Zemen GEBEYA: Ethiopia’s Digital Marketplace for Startup Growth

Ethio Telecom has launched Zemen GEBEYA, a digital marketplace aimed at transforming Ethiopia’s commercial landscape.

The platform will connect businesses, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with consumers nationwide. Integrated within the telebirr SuperApp, it also plans to facilitate trade across urban and rural Ethiopia.

According to the statement, Zemen GEBEYA is part of Ethio Telecom’s broader strategy to support Ethiopia’s growing digital economy. "The country’s increasing internet connectivity, smartphone usage, and government initiatives like Digital Ethiopia 2025 have created an environment conducive to digital commerce," the statement read.

Ethio Telecom is addressing key barriers to market access and efficiency through the platform. "With Zemen GEBEYA, we aim to offer businesses tools for inventory management, direct customer engagement, and secure payment solutions," the company said in the statement.

The platform promises significant benefits for the Ethiopian economy. "By stimulating job creation in sectors like logistics, retail, and digital services, we are supporting sustainable economic development and promoting financial inclusion," the statement added. "We expect Zemen GEBEYA to help Ethiopian farmers, artisans, and manufacturers reach both local and global markets."

More than 40 businesses and logistics providers have already joined the platform. "We are encouraging further partnerships to expand our reach and impact, and ultimately bridge Ethiopia’s urban-rural digital divide," the statement concluded.