Mr. Tokkicha A. Ketema is among the young and rising entrepreneurs in Africa. He is a Graduate of Liverpool University in the United Kingdom, with a Bachelors in Civil Engineering. He completed his degree with Cum Laude honors. Always guided by his deep sense of commitment to his work Tokkicha took up the mantle of reforming his family’s construction business AKGC One of the major construction conglomerates in Ethiopia. During his time there, Tokkicha was able to contribute greatly to the establishment and growth of AKGC. Throughout his tenure he led more than five thousand employees and developed over ten major infrastructure projects which involved handling billions of birrs.

His ever-growing commitment to making a difference in his country and aspiration to build inter-African economic ties, led him to develop multiple businesses both in the local and global markets. His initiatives have led to many recognizing him as one of the promising hopes for future entrepreneurship in Africa.

He started Elnet Technologies and now, in less than four years, he has established a corporate ecosystem of 11 plus companies such as, Information and Technology, Microfinance and Digital Banking (Elsabi), Transport and Mobility (Eltaxi), Tourism (Eltenet), Mining (Elnet Mining Corporation), Commodity Production, Trading and Distribution, Real Estate , Education, Automotive Assembling (Elauto), to name a few, across East Africa, as well as in the Middle East UAE. Along with his business ventures, Tokkicha is a man of philanthropy. He along with his wife, Jessica Hedman, run the charitable wing of the Elnet Group—Elnet Foundation. He does this by committing financial and material resources into developing community service projects, such as building schools, creating job opportunities, environmental projects, and food security.

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Mr. Zerihun holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Gondar, an MSC in Social Work from Addis Ababa University, and an MBA from Rift Valley University. He has extensive experience in various roles, including Researcher at Coopbank, Branch Manager at Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Marketing Manager at Shemu Business Group, and Deputy Managing Director at Elauto Engineering & Trading Plc. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director at Jibat Mining Plc & Winners Business Group.

In addition to his professional career, Zerihun was the Head of the Research, Publications, and Community Development Department and a Senior Lecturer at Rift Valley University. He has also served as a Thesis Advisor and provided training for local communities and government officials.

Zerihun’s background, qualifications, experiences, devotions, and other engagements has prepared him to join and work with committed and dedicated individuals who have devoted their lives, resources, finances, time, and everything else to envisioning and aspiring to see a life of fullness for all communities.

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Mr. Gemechis holds a master’s degree in Development Policy with a specialization in Finance and Macroeconomic Policy from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management in Sejong, South Korea. As a dedicated and accomplished Financial Supervisor, he brings expertise in leasing, microfinancing, and insurance, supported by over 15 years of experience in the regulation and supervision of financial institutions. His contributions have consistently promoted the stability and resilience of this sector.

Guided by the inspiring motto of Elnet Foundation, “Life in Fullness for All,” Gemechis is deeply committed to advancing this Godly and rewarding mission. Throughout his career and charitable engagements as both a student and graduate, he has dedicated his skills and time to support and uplift communities. Today, as the board chairman, he is honored to lead in realizing Elnet’s vision: “To see the whole creation—people, animals, and the environment healed, restored, and living in harmony.

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Sintayehu Getachew Merga is a dedicated finance professional with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Addis Ababa University, awarded in 2017. With over six years of experience as a Finance and Administration Officer at FH Ethiopia, a prominent international NGO operating in the Kembata Zone of southern Ethiopia, Sintayehu has a proven track record of managing financial operations in challenging environments.

His expertise is further supported by certifications in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from Addis Ababa University and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) from IPASS, showcasing his commitment to maintaining high standards of financial accountability and transparency.

Email: s.getachew@elnetfoundation.com

LinkedIn : http://www.linkedin.com/in/sintayehu-getachew-97b134146

Mr. Gonfa Balcha Robele serves as the General Manager of Succoth Trading PLC, the business wing of the Elnet Foundation. He holds a BSc in Physics from Addis Ababa University, a Master’s in Art Leadership from Vision International University, California, and an MBA from Rift Valley University. Mr. Gonfa has a diverse professional background, having taught Physics in high schools and preparatory schools for over 12 years, and served as a School Director for approximately four years.

