Elias Fanta

Financial Inclusion Strategic Advisor — Elias initiated and coordinated the first microfinance project in southern Ethiopia. For eight years he worked for the German International Cooperation (GIZ) in Ethiopia as a program officer. Elias graduated with a BA in Economics from the Addis Ababa University, MA in Development Management, and PhD in International Development Studies from the Ruhr University of Bochum.
Rural Farmers in Ethiopia Cope With Drought and Famine

Across vast regions of Ethiopia, the belg (spring) rains, normally expected to start in February, mostly failed. El Niño has disrupted normal weather…

Microfinance and Building a Saving Habit

Feature photo: Women at a savings group meeting in Meteka Mele, Boreda District, Southern Ethiopia. For the last two or three decades, microfinance has…