GSA Africa

Summit 25th -27th october

Addis Ababa is set to Host the Global Startup Awards Africa Summit

To view the agenda:

Agenda

claim your

ticket here

(only by personal invitation)

click here

African startup awards

in 90 seconds

To check good-to-know information before entering Ethiopia, please press below:

learn more

Hello! Warm greetings from Ethiopia. I am Muferihat Kamil, Minister of Labor and Skills of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. As the seat of the African Union and the pavilion of diverse opportunities, Addis Ababa has an enabling ecology of innovation and fostering relationships.

Hosting the Global Startup Awards is a catalyst to shift the mindset of collaboration not only in Ethiopia but also in Africa. It boosts Ethiopia's standing as a hub for world-changing innovations.

- HE Muferihat Kamil, Minister of Labor and Skills of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

“Africa, with its rich diversity and immense resources, is home to a growing population of young, talented minds who are eager to harness the power of technology and innovation-driven entrepreneurship to drive positive social, environmental and economic change. Hosting the Global Startup Awards Africa Summit accelerates the national startup ecosystem to rapidly connect to the global ecosystem.”

- HE Mr Belete Molla, Minister of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The GSA Africa Summit, is set to take place in Addis Ababa from 25-26 October at the prestigious Arts & Science Museum. This flagship event is organized by the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG), the exclusive rights holder of GSA Africa, in partnership with the Federal Government of Ethiopia, including the Ministry of Skill and Labour (MOLS) and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT), with the support of Ethiopia Entrepreneurship Development Institute.

The central theme of the summit, "Building Innovation Nations," underscores the vital role of visionary leadership, dynamic policies, and a nurturing ecosystem in fostering innovation. The discussions held during the event not only inspire and inform but also lead to actionable steps for the future of Africa's innovation ecosystem alongside key stakeholders, including startups, governments, corporates, ecosystem enablers, investors, and family offices. To view the agenda and register for the event click the button below:

Awards Dinner (INVITE ONLY)

The Awards Dinner will be the highlight of the GSA Africa Summit, hosted at Friendship Park by Mayor Adanech Abebe. The dinner will take place on the evening of 26th October 2023, where 15 Regional finalists will be crowned African winners, recognised for their contributions to solving critical global challenges.

This exclusive event is by invitation only, and seats are limited.

Please email phoebe@africanstartupawards.com for availability and sponsorship opportunities.

Connect with industry leaders, visionary African entrepreneurs, and ecosystem enablers to accelerate your brand's growth and success in the African ecosystem. Gain extensive brand visibility and access insights into market trends, investment opportunities, and emerging technologies.

VISA PROCESS FOR ENTERING ETHIOPIA

All foreign travelers to Ethiopia must secure their visa prior to travelling. You are strongly encouraged to apply for your conference visa online rather than at the Embassy in your city of residence. The online application process takes 5-7 working days.

Please carefully read the following steps:

· First register for the summit.

· Once you have registered, fill out this form

· The team will then send you the necessary documents to apply for your conference visa online which are: an invitation letter and an application letter.

Conference visas are only valid for 30 days from date of application to expected arrival so apply accordingly.

The following passports are exempt from visa application: Kenya, Djibouti and Diplomatic.

You will find a step-by-step guide to visa application along with the documents you will receive for visa application.

airport shuttle

Don’t forget to arrange for your airport transfer service directly with the hotel you have booked. There is no central airport shuttle service.

lodging

As GSA Africa Summit guest, you get discounted rates at selected hotels in Addis Ababa. Please find the list of hotels and booking detail at the bottom of this document.

access to the venue

The GSA Africa Summit will be held at the Ethiopian Science Museum in Addis Ababa. The museum is located in Kazanchis, next to the FDRE Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarter.

To enter the venue, you will need to pass through security and pick up your badge. Make sure to have your government issued ID on you for badge pickup (passport, driving license, etc.)

communication - mobile phones and connectivity

Please make sure that your mobile device is unlocked if you wish to buy a local sim card. You can buy a sim card in the arrival terminal of the airport either from ethioTelecom or Safaricom.

You can also find retail shops of each company in the city.

weather in addis

October weather ranges between 10 to 23 degrees Celsius with slight chance for light rain. With a sunny and dry weather in the forecast, we still encourage you to pack a jacket as the mornings and evenings in Addis tend to be a bit chilly and windy.

The altitude in Addis Ababa is high, expect to experience light headedness. We recommend you constantly hydrate and rest when possible.

electricity

Electric supply in Ethiopia is 220-240 volts, 50 cycles, AC-accessible via 13-amp, two-pin (European) socket.

currency (ethiopian birr)

Ethiopian currency is denominated in “birr”. The exchange rate fluctuates slightly daily.

Please make sure to ONLY exchange your international currency at official banks and exchange centers. Do not use the unofficial street market, please.

You are advised to carry less than $3,000 upon entry to Ethiopia and only exchange limited amounts at a time as it is very difficult to convert your Birr back into USD.

As a growing city, many restaurants and hotels accept mainly VISA and MasterCard as form of payments. However, many of the cafes and smaller restaurants only accept cash. Please do check with the establishment if they accept card payments before you consume.

There are many ATMs around the city that accept VISA and MasterCard – all withdrawals are ONLY in Birr. Please be aware of your surrounding as you withdraw cash.

safety

Ethiopia is known for its hospitality and welcoming citizens. Addis Ababa is fast becoming a metropolitan city, and with it, petty crimes are slowly growing. Therefore, we ask all of our guests to be vigilant, keep your valuables in your front pockets and keep the cute street kids who sell gums at arm’s length. Do not walk late at night – please use the taxis or call for your taxi using ride hailing apps.

While you are at the conference, please ensure that you:

• Always wear your badge in a visible manner

• Do not leave bags and parcels unattended, as they may be confiscated or destroyed

• Do not bring and unauthorized person into the Forum

• Look after your valuable property

• Check that you have all your documents and personal items before you leave conference halls and meeting rooms

• Inform the event staff if you lose anything valuable

getting around in addis ababa

The best way to get around in Addis Ababa is by using taxis. You will see various yellow taxis, especially around hotels. You should always negotiate and be prepared in cash in local currency. Not all taxis are metered.

Alternatively, you can download the app for the following taxi hailing services and order your ride.

Heads-up: Most drivers do not know how to read the map to reach you so will try to call you to ask exactly where you are.