Ecopia was founded in 2006 by two Ethiopian women at a time when digitalisation and ecommerce was only for experts’ discussion. We presented our vision of Ecopia digital in the eLearning Africa 2014. The vision of the founders is creating a digital market place for at least 2 million Ethiopian organic farmers with their 100 percent organic, high quality, from Ethiopian biosphere reserves to Ethiopians and worldwide! We are still pursuing this goal, in Ethiopia, Pan Africa and Worldwide. Until then we invite you to use our digital platforms and links.

In this interview, Dr. Mitslal Kifleyesus-Matschie, founder of Ecopia, discusses her transition from a successful career in arms control to founding a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to sustainable development in rural Ethiopian communities. Motivated by the realization that international treaties did not effectively translate into local development, she established Ecopia to empower communities through training and collaboration.

Operating within the Ethiopian Biosphere Reserve, Ecopia focuses on sustainable agriculture, organic practices, and ecotourism as key pillars. Mitslal emphasizes the role of women in the enterprise, with around 80% of products made by women, and highlights the importance of encouraging and investing in women entrepreneurs. She envisions a future where social enterprises like Ecopia play a crucial role in post-industrial systems, aiming to impact millions of Ethiopians and expand into other African countries.