28/03/2026
“With more than 9 million children out of school in Ethiopia, representing 35% of school-aged children, the need for innovative, collaborative solutions has never been more urgent,” - Dereje Legesse
During the International Conference on Next-Generation Microfinance: Unlocking Opportunities through Innovation, Inclusion, and Resilient Financial Services in Addis Ababa, Dereje Legesse, Technical Assistance Advisor at Opportunity International EduFinance, underscored the critical role of private sector engagement and blended action among governments, financial institutions, and development partners in closing the education access gap.
The conference was organized by the Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions (AEMFI) and brought together sector leaders focused on shaping the future of inclusive finance.
Dereje emphasized the importance of targeted investments and strategic partnerships to strengthen education systems, particularly in areas such as WASH, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure, which directly influence the quality and resilience of learning environments.
From a financial inclusion perspective, he highlighted how financial institutions can better support low-income households and affordable private schools by developing tailored education finance products, leveraging digital solutions, and adopting data-driven lending models.
These insights reaffirm the power of innovative microfinance to unlock opportunities and create lasting impact for learners across Ethiopia.