Estifanos Betelihem & Friends Partnership is a recycling startup based in Ethiopia, founded in 2022 by two university graduates, Estifanos and Betelhem. With the goal of reducing the impact of plastic waste and promoting sustainability within the community, the company began its journey with a modest investment of 60,000 Ethiopian Birr and a team of four. In its first year, the company collected and recycled 30 tons of plastic bottles in Addis Ababa, contributing to environmental cleanup and raising awareness about recycling.
However, the company didn’t stop there. Estifanos Betelihem & Friends Partnership has grown significantly, thanks to support from family and a 5.5 million Birr loan from the Ethiopian Development Bank. By 2023, the company increased its recycling capacity to 250 tons, including the production of waterproof membranes and seedling bags, contributing to sustainable agriculture and reducing plastic waste in the community. This was a major milestone, not only in terms of production capacity but also in terms of social impact, as the company created many job opportunities for the local community.
The company’s project is now being implemented in collaboration with local and regional authorities, along with support from both domestic and international experts. This partnership not only helps the company develop sustainably but also contributes to building a robust recycling ecosystem in Ethiopia, helping to mitigate the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment. The project is also funded as part of the International Climate Initiative (ICI), emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainable development and global environmental protection.
At the 2025 P4G Vietnam Summit, Estifanos Betelihem & Friends Partnership showcased its technological solutions in the startup exhibition space, attracting interest from various domestic and international organizations. This activity, supported by the National Center for Creative Startup Support (NSSC), also created opportunities for the company to connect with investors and relevant partners through an investment matchmaking program.
With a long-term vision and a commitment to positive change, Estifanos Betelihem & Friends Partnership has proven that even small startup initiatives can create significant change and have a strong impact on communities and the environment. Their success story is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing environmental challenges while opening up opportunities for sustainable economic development in developing regions.
