At the Innovative Finance Lab (IFL), we're dedicated to revolutionizing Ethiopia's financial landscape by connecting investable companies with the capital they need. Inaugurated in October 2022, the Innovative Finance Lab (IFL) is a pioneering initiative jointly established by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It operates under the strategic guidance of an 18- member Advisory Board, which includes key federal ministries, development banks, and regional and international institutions. The IFL’s core mission is to revolutionize Ethiopia’s financial landscape, with a particular focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and startups. It aims to address both demand and supply-side constraints, paving the way for increased access to finance while fostering an enabling environment for investment.