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“Can we create something bigger than ourselves?” - Kishen Raval, Group Managing Director of Raval Group and Habesha Steel Mills. Born and raised in Kenya, he moved to Ethiopia to build a career in industrial investment and manufacturing. Since the early days of Habesha Steel Mills, he has led the group's growth and expansion into sectors including steel, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. In this conversation with Meri Podcast, Kishen reflects on the journey of building industrial capacity in Ethiopia and the ambition to establish an African industrial group with Ethiopia at its centre.The conversation explores the realities of manufacturing, from power shortages and import competition to production efficiency, product innovation, and educating the market about higher-quality steel. Kishen shares his approach to diversification, investment decisions, risk-taking, and adapting to changing market conditions. Beyond business, he discusses leadership, raising children with a sense of responsibility, personal discipline, meditation, and the importance of building a culture and institution that can endure for generations. Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 Dukamo Coffee CMC: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPQwHfz4xWNR3k1Z9 Phone No: 0950050607To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“Use AI like a gym, not like a forklift.” Solomon Kassa is the host of TechTalk with Solomon on EBS, founder of 1888EC, co-founder of Kote Health, former senior advisor to the Ethiopian AI Institute, and an author. In this second conversation with MERI Podcast, we explore his new book, Artificial Intelligence: The Last Invention or the End of Innovation?The conversation explores AI as a revolution in cognition, the history of GPUs, and how entrepreneurs can use AI to strengthen their thinking and reduce startup costs. Solomon examines the future of junior roles and software development, the relationship between automation and customer demand, and Africa’s position in the global AI race - from electricity and data centres to small language models and Ethiopia’s AI Institute. He also introduces Kote, a preventive-health platform combining AI, smart kiosks, and telemedicine.Kote Health - Apps on Google Play:- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.recite.kotehealthTo get the book, call these phone numbers:- 0966915226 / 0912792421Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 Dukamo Coffee CMC: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPQwHfz4xWNR3k1Z9 Phone No: 0950050607To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] 00:00 Introduction03:25 Solomon's Journey10:49 The Evolution of AI26:32 AI and Human Intelligence40:23 AI in Ethiopia and Africa47:28 AI's Limitations51:21 AI and Productivity54:39 Ethiopia's AI Strategy01:15:43 Education and Work01:36:14 The Future of HumanitySocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“It is the hard path, but it’s the right path.” Our guest for this episode is Bart De Keninck, a Belgian business executive, Managing Director of Heineken Ethiopia, and President of the Ethiopian Brewers Association. From beginning his career in consulting and marketing to spending 20 years within the Heineken ecosystem across Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Ethiopia, Bart’s journey has been shaped by consumer focus, long-term thinking, ambition, and a belief in developing people. He has led Heineken Ethiopia since June 2023, after nearly five years as Managing Director of Heineken Switzerland.In this conversation, we explore the beer industry, brand building, consumer behavior, marketing in a restricted advertising environment, leadership, talent development, and business growth in Ethiopia. Bart shares lessons from Heineken’s journey in the Ethiopian market, building a local value chain with farmers and suppliers, launching Desperados, developing Ethiopian talent for global roles, and balancing day-to-day challenges with long-term vision. He also reflects on leadership, risk-taking, the meaning of success, and why focusing on the positive can shape both life and business.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 Dukamo Coffee CMC: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPQwHfz4xWNR3k1Z9 Phone No: 0950050607To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] ChaptersSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“Makeup is more than a skill. It can become a business.” Wengelawit (Liya) Gole, an Ethiopian beauty entrepreneur, professional makeup artist, bridal specialist, and Founder and CEO of International Makeup School (IMS), Liya Gole Salon, and Dura by Liya. From studying accounting and working in aviation to establishing and later selling her own travel business, Liya eventually pursued her passion for makeup artistry. After receiving professional training at the London College of Makeup, she went on to build businesses spanning beauty services, professional education, and bridal accessories, creating opportunities for aspiring beauty professionals in Ethiopia.In this conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, makeup artistry, beauty education, branding, leadership, business growth, and the evolution of Ethiopia’s beauty industry. Liya shares lessons from discovering her passion, transitioning between industries, building International Makeup School, and expanding her expertise into multiple businesses. We also discuss the challenges of building a professional beauty brand, developing talent, creating sustainable business systems, and her vision for transforming makeup artistry from an individual skill into a recognized profession and thriving industry.