially subsidised. This approach encourages SMEs to invest in their growth, fostering a culture of quality and sustainability within the market, as they are more likely to value and utilise services they partly finance.

Hosted at the prestigious UNECA Conference Centre, the event gathered over 300 distinguished guests from various sectors, including BDS ecosystems, donor communities, service providers and businesses, signifying a united front for economic enhancement.

Video: View the project launch here.