Voices
A Story of Courage and Integrity: The SOPHOS Way
Tesfaynesh, a SOPHOS Ambassador, was traveling from
Hosanna to Addis Ababa. She, like other passengers, bought
a bus ticket, but she encountered a familiar injustice. The bus
driver attempted to get her and other passengers to pay
additional amount, which was 20% more than the official fare.
With 60 passengers on board, this overcharge would have
resulted in a substantial but illicit income for him.
Tesfaynesh challenged the driver. He refused to back down,
emboldened by the fact that nearly all the other passengers were willing to pay the
inflated price. Some looked at her with pity because of her ‘naivety’, while others with
irritation because of her ‘unreasonableness’. When she warned that she would report
the misconduct to the authorities, some passengers scoffed and said ‘it is pointless.
Officials are part of the scheme. They take a share too.’
But Tesfaynesh persisted. She reported the incident to Teshome, Head of the local
Transport Office. Teshome took the matter seriously. He confronted the driver, issued a
stern warning, and ensured that no passenger paid more than the legal fare.
Later, when the bus stopped for lunch, some passengers approached Tesfaynesh and
expressed their gratitude. One passenger said: ‘Thanks to you, we can now afford
lunch.’
This simple yet powerful act of integrity shows how one person’s courage can shift the
course of a moment and the mindset of a crowd. Tesfaynesh and Teshome exemplify
how good can overcome evil when one takes steps to do what is right and legal. They
both embody the spirit of ethical leadership. They are examples of the many Ethiopians
willing to stand for justice and make sacrifices for the good of society, often at personal
cost.
At SOPHOS AFRICA, we believe that there are so many like. We call them seeds of
transformation. By equipping and empowering them, our goal is to build a critical mass
of change agents who will challenge the culture of corruption and ignite a movement
towards a flourishing Ethiopia.
SOPHOS AFRICA: Transforming Minds. Shaping Lives. Igniting Ethiopia’s
Flourishing Future.
Think Big. Start Small. Scale Up Fast. Learn Constantly.

Tesfaynesh
SOPHOS Ambassador
Stories from the 1 st Cohort of SOPHOS AFRICA's 2024/25 Entrepreneurship Program
My name is Abinet Birkneh, and I am the founder of
SunLink Engineering PLC. In a country where more than
half of all households still lack access to electricity, I felt a
deep calling to make a difference. I set out to bring
affordable solar lighting to rural communities across
Ethiopia, places where the dark isn't just an
inconvenience, but a barrier to education, safety, and
opportunity.
With the support of SOPHOS AFRICA, I received training,
mentorship, and a startup loan through Tesfa
Microfinance. That was the turning point. I launched
SunLink’s first pilot projects, bringing reliable energy to
underserved areas and proving that sustainable, locally
driven solutions are possible. The early success of
SunLink drew the attention of respected partners,
opening doors for expansion. Today, we are scaling our
operations with a vision to reach hundreds of schools
and millions of households throughout the country.
SOPHOS AFRICA transformed my dream into a reality.
Their support gave me the tools to build an ethical
business that serves the people who need it most.

Abinet
Founder of SunLink Engineering PLC.
My name is Seid Getachew, and I am the founder
of Seid Leather Goods Manufacturing. What began
as a simple passion for crafting elegant, functional
leather products has grown into a thriving
business. I started with very little, but I had a clear
vision and a determination to build something
meaningful.
Joining the SOPHOS AFRICA Economic
Empowerment program was a game-changer for
me. I received along with ethical entrepreneurship
training that helped me sharpen my business
approach. I also received a loan, which I matched
with my own savings.
Today, my brand is known for premium
handcrafted leather goods, and we’re proud to
provide jobs for both full-time and part-time
workers. As we set our sights on international
markets, I look back on this journey with gratitude
and pride.
SOPHOS AFRICA helped me turn a dream into a
growing enterprise. With dedication and hard
work and the right support, anything is possible!