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 Dukamo Coffee CMC: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPQwHfz4xWNR3k1Z9 Phone No: 0950050607To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Chapters00:00 – Introduction03:37 – Career Journey11:43 – Entering the Makeup Industry25:02 – Building IMS Makeup School33:23 – Scaling Education & Impact47:52 – Industry Challenges & Imports57:08 – Social Media & Brand Growth1:02:29 – Dura & Business Expansion1:05:07 – Leadership, Team & Money1:14:11 – Challenges, Success & Future VisionSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“There is no challenge that cannot be overcome.” Birtukan AbebeOur guest for this episode is Birtukan Abebe, Founder and CEO of Peniel Industry and ALBA Business PLC, an Ethiopian entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in manufacturing. From starting her entrepreneurial journey with just 6,000 birr and trading spare parts to building an aluminum manufacturing company and later expanding into crown-cork production, Birtukan’s journey has been shaped by resilience, calculated risk, strong values, and a determination to build something that creates lasting value.In this conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, manufacturing, leadership, resilience, business competition, industrial investment, and the realities of building a manufacturing business in Ethiopia. Birtukan shares lessons from starting with limited capital, moving from trading into manufacturing, maintaining quality and personal values under pressure, overcoming years of challenges, and pursuing a vision to locally manufacture products Ethiopia had largely depended on imports for.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 Dukamo Coffee CMC: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPQwHfz4xWNR3k1Z9 Phone No: 0950050607To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“Marketing is an art.” — Haireya Ahmed, A marketing executive, entrepreneur, business educator, corporate strategist, and Managing Director of CM International Group. From beginning her professional journey as a teacher and working across customer service, sales, and management to leading marketing and commercial operations, Haireya has built more than a decade of experience understanding consumers, building brands, and growing businesses.In this conversation, we explore marketing, brand building, consumer behavior, sales, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Haireya shares lessons from building and positioning brands in the Ethiopian market, understanding what consumers actually want, connecting marketing to measurable business results, and why marketing should be treated as an investment rather than simply an expense.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 Dukamo Coffee CMC: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPQwHfz4xWNR3k1Z9 Phone No: 0950050607To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“Muscle is like having a million birr in the bank.” — Getachew Melese. Our guest for this episode is Getachew Melese, Founder & CEO of Sweatbox APG (Addis Performance Gym) and Founder of the Ethiopian Fighting Championship (ETFC). From starting his journey in Taekwondo and working as a fitness trainer to building Sweatbox and creating a professional platform for combat sports in Ethiopia, Getachew’s journey has been shaped by discipline, risk-taking, continuous learning, and a drive to build something of his own.In this conversation, we explore fitness, entrepreneurship, discipline, CrossFit, building and scaling Sweatbox, and the journey behind ETFC. Getachew shares lessons from his personal and professional journey, his perspective on physical strength and long-term health, the realities of building a fitness business in Ethiopia, and his vision for creating a professional combat-sports ecosystem where Ethiopian fighters, coaches, and other professionals can build sustainable careers.