Zelela is a flagship initiative of EYEA that intended to catalyze entrepreneurship culture and build a strong and an inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in Ethiopia through policy advocacy and dialogue. The platforms involve discussions among stakeholders to raise issues, share perspectives, find common ground, and reach consensus, on interventions necessary. EYEA launched Zelela at August 2022 so far, conducted 6 rounds of Zelela’s, bringing together over 2500 participants
from more than 100 institutions, representing government agencies, start-ups, civil societies, academia, the private sector, development partners and the media.

The first four rounds of Zelela; were conducted under the theme “Access to finance for innovation driven entrepreneurs” and published the first edition of Zelela magazine. The second theme which is mid-way “Capacity and connectedness towards entrepreneurship ecosystem”.