Hannes' Podcast: Africa - Life - Startups

In this episode, I argue that more can be less. That it is not about the number of options we have, but about knowing and reflecting what we want. Because if we gain this insight, we achieve more freedom to choose what is really enriching our lives and are less distracted by all the options we have.

Gelane and Lydia, who both grew up in both cultures, give us some insights about the social fabric of both societies. Both of them moved back from Germany to live in Ethiopia; they talk about what they want to do in Ethiopia and the change they would like to see.

Many people think we need big companies to make a big move forward. But in fact, new companies started every year have statistically speaking the biggest impact on new jobs created, and for example, SMEs are the backbone of Europeans powerhouse economy, Germany. That is why we need startups, as they are not only the best way to create jobs but a fulcrum for innovation. Also, in this episode, I will talk about an idea, a stock marketplace for impact- and innovation-oriented companies, and how such a stock market could change our system.

In this podcast, I talk about some of the differences, looking at Germany and Ethiopia. Differences such as religion, family, work, consumption, and the social connection within the society.

In this podcast, together with Ephrem, we talk about mental health and how the fabric of our culture and society influences it. Tune in to hear about topics such as individualized vs. collectivist societies and impressions of living in Ethiopia.

In this podcast, we talk about game design and how we can use some elements of it to live more purposefully.

With the chance from an accelerator, Eden and her team started a new endeavor: an impact-driven startup that has the goal to empower refugees! Tune in to hear how the team started!

In this podcast, Pauline tells us about her work at an NGO which empowers the rights of women.

Last week we visited different factories. When I was in the textile factory with more than 2,000 employees, I felt uncomfortable and thought that in such halls, the clothes for the world were made with low-cost wages. The chances for a good job are more limited in some regions, but only through production in these regions is it possible to have consumption elsewhere. On the other hand, due to the high economic growth in Ethiopia, there is relatively high mobility within the society, and as the only East African country, it has good chances to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 – eliminating poverty and realizing sustainable development.

The last days I've been working on my first podcast! In it, I want to elaborate on the topic that in today's economic driven world, startups and companies might be one of the strongest and fastest entities to change the status quo for a better future! Plus, I also want to report about the culture and experience on-site. This 1. episode begins with the story of my first encounter with Africa.