In Conversation with Addisu Deresse, Ethiopia’s Visionary Ecosystem Builder

There are interviews, and then there are conversations that make you rethink, refine, and reimagine your work. My two-hour session on Rise Addis Podcast with Addisu Deresse was exactly that—part deep dive, part therapy session, and part brainstorming on Ethiopia’s startup future.

Now, if you don’t know Addisu, you should. He’s the kind of host who doesn’t just ask questions—he challenges you to dig deeper. As the visionary behind Rise Addis Podcast on Hagere TV, he’s built a platform where Ethiopia’s changemakers can share their journeys, struggles, and insights. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about why we do it and where we’re going.

So, when I sat down with him to talk about Sahanease Solar, Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem, and the future of renewable energy, I knew we weren’t just having an interview—we were having a conversation that mattered.

We started with my journey—my childhood, my education, and the experiences that led me to where I am today. When Addisu asked, “What inspired you to start Sahanease Solar?” I had to pause. Because honestly, this wasn’t a lightbulb moment of inspiration—it was born out of necessity.

Growing up, electricity was unreliable at best and nonexistent at worst. I saw firsthand how energy poverty crippled businesses, kept students in the dark, and slowed down entire economies. And as I studied and worked in different sectors, I realized something: You can’t talk about development if people don’t even have the power to turn on a light.

That’s why Sahanease Solar isn’t just another business—it’s a mission. A mission to make clean energy accessible and affordable for everyday Ethiopians.

From PhD Papers to Power Grids
Now, Addisu being Addisu, he wasn’t going to let me off easy. He brought up my PhD research on foreign aid and political stability in Sub-Saharan Africa and asked how that ties into my work at Sahanease.

At first glance, a PhD on political stability and a solar company might not seem related—but they are. Foreign aid, when misused, creates dependency. Renewable energy, on the other hand, creates independence.

Imagine a rural business that no longer shuts down because of power cuts. A farmer who doesn’t lose crops because of unreliable irrigation. A student who doesn’t study by candlelight. That’s not just an energy shift—it’s an economic and political shift. That’s real stability.

Building the Impossible: Sahanease Solar’s Journey

Of course, no startup story is complete without challenges—plenty of them. Bringing locally manufactured solar PV panels to the Ethiopian market hasn’t been easy, and to be honest, we’re still in the early stages.

• Skepticism is high—People wonder if Ethiopian-made solar panels can truly compete with imports.

• Regulations are frustrating—Navigating bureaucracy sometimes feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.

• Market penetration is tough—Imported solar solutions dominate, and shifting customer mindsets takes time.

Right now, we’re laying the groundwork—developing our technology, refining our models, and pushing through early-stage hurdles. Our SahanEase Solar Panels are still in the works, and we’re continuously improving them to meet both local needs and international standards.

Similarly, our Eco Hydroponic Fodder Machines are in the pilot phase, testing how we can best support farmers tackling food security challenges. The potential is there, but scaling up takes time, funding, and the right partnerships.

So no, we haven’t changed the world yet. But we’re working on it. Step by step, challenge by challenge. And if there’s one thing we know for sure—it’s that Ethiopia needs these solutions, and we’re committed to making them a reality.

The Money Question: Investors & the Future of Renewable Energy

At one point, Addisu leaned in and asked, "So, you secured $5 million in Series A funding. What do investors really see in this market?"

The truth? Investors see potential—but they also see risk. Ethiopia’s future is in renewable energy and agritech, but to attract serious investors, startups must be investment-ready.

And here’s where Ethiopian startups need to wake up: Investors need an exit strategy.

Let’s face it—VCs and institutional investors don’t invest just because they believe in your mission. They need a return on investment (ROI). They need a way to exit, whether that’s through acquisition, IPO, or a profitable secondary sale. Ethiopian startups must position themselves for long-term scalability, not just survival.

This means:
• Having clear growth strategies that go beyond just local markets.

• Building financial models that make sense to investors.

• Creating scalable business models that can attract regional or international buyers.

If we want to take Ethiopian startups to the next level, we need to shift from just surviving to strategic scaling.

The Final Word: Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

As we wrapped up, Addisu asked, "If you could change one thing about Ethiopia’s startup ecosystem, what would it be?"

Without hesitation, I said: Risk-taking.
Too many brilliant ideas never see the light of day because people are afraid to fail. And yes, failing sucks—but so does never trying. We need:

• More entrepreneurs willing to take bold risks.

• More investors willing to back high-impact ideas.

• A startup culture that celebrates learning from failure rather than punishing it.

If Ethiopia is going to be a startup powerhouse, we need to stop playing it safe.

Final Thoughts: Gratitude & Looking Ahead

As I left the studio, I felt nothing but appreciation. Rise Addis Podcast isn’t just another talk show—it’s a platform that sparks real conversations. And that’s thanks to Addisu Deresse, who has built something truly special with Hagere TV.

To him, to the Hagere TV team, and to everyone tuning in—thank you.

This is just the beginning of Ethiopia’s energy revolution, and I’m honored to be part of it.

And if you haven’t watched the episode yet—what are you waiting for? Grab a coffee, find a quiet spot, and hit play. Who knows? You might just walk away with an idea that could change everything.