In addition to his academic and teaching experience, Mr. Gonfa has held various leadership roles in Bishoftu City, including Head of Transport, Trade, and Industry, Head of the Bishoftu TVET Office, Deputy Mayor, and Director of Job Creation and Legality at the Oromia Bureau of Enterprise and Industry Development. His extensive experience in public administration and leadership has led to numerous achievements, many of which were scaled up across Oromia.

Mr. Gonfa is particularly skilled in entrepreneurship and business development, known for generating innovative ideas to establish new business ventures. His leadership has consistently driven exemplary results, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the communities he serves.

Email: g.balcha@elnetfoundation.com

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Director General

Aduu is an experienced professional with a career spanning over 15 years. During this time, she has worked with various organizations and government bodies. Aduu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of Kingston. She also holds a CPD certification in Financial Planning and Analysis from the London School of Business and Finance. Additionally, Aduu has undertaken numerous professional development courses over years.

In her role as Finance Manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, Aduu led day-to-day operations, developed financial systems, and oversaw the management of the finance team. Previously, as Finance Manager at the International Committee of the Red Cross, she was responsible for overseeing financial reports, conducting internal audits, supporting projects, and performing due diligence assessments. Aduu also actively participated in high-level meetings, at times leading and presenting regional reports on behalf of the Finance and HR Department. As a Trustee at the Oromo Relief Association (UK Branch), she ensured financial stability, managed an education project supporting refugee girls, and demonstrated effective board performance.

Aduu is deeply dedicated to the nonprofit sector and strives to create positive change in society and community development.

Email: a.joba@elnetfoundation.com

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Animal Welfare Coordinator

Dr. Getnet Fekadu Demissie is a Veterinary Epidemiologist and a professional in Sustainable Management of Resources and Cultural Heritage. He is deeply passionate about animal welfare and sustainability, with a particular concern for the poor conditions of working equids and the unsustainable use of resources in Ethiopia. He holds an MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology from Addis Ababa University and a specialized Master in Sustainable Management of Resources and Cultural Heritage from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. Getnet has over ten years of experience lecturing veterinary courses at public university and jointly working with NGOs in Ethiopia. He is also certified in GIS, R, and Project Management and Evaluation. Throughout his career, Getnet has led both local and international research projects for over a decade. Additionally, he has dedicated ten plus years for providing community service in Ethiopia.

Email : g.fekadu@elnetfoundation.com

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Office Assistant

Hawi Refisa Gerbiche holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Bahirdar University. She has extensive experience in regional government affairs, having served as a Manager at Heineken Ethiopia, where she excelled in building strong stakeholder relationships, effectively managing crises, and overseeing regulatory compliance.

Hawi also has experience in live streaming, having spent a year with OBN, where she coordinated live broadcasts and engaged with the audience in real time. Currently, she works as an Office Assistant at the Elnet Foundation, where she handles administrative tasks, supports project management, and assists in organizing events and meetings, contributing her skills and expertise to the foundation’s mission.

Email : h.refisa@elnetfoundation.com

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Social Work Coordinator

Dereje Tesema Koricho is a dedicated educator and manager from Ethiopia with over two decades of experience in the field of education. He holds an MA in Leadership and Governance from the Ethiopian Civil Service University and a BA in Educational Planning and Management from Haramaya University.

Dereje’s career includes roles such as primary school teacher, principal, supervisor, educational inspector, and community outreach coordinator. Currently, he serves as the Social Work Coordinator at the Elnet Foundation. He is recognized for his effective supervision and community mobilization efforts, having worked as a Community Outreach Officer for the READCO project, undertaken by Save the Children in the Fitche area, from November 2017 to March 2019. He also held the same position with ANFEAE on the READCO project from August 2016 to September 2017.