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 Dukamo Coffee CMC: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPQwHfz4xWNR3k1Z9 Phone No: 0950050607To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Chapters00:00 – Introduction05:40 – Getachew’s Journey11:08 – Building Sweatbox23:01 – Fitness & Business33:06 – Building a Strong Team & Culture44:33 – The Story Behind ETFC51:21 – The Future of Combat Sports in Ethiopia01:14:21 – Entrepreneurship & Taking Risks01:20:31 – Fitness, Health & Discipline01:32:28 – Leadership & Growth01:47:01 – Life Lessons & Final AdviceSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please get in touch with us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“Policies must be driven by reality, not just models.” Dr. Tewodros Makonnen GebrewoldeAn Ethiopian economist, researcher, policy advisor, and Country Manager for Ethiopia at the International Growth Centre. He also serves as an External Member of the National Bank of Ethiopia’s Monetary Policy Committee and as a board member of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange. From beginning his career as a junior researcher at the National Bank to advising policymakers on Ethiopia’s most pressing economic challenges, Dr. Tewodros has spent more than two decades connecting economic research with real-world policy.In this conversation, we explore Ethiopia’s economy, inflation, monetary and tax policy, economic reform, employment, private-sector growth, and evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Tewodros explains how economic decisions affect everyday life, what is driving Ethiopia’s current challenges, and why effective policies must be grounded in evidence, shaped by local realities, and evaluated with patience rather than emotion. Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“You don’t learn business. You’re born for it.” Dr. Mohammed Shikur Our guest for this episode is Dr. Mohammed Shikur, Founder & CEO of Amin General Hospital, physician, gastroenterologist, and Member of Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives. From working in rural and underserved communities to building and leading a multidisciplinary private hospital, Dr. Mohammed has built a career at the intersection of medicine, healthcare, business, and public service.In this conversation, we explore healthcare, entrepreneurship, leadership, social intelligence, and building institutions. Dr. Mohammed shares lessons from his journey in medicine, the growth of Amin General Hospital, the importance of communication and relationships in business, and why investing in knowledge and people can create an impact that goes beyond the individual.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“The best leaders know how to listen.” Tekeste GebruOur guest for this episode is Tekeste Gebru, a veteran Ethiopian auditor and Founding Partner of HST, Ethiopia’s first professional services partnership firm. From beginning his career as an auditor to helping build one of the country’s leading professional services firms, Tekeste has spent decades contributing to the growth of Ethiopia’s accounting and auditing profession.In this conversation, we explore leadership, auditing, governance, and the evolution of Ethiopia’s accounting profession. Tekeste shares lessons from building HST, bringing international financial reporting standards to Ethiopia, developing strong professional institutions, and why listening, good governance, and qualified financial expertise are essential for building businesses that last.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“Don’t copy the world. Adapt it to Ethiopia.” — Kiffle Yohannes Abebe, CEO & Co-Founder of Komari Beverage, the company behind Arada Hard Seltzer. From nearly two decades at Toyota and Diageo to building one of Ethiopia’s fastest-growing beverage manufacturers, Kiffle brings a global manufacturing perspective shaped by local realities.In this conversation, we explore manufacturing, entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Kiffle shares lessons from Toyota’s discipline and continuous improvement, the journey of creating Ethiopia’s first hard seltzer, and why building in Ethiopia requires adapting global best practices rather than simply copying them.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:30 - Life at Toyota 00:23:33 - Return to Ethiopia 00:31:13 - Building Komari 00:50:22 - Marketing Arada 01:06:13 - Becoming CEO 01:21:48 - Future Plans 01:46:52 - Final Advice Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

Attitude matters more than degrees.— Wim VanhelleputteOur guest for this episode is Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia. From nuclear engineering to leading telecom businesses across Africa, Wim has spent nearly three decades learning, adapting, and leading across diverse markets.In this conversation, we explore leadership, adaptability, decision-making, and the lessons Wim learned building businesses across Africa. He shares why leaders must listen before they act, why Ethiopia requires its own approach, and why humility, empathy, and attitude can matter more than qualifications in building a successful career.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Chapters 00:00 – Intro03:38 – Origin Story: From Nuclear Plants to African Telecom14:15 – Leadership Philosophy: "Don't Fix What Isn't Broken"30:37 – Joining Safaricom Ethiopia39:05 – Early Mistakes & Managing Expectations56:27 – Safaricom Today: Growth, Network & Data Strategy1:19:02 – Building Local Talent1:34:00 – M-Pesa, Pricing & Competition1:56:36 – The Future: Satellites & Connectivity2:07:52 – Culture, Leading in Ethiopia & Personal Leadership Growth2:53:20 – Rapid-Fire & Closing ThoughtsSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

