Ethiopian Center For Disability and Development (ECDD)

Name

Ethiopian Center For Disability and Development (ECDD)

Legal name

Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD)

Website

https://ecdd-ethiopia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Inclusion and Development Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Educational Services (611), Other Schools and Instruction (6116)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAAAOAI

Disability Employment & Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Workforce Development Initiatives

SECONDARYEDAKAAAD

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Schools & Life Skills Programs

Education/Special Education & Learning Support Services/Special Education Schools & Programs

SECONDARYEDALAFAN

Accessibility, Accommodations & Assistive Services

Education/Student Services & Campus Operations/Student Health, Counseling & Wellness Services

SECONDARYBPADAKAB

Early Childhood Development (ECD) & Pre-Primary Education

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Education & Skills Development Programs

Keywords

• Disability-inclusive development
• Inclusive education programs
• Vocational skills training
• Humanitarian inclusion services
• Civil society advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Addis Ababa

HQ country

Ethiopia

HQ region

Africa

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. International Development Funding / Donor Grants: ECDD is entirely funded by international development donors, including USAID, CBM (Christian Blind Mission), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via CBM Germany, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands (via ILO), and the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM). ECDD has no commercial revenue streams.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ECDD is a civil society organization that promotes and facilitates disability-inclusive development in Ethiopia by partnering with government ministries, TVET colleges, universities, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to deliver programs such as vocational training, inclusive education, livelihood support, accessibility modifications, and policy guideline development. It also operates the Minch toll-free IVR information platform (dial 6768) and the ECDD Academy staff development program, with all services delivered free of charge to beneficiaries through donor-funded projects.

Product overview

ECDD is a civil society organization (established 2005) focused on promoting disability-inclusive development in Ethiopia. The organization offers a portfolio of programs and services including the Minch toll-free phone information platform (IVR-based), the ECDD Academy staff training program, and the Ethiopian Business & Disability Network (EBDN) employer network. ECDD's core work spans six programmatic priority areas: Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Inclusive Health Services, Inclusive Education, Inclusive Livelihoods, Social Inclusion and Protection, and Inclusive Humanitarian Assistance. The organization works collaboratively with government, NGOs, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) rather than operating as a traditional product company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Minch: A free toll-free voice-based (IVR) phone platform (dial 6768) providing disability information in Amharic. Launched February 2021, it is an interactive platform for persons with disabilities, families, caregivers, and service providers to access information about health, education, livelihoods, and development programs.
• EBDN
• ECDD Academy

Products and services

• Minch Platform A free toll-free phone-based information platform (IVR system) for persons with disabilities in Ethiopia. Users dial 6768 on any basic mobile phone or landline to access curated audio information about disability services, rehabilitation, education, skills training, employment opportunities, and government/NGO development programs in Amharic.
• ECDD Academy A 3-month intensive training program for university graduates with disabilities (ages 21-35) in disability-inclusive development across six priority areas: disability rights, inclusive health services, inclusive education, inclusive livelihoods, social inclusion and protection, and inclusive humanitarian response. Trainees receive a monthly stipend and disability accommodations.
• Ethiopian Business & Disability Network (EBDN) A network of companies and organizations that employ or are interested in employing persons with disabilities, established by ECDD in 2015. Currently has over 30 member organizations and supports disability-inclusive employment practices across Ethiopia.
• Disability Inclusion Consulting and Training Services Advisory, training, and consulting services delivered to government bodies, universities, TVET colleges, and NGOs on disability inclusion, accessibility audits, inclusive education, and inclusive livelihoods. Services are delivered free of charge via donor-funded projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,849 youth with disabilities directly benefited across 10 regional states and 2 city administrations in 3.5 years (SKILLS Project)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered secondary, core and minor.