Dereje’s deep understanding and commitment to students and families have significantly improved literacy rates and addressed educational challenges in his community. He is a passionate supporter of creating a fuller life for all through education and community support.

Environmental Welfare Coordinator

Tefera Elias Regea has master degree in project management from lead star university, bachelor degree in physics and additional bachelor of Arts in Theology from Mekane Yesus Seminary. He has been teaching and working as lab assistant in physics laboratory in different school for over 10 years. He has voluntarily work in Epaphra Relief association organizing events and activities cleaning city roads, planting trees and creating awareness on environmental pollution. He is passionate about sustainability, climate change, or clean air and water and to spot negative environmental impacts and work to minimize them and creating greener safer environment for human and animals.

Linkedin :  tefera-elias-493604248

Social Work Coordinator

Jalal Ameyu Kejela has a BTH in theology from Leadstar Theological College, Ethiopia. He works in partnership with Diakonia, a church based organization born out of Biftu Bole Congregation church where he is involved in supporting most vulnerable people with clothes, feeding, medical care and meeting other basic needs.  He is not hesitant to go out at night in Addis Ababa to pray with, comforting and advising drug addicts and street children. He is passionate about changing the lives of street children and helping the underprivileged.

Regional Program Director

Dr. Rahel Jigi Kitessa has Ph.D. in Economics from Tilburg University, the Netherlands. Rahel is passionate about the environment and uplifting the vulnerable.  She was affiliated to Tilburg Sustainability Center and was a member of Tilburg Behavioral and Experimental Economics group. As an assistant professor, she has lectured at different universities including ECSU for more than nine years, sits on a number of related boards and meetings. She has worked on development issues with main focus on environmental conservation, green development and community participation in the development and environmental conservation agendas (with World Bank). In addition to the above mentioned subjects, her research covers different themes such as gender empowerment (with UN Women), impact assessments of developmental projects (UN Women, ICBA) and tax policy related matters.

Email: r.jigi@elnetfoundation.com

Linkedin: rahel-jigi-kitessa-992118125

CEO/President

Jessica E. Hedman with her husband Tokkicha A. Ketema is the founder of Elnet Foundation. She has a master’s degree from Örebro University, Sweden in political science and has a rich experience in organizational development, strategy and policy development, strategic planning and team building, partner and donor networking and mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues. She has led and supported humanitarian response in countries across Africa, Asia and Middle East and is well familiar with development programming in complex contexts. She is a firm believer that we can contribute to positive change and impact in peoples and communities when we work with local actors that knows the local context – be it local entrepreneurs, local NGOs and local government bodies – and combining our development work with lobby and advocacy towards key stakeholders.

Email :  j.hedman@elnetfoundation.com
Linkedin : jessica-hedman-96319735

Finance & Human Resource Director

Sima Gudeta Abdissa is an Accountant by Profession. He has MSc in Accounting & Finance from Addis Ababa University. He has been lecturing different Accounting & Finance related courses at different public Universities and at Mekane Yesus Management & Leadership College for over 10 years. He has TOT certificate from Accounting & Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE) on International Financial Reporting standards (IFRS) and International Public sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). He has worked as Chief Finance office for local NGO’s for more than 3 years and has developed different financial and HR related policy manual for different organization.

Email : s.gudeta@elnetfoundation.com

Linkedin : sima-gudeta-abdissa-19a70a68

Animal Welfare Coordinator

Dr. Yimesgen Tarekegn Abeka has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Jimma University. He is the founder of Beyond Student for Change, an initiative stated in 2014 G.C that aims to empower the young generation to fulfill their dreams in the livestock sector. He is leading ‘The Blue Vet’ social media platform, which is one of the portfolios of Beyond Student for Change initiative. (Vet Sustain, GARC). He is actively taking part and developing veterinary journalism in Ethiopia with interests in One Health and Animal Welfare. Dr. Yimesgen also supports Ethiopia’s Livestock sector to be promoted on international level (The Blue Vet). He is dedicated and committed to bring change in the practices of animal welfare and health in Ethiopia.