Seid
Founder of Seid Leather Goods Manufacturing
My name is Andinet Endale, and I am the co-founder of WeGo Ride. I'm also a student Together with my friend, we started WeGo Ride to solve a transportation challenge we saw firsthand at Adama Science and Technology University: a lack of safe, affordable, and reliable travel options for students and families, especially when traveling from city to city.
Our mission is simple: to empower students and families with better mobility, while also creating economic opportunities for drivers and local communities. What began as an idea between two students quickly grew into a transportation startup with real impact.
We became candidates in the first cohort of the SOPHOS AFRICA Economic Empowerment Program, where we received valuable training and mentorship. With their support, we secured a loan through Tesfa Microfinance and benefited from continuous follow-up and guidance along the way.
Today, our work is being recognized by various organizations, and new opportunities are opening up for us. SOPHOS AFRICA helped turn our vision into a growing venture and we're just getting started.

Andinet
Co-founder of WeGo Ride
My name is Rahel Maru. I applied for the
internship program launched by SOPHOS AFRICA
and was thrilled to join after successfully passing
the selection process. I was then placed at Berhan
Bank, where I had the opportunity to demonstrate
my dedication and work ethic over the course of
five months. As a result, I was offered a full-time
position.
This internship experience taught me valuable
practical skills that go beyond classroom learning. I
learned how to communicate effectively in the
workplace, collaborate respectfully with
colleagues, take ownership of my responsibilities,
and show commitment to my role. The real-time
work experience I gained was exactly what the
hiring team was looking for—and it helped me
secure permanent employment.

Rahel
Intern
My name is Dawit Fedlu, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support I received from SOPHOS AFRICA in my career journey. Through their Internship program, I was offered a paid internship that not only allowed me to gain valuable work experience but also helped cover my basic living expenses. The three-day training provided by SOPHOS AFRICA—focused on integrity, work ethics, and conflict resolution—equipped me with essential skills that have greatly contributed to both my personal and professional development. With their guidance, I learned how to effectively engage with employers and maintain clear communication in the workplace.
Today, I am proud to hold a permanent position with a competitive salary—an achievement that reflects the life-changing opportunities SOPHOS AFRICA has opened up for me. Thank you for your incredible commitment and for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals like myself.

John Doe
Designer
My name is Bereket Yacob, and I graduated in 2023 with a degree in Applied Economics. I am sincerely grateful to SOPHOS AFRICA for the incredible opportunity to be part of its inaugural internship cohort. During my placement at Tesfa Microfinance S.C. as a Junior Customer Service Officer, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in areas such as customer service training, data management, share sales, and related documentation.
In Ethiopia, the Microfinance sector is regulated by the National Bank, and I was fortunate to contribute to sectoral surveys and share my perspectives. The skills and insights I developed through the SOPHOS AFRICA program continue to support my professional growth to this day. Words cannot fully express my appreciation, but I extend my heartfelt thanks to SOPHOS AFRICA and its entire team. Thank you, sincerely and deeply.

John Doe
Designer
Testimonials: Praxis Training/Discussion Group _ Ethical Leadership Module
Noah Takele: Director, Justice System Reform and Change Management at the Ethiopian Ministry of Justice
The program equipped me with practical tools and strategies to enhance my leadership skills, such as effective communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution. I found the case studies and real-life examples shared during the training sessions to be incredibly insightful and relevant to my own professional context. Overall, the Praxis program has significantly contributed to my growth as a leader, empowering me to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. I am grateful for the invaluable knowledge and experiences gained through this training initiative, and I am confident that the lessons learned will have a positive impact on my future endeavors. Thank you to the entire SOPHOS AFRICA team for delivering a high-quality and engaging leadership training program. I look forward to applying the skills and insights gained from the Praxis program in my ongoing leadership journey.

