Eleni Gabre-Madhin is a distinguished economist, visionary entrepreneur, and a transformative leader in Africa’s agricultural sector. Known for her groundbreaking work in creating the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), Gabre-Madhin has continued her impactful journey by founding Blue Moon Ethiopia, an incubator and accelerator dedicated to nurturing young agribusiness entrepreneurs.
Blue Moon Ethiopia was launched with a mission to empower a new generation of innovators capable of transforming Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape. Recognizing agriculture as the backbone of the Ethiopian economy, Gabre-Madhin has leveraged her deep expertise to create a platform that supports startups with training, mentorship, funding, and access to networks. Through Blue Moon, she fosters innovative solutions that address critical challenges in the sector, such as supply chain inefficiencies, food security, and rural development.
Gabre-Madhin’s journey to becoming a leader in agricultural transformation is rooted in her extensive academic and professional background. With a PhD in Applied Economics from Stanford University and a career spanning roles at the World Bank and the United Nations, she has amassed unparalleled knowledge of the global and local forces shaping agriculture in Africa. Her success with the ECX, where she revolutionized market systems for smallholder farmers, serves as a testament to her ability to drive large-scale change.
Under her leadership, Blue Moon Ethiopia has incubated and accelerated numerous startups that have gone on to create sustainable impact in agriculture and beyond. The program prioritizes young, ambitious entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools and resources to innovate and grow businesses that contribute to Ethiopia’s economic development.
Eleni Gabre-Madhin is widely celebrated for her dedication to creating systemic solutions for Africa’s agriculture. Through her vision, Blue Moon Ethiopia not only supports individual entrepreneurs but also strengthens the ecosystem needed to catalyze long-term transformation. Her work underscores her unwavering belief in the potential of young African innovators to solve the continent’s challenges and unlock its immense opportunities.