AI is not technology; it's leadership. - Kemal M. Rashid. Our guest for this episode is Kemal M. Rashid, Founder & CEO of Axonova Consulting. With over two decades of experience helping organizations navigate leadership, strategy, and digital transformation, Kemal has worked with executives and businesses across Africa and the Middle East to prepare for a rapidly changing world.In this conversation, we explore AI, leadership, organizational transformation, and the future of work. Kemal shares why AI is ultimately a leadership challenge, how organizations can adopt it without losing their human edge, and what today's leaders must do to remain relevant in an AI-driven economy. BoA:Visit the Bank of Abyssinia Official Website: https://www.bankofabyssinia.com/ GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69 Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

"Cash flow is more important than profit." — Mukemil BedruOur guest for this episode is Mukemil Bedru, Founder & Managing Partner of Valcrest Capital, and Co-Founder of Hijra Bank. From helping establish Ethiopia's first generation of investment banking institutions to advising businesses through one of the country's biggest economic transitions, Mukemil brings a front-row perspective on the future of Ethiopian finance.In this conversation, we unpack Ethiopia's changing capital markets, foreign banks, startup financing, investment banking, and the policy shifts reshaping the economy. Mukemil also shares why cash flow matters more than profit, how he hires and builds teams, and why entrepreneurs must build institutions—not just businesses.Shik Cleaning Service: You can reach their Service Via: 0940270521 / 0997298286 https://www.shikcleaning.com/Visit the Bank of Abyssinia Official Website: https://www.bankofabyssinia.com/ GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69 Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected]:00 - Teaser & Episode Highlights00:01:36 - Sponsor Announcement00:02:36 - Introduction & Guest Welcome00:05:50 - Launching Prime Capital Investment Bank00:06:43 - Commercial Banking vs. Investment Banking Explained00:11:13 - The State of Ethiopia's Emerging Capital Market00:14:10 - Debt vs. Equity Financing for Businesses00:19:55 - Floating the Birr: Foreign Exchange Reforms Update00:28:13 - NBE Policy Updates: Credit Cap Removal & Exporter FX Retention00:34:13 - Special Economic Zones & Free Trade Zone Benefits00:40:07 - Franco Valuta Regime: Black Market Impact & Tighter Rules00:49:21 - Opening Ethiopia's Banking Sector to Foreign Banks00:51:38 - Founder Mindset: Building in Silence vs. Seeking Publicity00:56:44 - Ethiopian Domestic Banks vs. Entering Foreign Banks01:04:14 - Ethiopia’s Startup Ecosystem & The New Startup Proclamation01:16:32 - "Pitch-preneurs" vs. Real Business Execution01:25:12 - Profit vs. Cash Flow: Why Profitable Companies Fail01:33:02 - Financial Discipline & Managing Working Capital01:41:48 - Raising Capital & Financial Readiness for Ethiopian Businesses01:52:05 - Ease of Doing Business & Collateral Registration Issues01:56:35 - High-Growth Sectors to Watch in the Current Economy02:00:40 - How Mukemil Bedru Would Start a Business from Scratch Today02:04:15 - Talent Acquisition: Hiring for Character over Competence02:16:44 - Adapting to Rapid Policy Changes & Final Thoughts02:21:46 - Team Spotlight: Former Staff Launching "Shek Cleaning Service"Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

"The market doesn't care about your feelings it either pays for your solution or it doesn't." — Bisrat Solomon DegefaOur guest for this episode is Bisrat Solomon Degefa, Co-Founder and CEO of TruBuild. From his roots in Ethiopia to leading global engineering and AI-driven construction innovation, Bisrat has built an inspiring career focused on solving real-world problems through technology.In this conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, fundraising, and the future of construction technology. Bisrat shares practical lessons on resilience, innovation, and the development of meaningful solutions—making this an insightful discussion for entrepreneurs, engineers, and anyone passionate about building the future.GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfAmibara Properties : You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69 Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction00:03:43 Entrepreneurial Journey00:29:02 Exploring Startup Life00:49:07 Fundraising01:26:11 Leadership 01:36:47 AI01:39:32 The Future of Work 01:47:55 Digital TransformationSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.