Cohort Details
KAMA 2026 Wave 1
Starter open cohort for applicant portal development.
Available Tracks
SOE Solutions
Build against listed enterprise problem statements from the current cohort.
National Innovation
Propose a high-impact national problem and solution outside the listed enterprise problems.
Enterprise Problem Areas
ET
Ethio Telecom
Ethiopia's sole telecommunications provider, serving over 83 million subscribers with voice, data, and mobile financial services through the telebirr super app.
Rural Digital Inclusion
29.3% of Ethiopians still lack telecom access. Build solutions that bring connectivity, digital literacy, and telebirr adoption to rural communities where infrastructure is sparse.
telebirr Ecosystem
telebirr processes 2.38 trillion ETB annually. Develop merchant tools, API integrations, or micro-lending platforms that expand the telebirr super app ecosystem.
AI Fraud Prevention
With 54.8M mobile money users, fraud detection is critical. Build AI-driven anti-fraud systems for SIM swap attacks, unauthorized transactions, and identity theft.
CBE
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
The largest commercial bank in Ethiopia with over 2 trillion ETB in assets, 1,971 branches, and 30 million digital banking users driving financial inclusion.
Alternative Credit Scoring
Most Ethiopians lack formal credit history. Build AI credit scoring models using mobile money data, utility payments, and social metrics to unlock lending for the unbanked.
Formalizing Remittances
Ethiopia receives billions in diaspora remittances, many through informal channels. Create digital corridors that bring remittances into the formal financial system via CBE Connect.
Offline Digital Payments
79% of CBE transfers are digital, but rural connectivity gaps remain. Build offline-capable payment solutions that work without internet, syncing when connectivity returns.
ET AIRLINES
Ethiopian Airlines
The continent's most profitable airline group with $7.6B in annual revenue, a fleet of 170 aircraft, and the vision to build Africa's largest aviation mega-hub.
Cold-Chain Logistics
Ethiopia exported $4B in perishable goods. Build end-to-end cold-chain tracking and logistics systems for flowers, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals moving through ET Cargo.
Transit Tourism Tech
Millions transit through Addis Ababa's hub annually. Create a tourism platform that converts transit passengers into visitors through visa-on-arrival facilitation and curated experiences.
Autonomous Ground Ops
Airport ground operations are labor-intensive. Develop AI-driven fleet management, baggage tracking, and autonomous ground vehicle systems for Bole International Airport.
EEP
Ethiopian Electric Power
Ethiopia's power utility managing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and a portfolio of 10,000 MW in renewable generation capacity.
Smart Metering
Millions of Ethiopian homes lack smart meters. Build IoT-based smart metering and demand management systems that reduce energy theft and enable prepaid electricity.
EV Infrastructure
Ethiopia recently banned ICE vehicle imports. Develop the charging infrastructure, payment systems, and grid management tools needed for the nation's EV transition.
Mini-Grid Integration
Off-grid communities need power. Build mini-grid management systems that integrate solar, wind, and battery storage for remote villages not connected to the main grid.
IPDC
Industrial Parks Development Corporation
The government agency managing 11 Special Economic Zones and 3 industrial parks, driving $124M in exports and attracting $300M in FDI.
Circular Waste Economy
Industrial parks generate massive waste. Build systems that convert textile waste, food processing byproducts, and industrial effluents into valuable raw materials or energy.
Supply Chain Traceability
International buyers demand provenance. Create blockchain-based supply chain tracking for Ethiopian manufactured goods, from raw material to export port.
Labor Welfare Platforms
48,900 jobs require management. Build digital platforms for worker attendance, skill tracking, grievance resolution, and wage transparency in industrial parks.