Ethiopia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Ahaz Platforms offers online education through its EdTech solution, Ahazawi. This initiative addresses digital literacy challenges for teenagers aged 13-19 and adults aged 20 and above. Ahaz serves as a gateway for accessible learning from anywhere,

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Ahaz Platforms aims to drive digital transformation through digital literacy and skills training, software development, and consultancy. Founded in September 2021 and legally registered in August 2023, Ahaz initiated the Digital Society Development Initiative in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, providing courses to over 3,000 learners in 2022. Despite facing challenges in space, time, and course delivery consistency, Ahaz introduced the Ahazawi digital learning platform and launched it in January 2024, now serving 350+ online learners. Accredited by the Bureau of Science and Technology, Ahazawi offers a comprehensive platform for course creators, teachers, and learners, and supports academies and institutes in delivering their courses.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Ahaz is tackling limitations of traditional classroom learning, including limited reach due to physical space and time constraints, inconsistency in teaching quality, and lack of accessibility for everyone, from anywhere, at any time.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Increased Access to Education: Learn anytime, anywhere, especially benefiting remote or underserved areas. 2. Digital Skill Development: Gain essential digital skills for job creation and career advancement. 3. Inclusive Learning Environment: Supports individuals with disabilities, women, and those with limited educational access.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The targeted beneficiaries of Ahaz include teenagers aged 13-19, adults aged 20 and above, individuals with disabilities, women, and those who otherwise lack access to learning opportunities. Ahaz particularly focuses on communities in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-08-25

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

She graduated in financial accounting and has experience working in various companies as an accountant, purchasing expert, and in related roles.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://ahazawi.com

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By providing accessible digital literacy and skills training, Ahaz equips individuals with the knowledge and competencies needed for job creation and career development. This empowers people to secure better employment opportunities, increase their income, and improve their economic status. Additionally, by targeting underserved populations, including those with disabilities and women, Ahaz helps reduce economic disparities and promotes inclusive growth, further contributing to poverty reduction.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Ahaz contributes indirectly to the "Zero Hunger" goal by empowering individuals with digital skills, improving job opportunities, and enhancing economic stability, which can lead to better food security and nutrition outcomes for families.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Ahaz contributes to the "Good Health and Well-being" goal by providing digital literacy and skills training, which can lead to better employment opportunities and economic stability. Improved livelihoods can positively impact overall well-being and access to healthcare, indirectly supporting better health outcomes for individuals and communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Ahaz directly contributes to the "Quality of Education" goal by offering accessible digital literacy and skills training. Through its Ahazawi platform, it enhances learning opportunities, particularly in underserved areas, improving the quality and accessibility of education for learners of all backgrounds. This initiative helps bridge educational gaps, equipping individuals with essential skills for personal and professional development in the digital age.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

With a female co-founder, Ahaz demonstrates its commitment to gender equality by providing inclusive education and employment opportunities. Through Ahazawi, the platform empowers women, ensuring their active participation in digital literacy and skills training. This inclusive approach supports women as teachers, course creators, and learners, promoting gender equality in education and beyond.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Ahaz helps reduce energy use and air pollution by enabling students to learn remotely, eliminating the need for transportation to physical classrooms. Additionally, digital platforms like Ahazawi promote clean energy indirectly by using technology efficiently for education, reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional methods.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Ahaz promotes decent work and economic growth by offering digital skills training through Ahazawi, boosting employability and fostering career advancement in the digital age.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Ahaz contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure by leveraging digital platforms like Ahazawi for effective education delivery. This promotes technological advancement and enhances infrastructure through digital learning solutions, thereby supporting innovation in education and beyond.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Ahaz contributes to reducing inequalities by providing inclusive digital literacy and skills training through Ahazawi. By ensuring access to education and economic opportunities for diverse populations, including women and underserved communities, Ahaz helps bridge societal gaps and promotes equal access to resources and opportunities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Ahaz promotes sustainable cities and communities by offering digital skills training through Ahazawi, reducing environmental impact and fostering inclusive education opportunities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Ahaz promotes responsible consumption and production by offering digital education through Ahazawi, which reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional learning materials and facilities. By emphasizing digital resources, Ahaz supports sustainable practices in education and contributes to responsible consumption of resources.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Ahaz contributes to climate action by reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional education through its digital platform, Ahazawi. By enabling remote learning, Ahaz helps lower transportation-related emissions and promotes environmental sustainability in education.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Ahaz contributes indirectly to "Life Below Water" by promoting digital education through Ahazawi, which reduces environmental impact compared to traditional methods like paper-based learning, thus supporting marine ecosystem conservation efforts.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Ahaz supports "Life on Land" by promoting digital education through Ahazawi, reducing the environmental footprint associated with traditional learning methods. This helps preserve land resources and biodiversity by minimizing deforestation and habitat destruction linked to paper production and physical infrastructure.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Ahaz promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions by providing digital skills training through Ahazawi. This empowers individuals, fosters social stability, and supports the development of inclusive institutions.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Ahaz collaborates with schools, governments, and NGOs through initiatives like Ahazawi and DSDI (Digital Society Development Initiative) to enhance access to quality education and achieve sustainable development goals.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

5

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

Learning is a lifelong process, and the global community has introduced numerous innovative approaches and technologies for education. At Ahaz, we've recognized that traditional learning may not always be effective, suitable, or accessible. Therefore, we innovate in EdTech, offering a digital learning platform accessible to all, anytime and anywhere. While such platforms are not new globally, they are groundbreaking in the Tigrai region of Ethiopia, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are global platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Khan Academy. What sets Ahaz apart is our focus on addressing local educational needs in Tigrai, Ethiopia. We offer culturally relevant content, personalized support, and practical skills aligned with local job opportunities. Ahazawi, our digital learning platform, ensures accessibility and real-world application, distinguishing us from larger, more generalized platforms.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, our co-founder is female, and we collaborate with WAT to provide specialized training for GBV victims. Our workforce comprises 50% females, reflecting our commitment to gender equality and supporting women in leadership and empowerment initiatives within our community.