Ethiopian and Nordic voices come together in support of digital economy
On 17 September, 2025, FCA Ethiopia brought together Nordic embassy and EU representatives with private businesses and local authorities to find ways to bolster the country’s digital economy.
AFRICA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY is on the rise, offering vast opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement. Despite sub-Saharan Africa boasting the fastest-growing rate of internet adoption globally, only a quarter of the continent’s population currently has access to the internet.
The World Bank, amongst others, recognizes the opportunities and challenges: their Digital Economy Initiative for Africa (DE4A) aims to ensure that every individual, business, and government in Africa will be digitally enabled by 2030 in support of the African Union “Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa.”
FCA has implemented digital & creative economy programs in East Africa since 2021 supporting youth upskilling from music industry skills to videography to future technologies such as motion graphics to AI. The programme recognises especially the potential for Africa’s youth and women to be empowered with the digital skills essential to thrive in an increasingly digitized global economy.
Nordic–Ethiopia Digital Economy Dialogue
The latest country to open an FCA Creator’s Hub is Ethiopia, which recently hosted the Nordic–Ethiopia Digital Economy Dialogue – an event designed to bring together key stakeholders for whom the digital economy is paramount.
Present at the dialogue were representatives from the embassies of Norway and Finland, the EU delegation to Ethiopia, private sector representatives, startup founders, and figures from Ethiopian public authorities.
The dialogue not only facilitated discussions on the opportunities and challenges within Ethiopia’s digital economy but also provided space for exploring potential avenues of collaboration with Nordic countries.
“Engaging government officials in the company building dialogue could be a powerful way to drive meaningful policy change across sector,” said Haimanot Sisay, Founder & CEO of the Africa Gemological Training Institute, which promotes the African gem trade through fair and sustainable practices,
The presence of those key players at the forum enhanced recognition of their ongoing efforts and contributions, paving the way for stronger partnerships, increased visibility, and greater influence in shaping the future direction of digital and creative initiatives in Ethiopia.
Finn Church Aid in Ethiopia
When Finn Church Aid (FCA) opened both a country office and new projects in Ethiopia, the first project to start was the Creators Hub marketing course. The aim is to create more diverse livelihood opportunities for young people, while generally growing FCA’s focus on supporting creative and digital industries.
Behind FCA Creators Hub lies the idea that young people can not only learn marketable skills, but also make useful contacts with other youth in similar situations. They can co-operate and also employ each other when they need support in projects.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. The FCA Creators Hub is unlocking the potential of young creators to shape their futures in the digital and creative economies.” says Melina Korvenkontio, Head of Digital & Creative Economy Programme
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