Noah
Director, Justice System Reform and Change Management at the Ethiopian Ministry of Justice
Zekarias Milkias: Education and Training Team Leader, Addis Ababa Leadership Academy
As someone who has served in a leadership role for several years, I joined the SOPHOS AFRICA training with modest expectations, unsure of what new insights I might gain. However, the experience quickly proved to be both refreshing and transformative. The training challenged me to reflect more deeply on my leadership approach and offered a practical framework for leading with purpose, empathy, and accountability. It emphasized the value of listening actively and making space for inclusive decision-making something I now see as essential for effective leadership in public service.
The sessions were not only well-structured but also grounded in real-life leadership challenges, which made the learning process highly relatable and impactful. I’ve already started applying many of the tools and principles in my daily work, and I feel more grounded in my leadership role than ever before. Above all, the training reminded me that true leadership is rooted in character, clarity, and service to others.

Zekarias
Education and Training Team Leader, Addis Ababa Leadership Academy
Ephrem Tariku: Instructor and Coordinator for the Bible Translation and Mission Program, Mekane Yesus Seminary
The leadership praxis training conducted by SOPHOS AFRICA at the Mekane Yesus Seminary (MYS) was incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking. It challenged me to reflect deeply on our leadership practices at the seminary and opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and leading.
One topic that particularly stood out to me was the "admission of complexity." Embracing the full spectrum of reality (both the positive and the negative) has helped me better understand our institutional context. This perspective equips us to make more informed and critical decisions that align with the true nature of our situation.
I am truly grateful to God for the partnership between SOPHOS AFRICA and MYS that made this training possible. I also deeply appreciate the impactful work SOPHOS AFRICA is doing to bring transformation to institutions and society in Ethiopia and beyond.

Ephrem
Instructor and Coordinator for the Bible Translation and Mission Program, Mekane Yesus Seminary
Mrs Hanna Fikru: Head of English Language Department and Language Center, Mekane Yesus Seminary
Being part of the leadership praxis training has been truly transformative for me. From the very beginning, I was eager to learn and grow, and the training provided a rich and supportive environment for that. The facilitators were creative, insightful, and deeply engaging—guiding us through essential topics with clarity and passion.
What made the training especially impactful were the powerful examples, practical activities, and live demonstrations. These helped me connect the lessons directly to my day-to-day life and leadership context. There were so many memorable moments that moved and united us as a group. The experiences felt real, relevant, and unforgettable.
This training has strengthened my belief that leadership is an ongoing journey of learning and growth. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful experience. I also want to thank SOPHOS Africa for the incredible work it is doing to address social challenges and bring positive change to Ethiopia and the African continent.

Hanna
Head of English Language Department and Language Center, Mekane Yesus Seminary
Testimonials: Ambassadors of SOPHOS AFRICA
My name is Jember Temesgen. I run a project that empowers destitute women and children in Addis Ababa. My first introduction about SOPHOS AFRICA came through Mr. Daniel Chameho, a board member. He gave me a brief overview of what SOPHOS AFRICA stood for and then invited me to attend a meeting.
That meeting was just the beginning. Since becoming a member and truly understanding the purpose of SOPHOS AFRICA, my daily life has changed in meaningful ways. One of the most significant transformations has been my strong desire to live out and promote the organization’s core values, especially honesty, integrity, and the pursuit of an ethical society free from corruption and racism.
What I found in SOPHOS AFRICA deeply resonated with me. These values are now part of how I approach my work and daily interactions. I actively advocate for them in my workplace and share the mission of SOPHOS AFRICA with those around me. It’s no longer just an organization; it is my life!

Jember
Runs a project that empowers destitute women and children
My name is Fikreselassie Bogale. I am a head teacher at a private school.
My journey with SOPHOS AFRICA has truly changed me. When I first joined, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of what I was stepping into—but over time, the experience began to shape how I see myself, others, and the world around me.
I’ve been challenged to grow in integrity, to lead with love, and to think deeply about the kind of impact I want to have. SOPHOS has given me more than knowledge—it’s given me clarity, courage, and a sense of purpose rooted in something bigger than myself. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly meaningful, and I carry what I’ve learned
into everything I do.