• Bahir Dar UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 November 2023MoU signed November 17, 2023 at Bahir Dar University's Tibeb Building Hall for EMPOWER project on disability inclusion and accessible educational services. Also funded by Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SYL for 48 months.
• Wolaita Sodo UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 October 2023MoU signed October 13, 2023 for EMPOWER project focusing on disability inclusion and accessible educational services for students with disabilities. Financed by Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) for 48 months.
• International Labour Organization (ILO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerILO provides finance and technical collaboration for ENHANCE II project, implemented by ECDD in Somali region. ILO PROSPECTS provides funding. ENHANCE II aims to improve socio-economic conditions of persons with disabilities including refugees and IDPs through vocational training, BDS, and financial institution partnerships. Project runs January–December 2026.
• Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECDD partners with MoLS on guideline development and review for disability inclusion in skills development and employment. A 25-member Task Force including government and NGO representatives conducted a year-long review of national TVET documents. MoLS Deputy Minister and State Minister Adviser participated in dissemination workshops. MoLS is also a partner in the Tila Project via Mastercard Foundation funding.
• Ministry of Women and Social AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECDD partners with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs on policy initiatives including the Disability Inclusion Guideline for Food Security. The Disability Affairs CEO (Mr. Sisay Tilahun) delivered opening addresses at ECDD-organized national workshops. Ministry is a key government counterpart for disability rights mainstreaming.
• Ministry of Urban and InfrastructuresecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinistry participates in ECDD-organized national dissemination workshops and affirmed government commitment to inclusive food systems. The National coordinator of Urban productive safety net and Jobs project confirmed alignment of disability inclusion with ministry programs.
• Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerRRS attended the ENHANCE II project kick-off meeting in Jigjiga (May 16, 2026) alongside ILO-PROSPECTS, government bureaus, OPDs, and ECDD implementation team.
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNHCR participated in the ENHANCE II kick-off meeting in Jigjiga, representing the refugee protection and assistance ecosystem in Somali region.
• Fayyaa Integrated Development Organization (FIDO)secondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFIDO leads an integrated humanitarian assistance project in East Wollega Zone (Diga and Kiramu Woredas), with ECDD conducting disability inclusion awareness training. Project funded by Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF).
• EnAbleIndiacoreTechnology or IntegrationEnAbleIndia serves as Knowledge Partner for Minch platform, providing expertise from operating EnAble Vaani across 15 Indian states. Trains ECDD staff on platform operation and provides implementation guidance and best practices.
• Onion Dev (GramVaani)coreTechnology or IntegrationOnion Dev is the Technology Partner for Minch platform. Social tech company incubated out of IIT Delhi (2009) with over 2.5 million users across 15+ Indian states, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Namibia, and South Africa. Provides IVR platform development, mobile app, content moderation platform, reporting, and tech support.
• EthiotelecomcoreTechnology or IntegrationEthiotelecom provides toll-free phone number 6768 for the Minch platform, reduced fee call charges, and a 4-digit callback number. As Ethiopia's sole telecom provider serving over 65 million mobile users, Ethiotelecom makes Minch accessible to users without internet or smartphones.
• Ethiopian Business & Disability Network (EBDN)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerEBDN was established by ECDD in 2015. Network of companies and organizations employing or interested in employing persons with disabilities. Counts over 30 member organizations. ECDD encourages EBDN members to post vacancy announcements on Minch platform.
• Haramaya UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnder We are Able! project PPP networking platform, Haramaya University constructed housing for 15 persons with disabilities, provided 30 wheelchairs, supported 11 women with disabilities through IGA startup packages (poultry and goats), and facilitated sign language and Braille training for 35 government office staff.
• Dilla Polytechnic CollegesecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerI-LEAD project of ECDD completed construction of ramps, walkway, and accessible toilets (male and female) at Dilla Polytechnic College, completed and submitted on August 31, 2024, to make the college inclusive for youth with disabilities.
• Oromia Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD)secondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMr. Darara, President of Oromia OPD, facilitated disability inclusion awareness training conducted by ECDD in Nekemte town covering disability rights frameworks, common barriers, and sector-specific strategies.
• Epion Computer Solutions PlcminorOthersEpion Computer Solutions Plc designed ECDD's website (ecdd-ethiopia.org) in partnership with NOVIB and Civil Society Support Programme Phase 2.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sense International: Sense International is a disability INGO focused on deafblindness and complex disabilities, with country operations in East Africa. It is comparable to ECDD because it delivers inclusive education, livelihoods, and advocacy programs for persons with disabilities through locally embedded partnerships and similar donor funding structures.
• Sightsavers: Sightsavers is a disability INGO working on inclusive education, social inclusion, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities across Africa and Asia. It is comparable to ECDD because it partners with government ministries, OPDs, and local NGOs to deliver inclusive development programs funded by institutional donors.
• ADD International: ADD International is a disability rights and inclusive development INGO working primarily in Africa and Asia. It is comparable to ECDD because it focuses on disability rights advocacy, OPD strengthening, and inclusive livelihoods with a similar donor base and country-level implementation footprint.
• CBM (Christian Blind Mission) International: CBM is a major disability-focused INGO and one of ECDD's largest funders (CBM Germany/BMZ co-funded ECDD's SKILLS and EQIEP-II projects). It is comparable because it implements inclusive education, livelihoods, and eye-health programs across low-income countries, often via local partner NGOs in the same way ECDD operates in Ethiopia.
• Leonard Cheshire Disability: Leonard Cheshire is a UK-based disability INGO with significant programs in Africa focused on inclusive education, employment, and youth empowerment. It is comparable to ECDD because it delivers inclusive livelihoods and education programs through country offices and local partnerships in a similar operational model.
• Humanity & Inclusion (formerly Handicap International): Humanity & Inclusion is a large disability and vulnerability-focused INGO operating in ~60 countries with programs in inclusive education, livelihoods, and humanitarian response. It is comparable to ECDD because of its overlapping mission, similar donor base, and presence in refugee/IDP programming analogous to ECDD's ENHANCE work in Somali Region.
• Light for the World: Light for the World is a disability-inclusive development INGO working across Africa and Asia on inclusive education, livelihoods, and eye health. It is comparable to ECDD because it operates as a multi-country disability-inclusion implementation partner funded by similar institutional donors and delivers inclusive vocational training, accessibility, and advocacy programs.

Regional players

• Cheshire Ethiopia: Cheshire Ethiopia is the Ethiopian affiliate of Leonard Cheshire Disability, working on inclusive education and disability inclusion in the same country. It is comparable to ECDD because it operates in overlapping Ethiopian regions and inclusive education/employment spaces, though from a single-country INGO affiliate model.
• Ethiopian Federation of Persons with Disabilities (EFPD): EFPD is the national umbrella federation of Ethiopian DPOs/OPDs. It is comparable to ECDD because it sits at the intersection of disability advocacy and direct program engagement in Ethiopia and is a frequent counterpart (FEAPD and member OPDs) in ECDD's programming — though it operates more as a representative body than a direct implementation NGO.

Emerging players

• Motivation International: Motivation is a disability-focused INGO with a strong emphasis on mobility, assistive devices, and inclusive education in low-income countries. It is comparable to ECDD because it overlaps with ECDD's assistive-device distribution work (750+ devices via EQIEP-II) and inclusive livelihoods programming, though it has a narrower product/devices angle.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ECDDEthiopia
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCCDsKj44a4uYDWTdyx7ahSA
• Facebookfacebook.com/DisabilityDevelopment
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ethiopian-center-for-disability-and-development-ecdd
• Instagraminstagram.com/ecddethiopia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Ethiopian Center For Disability and Development (ECDD)