Dashen Bank proudly announces the commencement of the 3rd season of the Dashen Kefita entrepreneurship training program in Hawassa. This comprehensive training program, which precedes the entrepreneurship contest, encompasses essential topics such as business plan preparation, the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, and other relevant subjects.

Ato Kefeyalewe Kebede, Head of Sidama Regional State Deputy Head of Enterprise Development and Job Creation, commended Dashen Bank for its unwavering commitment to organizing nation-wide entrepreneurship training programs. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth.

Ato Endale Gebresselasie, Director of Dashen Bank’s Marketing and Branding Department, highlighted the value of the training, stating, “This program is designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to bring their business ideas to fruition.”

Ato Petros Moges, Dashen Bank’s Hawassa District Director, reflected on the success of the previous season, noting that the winners of Dashen Kefita season 2 hailed from Hawassa. He encouraged the current participants to aspire to the achievements of their predecessors.

The Dashen Kefita training initiative is part of Dashen Bank’s corporate social responsibility efforts. Over the past seasons, the program has provided training to thousands of participants from various regions of Ethiopia. Winners of the entrepreneurship contest have received monetary prizes and financial support to help launch their businesses.

This new season will expand its reach to 9 towns across the country, continuing Dashen Bank’s mission to nurture entrepreneurial talent and drive economic development nationwide.

Dashen Bank conducted its first-ever annual fire safety and drill exercise at its headquarters today. During the drill, staff practiced emergency evacuation procedures by exiting the building through designated safety gateways.

Addressing the evacuated staff, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Evacuation Officer, Ato Asfaw Alemu, emphasized the importance of the exercise in developing disaster prevention and preparedness skills. He highlighted that such drills are crucial for ensuring the safety of everyone in the building in the event of a real emergency.

The Bank’s Director of Safety and Security and Fire Marshal during Emergency, Commander Habtamu Eba, noted that the annual safety and drill exercise is a key part of the Bank’s policy to maintain robust security and safety within its premises. He explained that these drills are essential for building a strong safety culture among employees.

Prior to the drill, the Bank’s safety and security department provided specialized training in first aid and fire prevention to selected staff members. This training ensured that employees were well-prepared to handle emergency situations effectively.

Dashen Bank’s headquarters is equipped with fire safety and prevention systems that meet international standards. Recently, the building was certified by the Addis Ababa Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors.

Dashen Bank’s staff has today planted indigenous seedlings on the hills of Entoto Mountain at the outskirts of Addis Ababa.

Addressing members of the Bank’s staff drawn from the Headquarters, District Offices and branches, Asfaw Alemu, CEO of Dashen Bank said the seedling plantation undertaken by the bank’s staff during the last consecutive years has been effective and shall be strengthened in the years to come.

As one of the projects run by the bank to discharge its corporate social responsibility, the annual seedling plantation tasks are performed in collaboration with the Ethiopian Heritage Trust, with whom Dashen Bank is a permanent member.

In addition to plantation of seedlings, the bank has been undertaking various tasks for the preservation and growing of them over the plots allocated to it by the Ethiopian heritage trust.

As part of implementation of its sixth strategic plan, Dashen bank has recently tailored the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy and has established a department being engaged in environmental protection and preservation.

The Bank aligns its business activities with global goals like the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promotes prevention of environmental pollution and conservation of biodiversity.

Dashen acknowledges the impact of climate change and commits to integrating climate considerations into its business operations. This includes promoting energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprint, and supporting environmentally sustainable initiatives.

Dashen will prioritize financing projects and businesses that adhere to sustainable environmental practices, promoting renewable energy, and environmentally friendly technologies.

As Permanent member of the Ethiopian Heritage Trust, a local NGO engaged in environmental protection and preservation, Dashen Bank provides financial and other supports to its endeavor to preserve and protect the environment.

Dashen Bank and EagleLion System Technology have signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement today at the bank’s headquarters. Asfaw Alemu, CEO of Dashen Bank, emphasized that this partnership is crucial for achieving the goals outlined in the bank’s five-year strategic plan. The agreement will enhance digital technology options, elevate customer service, and create advanced customer experiences.

This alliance aims to meet the needs of both conventional and interest-free service users across various sectors, offering simple, efficient, and convenient services. Bersufekad Getachew, CEO of EagleLion System Technology, highlighted that his company has introduced 14 products across different sectors and expects this agreement to help Dashen Bank reach its aspirations in the coming years.

The partnership focuses on providing cutting-edge technology to extend Dashen Bank’s reach, both nationally and internationally. Last year, Dashen Bank and EagleLion System Technology introduced “DubeAle,” a credit-based application that enables businesses to offer goods and services on credit.

Dashen Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amal Micro-Finance. The agreement was signed by Mesfin Bezu, Chief Interest-Free Banking Officer at Dashen Bank, and Yohannes Hora, Chief Executive Officer of Amal Micro-Finance today at the Bank’s Headquarters.

This partnership will enable the two institutions to collaborate on various financial services, aiming to create inclusive financial solutions and benefit customers in the micro-finance sector.

Dashen Bank’s interest-free banking service now serves over 1 million customers and has reached deposits exceeding 10 billion Birr. In addition, the Bank has also financed a total amount of 6 billion birr for customers in various sectors.

Dashen Bank has commenced the third round of the Dashen Kefita Entrepreneurship Contest, a project aimed at contributing to job creation and enhancing entrepreneurship in Ethiopia.

To successfully undertake this round of the contest, the bank has signed an agreement with Weventure Holdings PLC as the consultant, and African Renaissance Television Services (ARTS TV) as the media partner, at an event held today at the bank’s headquarters.

Third round of the Dashen Kefita Entrepreneurship Contest will be conducted in the cities of Mekelle, Adama, Bahir Dar, Dessie, Dire Dawa, Wolayta, Hawassa, Jimma, and Addis Ababa. Registration for trainees will be open from June 18 to June 29, 2024, at nearby Dashen Bank branches.

The roadshow (training) will focus on creating awareness about entrepreneurship, attracting investors to creative ideas, and preparing proposals for entrepreneurship contests. After the training, potential contestants will submit their proposals to Dashen Bank branches, where vetting will be conducted to identify those invited to participate in the contest.

Contestants selected from each center will be transported to Addis Ababa for further training before participating in the first phase of the contest. Winners of this round will receive financial support, certificates, and financial awards.

Thousands of youth across the country participated in the first and second rounds of the contest, benefiting from the training, competition, and financial awards. Many winners of the previous rounds are now engaged in various industries and have created job opportunities for numerous youths.Dashen Bank is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in Ethiopia through initiatives like the Dashen Kefita Entrepreneurship Contest.