Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 3 December 2024 – The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC), in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT), successfully hosted the inaugural Greater South Fair for Endogenous Technologies (GreSFET). Held over two days at the Ethiopian Science Museum, the event united innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the Greater South, underscoring the region’s potential to shape sustainable development through localised technological solutions.
The event showcased a diverse range of solutions addressing challenges in clean energy, education, health technologies, fintech, and sustainable mobility. Over 40 startups from 14 OSC member countries presented their innovations, highlighting the transformative capacity of homegrown technologies to drive progress and prosperity.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, H.E. Manssour Bin Mussallam, OSC Secretary-General, remarked: “By providing visibility to startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs, GreSFET fosters best practice exchange and mutual learning among youth and nations, addressing technological development challenges in resource-scarce contexts. It also acts as a catalyst for economies of scale, empowering entrepreneurs and students to become drivers of technological advancement.”
One of the most engaging components of GreSFET was the hackathon, where nearly 40 technological experts and creative minds collaborated to tackle pressing regional issues. Participants proposed actionable solutions, including smart mobility systems, blockchain-based tools for enhancing supply chain transparency, and advancements in digital healthcare, exemplifying the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Greater South.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s pride in hosting the event, H.E. Dr Belete Molla, Minister of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia, stated: “GreSFET is not just a showcase; it is a declaration of what is possible when we come together to innovate for our shared future. Rooted in the realities of our people, these technologies bridge tradition and modernity, offering a sustainable and inclusive blueprint for tomorrow.”
The event also featured keynote speeches and panel discussions, offering deep insights from government leaders, academics, and industry experts. These sessions explored pivotal topics such as financial inclusion, education as a catalyst for innovation, and the potential of South-South cooperation in advancing technology transfer.
GreSFET also facilitated invaluable networking opportunities, enabling startups, policymakers, and private-sector leaders to forge strategic partnerships. These collaborations aim to ensure that local innovations are scaled to deliver broad societal benefits.
Sharing his reflections on the transformative potential of the fair, Dr. Dr. Shumete Gizaw, Under-Secretary-General for Technological Innovation and Digitalisation Enhancement at the Organisation of Southern Cooperation, said: “GreSFET is more than a technology fair—it is a catalyst for change. It is a dynamic platform for converging ideas and envisioning the future of technology in our countries of the Greater South. By highlighting the incredible talent and creativity within our regions, we not only empower local innovators but also create avenues for technologies that address real-world challenges. Therefore, this event is a celebration of our shared ability to innovate, adapt, and lead.”
The event culminated in an awards ceremony that celebrated exceptional innovators whose projects showcased extraordinary potential for positive societal impact.
GreSFET has positioned itself as a vital platform for advancing innovation and fostering collaboration within the Greater South. By promoting localised solutions and building strategic partnerships, the Organisation of Southern Cooperation and its partners are paving the way for the region to actively contribute to “Becoming Drivers of the Technological Revolution.” This vision strengthens the development of homegrown technologies, fosters South-South cooperation, and amplifies the Greater South’s contribution to global innovation ecosystems.
For further information about GreSFET and its outcomes, please visit https://gresfet.osc.int/en.