Email :  y.tarekegn@elnetfoundation.com

Linkedin :  yimesgen-tarekegn-dvm-974245135

ELNET TECHNOLOGIES PLC

A highly innovative software developer, systems integrator and technology provider, established to provide useful, efficient and inclusion-oriented products and solutions that will allow all stakeholders to profit from a common platform designed to promote individual and corporate continuous growth.

We are a tech company for social good.

Founded in Addis Ababa in 2018, our head office, we command and serve all our subsidiary companies and our clients in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Nigeria and soon across Africa, UAE and Europe.

We are now designing and implementing our ERP System (Enterprise Resource Planning System), launching our fully owned and improved ride hailing application Taxiye, our homebanking app ELSABI and our travel, hotel and car rental all in one booking app, TNT.

Over the next 10 to 12 months, we will be ready to take over the Ethiopian market with a set of full circle solutions that will revolutionize inclusive technology as we know it today. Not only will we bring all our companies together in a self-sustainable business eco-system, we will also bring our pears and the public together in a world of integrated solutions and opportunities for all.

For more info click here www.elnetech.com

ELAUTO Engineering and Trading PLC

As a company with engineering, trading and automotive business at its core, through El Auto we assemble high mileage, fuel efficient and fit for the African Terrain public use vehicles.

We started our most emblematic project by committing to renovate all the taxi fleet in the country. A much needed and long due initiative that soon captured the interest and availed support from government offices and taxi associations.

We started importing SKD (Semi-Knocked Down) cars and assembling for the Ethiopian market, in Addis Ababa, and we have assembled and delivered over 500 units to date.

Our success and proven capacity to deliver, combined with the high demand soon pushed us to expand and we are now growing into the region and planning to assemble and manufacture 100,000 units per year over the next 3 years.

In Ethiopia, we currently have an order book for 10 500 units (for taxis), a USD 100M contract, due to be delivered in the next 18 months.

A key part of our long-term plan is the start of our own CKD (Complete Knocked Down) line which will be the anchor tenant in our future Elnet Automotive Industrial Village. The project is estimated to cost about USD 200M and will be built on a 200ha land close to the Addis Ababa – Djibouti Standard Gauge Rail Transport S.C. or at Konza City in Kenya.

For more Info click here www.elautoas.com

ELTAXI PLC

Eltaxi, proprietary of our brand and trademark Taxiye, is an on-demand ride-hailing company. The company is a venture co-owned with operator groups, developed to enable taxi drivers not only as drivers but as beneficiary owners of the technology platform and of the vehicle.

Taxiye operates in 3 East & Horn African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan) and is planning to expand to five more in 2021-2022. We look to grow our driver base to 300 000 and client base to 12 million in the East, Horn and Central Africa.

Together with Elnet Technologies and El Auto Engineering & Trading, we are changing the lives of thousands of people and will be the biggest direct and indirect employer in all Africa.

We are now more than 12 000 registered and active drivers and we will be more than 100 000 in the next three years, in Addis Ababa alone.

More than the economic impact of this grand endeavor, we take pride in it’s massive social significancy. We are and aim to continue always moving towards being the number one socially responsible company in Africa.

For more info click here www.taxiye.com

TNT Elnet Tour and Travel

A full-service travel agency dedicated to providing totally reliable, practical, and unique travel and accommodation solutions at a very competitive rate.

At TNT we handle local and international travel services including airline reservations and ticketing, we are members of IATA, special and customized tours, hotel accommodations, and car rental.

We want to make our travelers experience a holistic journey where body, mind, and soul get together with the environment, and more than an escape we provide meaningful experiences.