Fikreselassie
Head teacher at a private school.
My names is Mulatua Yohannes. I work at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology.
Through SOPHOS , I gained a deeper understanding of change. My experience with SOPHOS awakened a renewed sense of responsibility toward Africa’s struggles: ethnic divisions, extremism, and broken systems. The 'Ethical Leadership and Corruption Prevention' training in particular was a turning point. It refined my ethical judgment and reshaped my practical actions. Moreover, whenever I think about SOPHOS, Dr. Desta’s saying echoes within me: "Africa_Ethiopia has hope". For me, it carries profound weight affirming the possibility in the face of deep challenges, and I am hopeful!

Mulatua
Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology
My name is Tesfanseh Desalegn. I am a mother of 4 children. It has now been over three years since I joined SOPHOS AFRICA.
The impact of SOPHOS AFRICA on me has been great. It has helped me to think critically and see my people in Ethiopia as well as all of Africa in a different way. I have come to realise how great we human beings can be if we are united, work hard, support each other and walk in integrity.
SOPHOS AFRICA has made me understand my importance to and my role in the society, in Ethiopia and Africa. It has inspired me to create awareness about the consequences of wrong actions and to try to bring change in the minds and hearts of people. I stand firmly against corruption, social injustice, and related negative practices. I use any opportunity to fight them.
Above all in my stay with SOPHOS AFRICA, I have become more and more energetic because I have met people who are weeping privately about all the issues in our society that sadden me and make me weep. It is a great privilege for me to be part of a community where I can freely discuss about issues of common concern and engage in actions. I have gained so much in my journey with SOPHOS AFRICA.

Tesfanseh
Mother of 4
My name is Wolle Abegaz Yesuf. I am a businessman.
SOPHOS AFRICA's impact on my day to day life has been incredible. It has empowered me to empower others towards the unity of the Ethiopian people. I believe the pillars of SOPHOS AFRICA provide guidance for the development of the country. I accept the principles of SOPHOS AFRICA and I am one of the Ambassadors and lead a chapter.
I spread the idea of SOPHOS AFRICA to others in society, trying to wake them up to stand against corruption, ethnocentrism, and religious extremism, to live peacefully with different ethnic groups and to oppose ethnic based systems in order to reduce conflicts in Ethiopia. I am doing all I can to see change in the behavior of individuals and society as a whole, to avoid conflict, to work for unity and development of Ethiopia as well as Africa.

Wolle
Businessman
My names is Yemesrach Assefa. I am a Youth Project Manager at the Ethiopian Catholic Church. For me, SOPHOS AFRICA is a place dedicated to continuous learning, where informative reflections and insights are shared. It serves as a safe environment for the free exchange of ideas, which is becoming increasingly rare. SOPHOS encourages constructive criticism and fosters creativity, allowing transformative ideas to be developed and reach the broader community. This is my journey with SOPHOS, and I will continue to engage in constructive, solution-oriented, and impactful discussions along the way.

Yemesrach
Youth Project Manager at the Ethiopian Catholic Church
My name is Sena Tadesse. I lecture at Adama Science and Technology University.
I am an Ambassador of SOPHOS AFRICA. My involvement with SOPHOS has enabled me to engage with professionals from various sectors of society. Our dialogue and discussion about common societal concerns has deepened my understanding of critical issues such as corruption, ethnocentrism, extremism and poverty. I have also come to realise the importance of change of mindset and culture. SOPHOS AFRICA’s mission aligns closely with my values and motivates me to remain steadfast in my pursuit of positive change.