Together with Elnet Foundation, in the next 6 to 10 months, we are planning to build eco-lodges on Lake Hawassa and on many other locations where we will combine economic growth and environmental sustainability as well as animal protection awareness.

By booking with us, the TNT client will live breath-taking and unique experiences while becoming a social awareness agent, an animal rescuer, and a nature advocate without giving up on the luxury of a five-star service.

for more info click here www.eltnt.com

The Eezer Initiative – Motorcycle ambulances for reduced maternal mortality

Elnet Foundation is partnering with Eezer Initiative to provide affordable and safe transport to clinics for pregnant women with the aim of reducing maternal mortality in Africa. Eezer has developed a so called motorcycle ambulance, a simple but highly innovative means of transport which uses motorcycles and a safe equipage to comfortably and safely reaches the most remote locations on the country side.

Getting from home to a clinic to get qualified help in a cheap and safe way is a major challenge in the African countryside. Many women die because they do not arrive on time. The Eezer Initiative’s strategy and theory of change to influence the maternal mortality issue is grounded in the “Three Delays Model” (www.maternityworldwide.org). Where the second area “transport” is the primary entrance to the Eezer Initiative. This does not exclude activities in the first and third areas.

The model with “The Three Delays” shows three bottlenecks for the pregnant woman:

1. The delay in the home of deciding whether to seek care or not (where cultural factors, the man’s decision-making role etc are of great importance)
2. The delay of treatment when procuring means of transport and the transport itself on bad roads with long distances.
3. The delay in treatment once the patient has arrived at health centers or hospitals.

The Eezer Initiative’s entry into the maternal mortality issue is the second delay, where Eezer develops solutions for safe and cheap transport between home and clinic. At Elnet Foundation, we are proud to collaborate with Eezer Initiative to bring life saving motorcycle ambulances to the countryside in our countries of operation.

Brooke is an international charity that protects and improves the lives of horses, donkeys and mules which give people in the developing world the opportunity to work their way out of poverty. Brooke reaches almost 1.7 million working horses, donkeys, and mules across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Brooke’s staff includes vets, animal welfare experts, and advocacy and development specialists. With around 11 million horses, donkeys, and mules, Ethiopia has the third-largest equine population in the world. Brooke have been working in the country since 2006.

At Elnet Foundation, we are grateful for partners like Brooke Ethiopia that contribute with their experience and expertise to improve the lives of equines. Our goal is to pilot mobile veterinary services, as well as a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic in Addis Ababa by 2022.

Ethiopia | Brooke (thebrooke.org)

Lifeshelter – Quality homes and buildings

Elnet Foundation partners with LifeShelter to provide safe and affordable shelter solutions in various settings, both in development and emergency settings. LifeShelters mission is to help alleviate poverty through supplying cost effective, high quality buildings that have a minimum carbon footprint. The structures are useful as homes, work space, offices, schools, health clinics, cold storage, staff housing and many more applications where durability, comfort and cost are important.

LifeShelter’s award-winning 4-meter version offers a safe and secure shelter resistant to all weather conditions and is complying with the UN standards for recommended minimum living area for a family of 5 people.The LS4 is constructed with unique insulating panels that ensure an energy-efficient and healthy indoor environment in all climates. The sturdy construction, sound insulation, and lockable doors offer the families a feeling of safety and privacy. This is a pilot project that offers homes and communal buildings in Ethiopia that have never been produced in the country, prior to the partnership between Elnet Foundation and LifeShelter.

ELSABI Microfinance

An innovative, premium, secure payment and national remittance service in East Africa with NextGen Cloud banking capabilities that provide access to socially responsible financial services that will enable individuals and communities to invest in their future.

With ELSABI we will bring the unbanked to the banking system, we will offer a choice for those who have low incomes, and we will help build a better and equal society.

We are taking another step into the group full circle. With and through ELSABI we are building a sustainable future for our companies, for our employees, and for the public.

We are providing the chance for equality, where no one is left out in the present and in future generations.