Sena
Lecturer at Adama Science and Technology University
My name is Zerihun Zekarias. Since joining SOPHOS as an Ambassador, I have been closely observing its impact on both individuals and organizations.
Personally, SOPHOS has deeply captured my attention and inspired a strong desire for personal growth. I have actively participated in various trainings, workshops, meetings, and have even assisted in delivering training to government offices. These experiences have significantly shifted my mindset from one of pessimism to a sense of ownership and responsibility to contribute positively to society. This transformation has driven me to align my efforts with the five pillars of SOPHOS AFRICA.
As a result, I now believe that there is still hope for Ethiopia’s social and political landscape even though things seem dark. The leadership module, in particular, has greatly influenced my perspective on accountability. I’ve come to understand that leadership begins with taking personal responsibility. It starts from within. In response, I have committed to dedicating at least two hours each week to quiet, contemplative reflection. I highly recommend this practice to anyone not already engaging in reflective thinking.

Zerihun
My name is Zecharias Erdolo. I am Executive Director at Noble Action Holistic Development Organization. I serve as a member of the SOPHOS AFRICA Research Advisory Committee. I take pride in volunteering with SOPHOS AFRICA, an organization committed to tackling the unique challenges faced by our continent, particularly in Ethiopia. Since its inception, I have been actively involved with Sophos Africa, dedicating my time to support its mission. My journey with the organization is closely linked to my longstanding relationship with Dr. Desta Heliso, the Founder and Executive Director.
I first met Dr. Desta in 2010 while pursuing my postgraduate degree at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST), where he served as Director. During this period, I had the privilege of working alongside him at the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church, where his leadership and vision inspired my commitment to community service.I am delighted to support the vision of SOPHOS AFRICA, which is rooted in intergenerational collaboration, focusing on proposing and implementing African solutions for African problems. By building a critical mass of engaged individuals, we can create sustainable change that resonates through generations. Together, we can harness our collective knowledge and experiences to foster development and empowerment across the continent.

Zecharias
Executive Director at Noble Action Holistic Development Organization
My name is Amanuel Elias. My journey with SOPHOS AFRICA began in August 2022, although I had already heard about it through different people and platforms. I was officially introduced during the Vision Sharing Program, followed by the Point Man training at the IVY Hotel in Debre Zeit. Soon after, I became part of the Technical Ambassador team and began engaging in various activities and roles. Over the past three years, I’ve had the opportunity to attend different gatherings, training programs, and conversations.
What first gripped me was SOPHOS AFRICA audacity: its courage to touch the untouchable. In a nation weighed down by ethnocentrism, political extremism, and the pain of polarizing narratives, Sophos chose to speak. It addressed topics that most people, including myself, were afraid to even talk about, like ethnocentrism and political extremism in Ethiopia. To be honest, my first reaction was fear. I was scared to even sit in the room, let alone speak up. I remember one particular moment during a session when opposing ideas began to emerge from different voices in the hall. It was tense, and I felt genuinely uncomfortable. But what surprised me was how naturally the space allowed those different views to be expressed. There was no pressure to conform, no effort to silence disagreement. That moment left a lasting impression on me. It showed me that difficult conversations can be navigated respectfully, and that spaces like this can exist where honesty is welcomed, fear is disarmed, and healing can begin.
Furthermore, what sets SOPHOS apart is its balanced and holistic approach to justice. For SOPHOS, Justice is not merely a “courtroom drama” or a “political slogan”, but is a lifestyle, with a set of virtues embodied in hearts, equipped with skills, and lived out in the community. Through its pillars, SOPHOS invites a comprehensive transformational approach from the inside out: from the moral aspect of individuals to the systems and surroundings we co-create. It shapes hearts through the cultivation of values, equips pockets through capacity-building programs, informs minds through research, and nurtures environments by offering a reconciliatory lens on ethnocentrism and political extremism. In this, SOPHOS expanded my understanding of justice beyond the doors of governmental organizations, inviting me to see it as a personal responsibility and a communal pursuit.
The trainings and workshops have also been eye-opening. They helped me see how the concept of justice connects to so many areas of life like leadership, poverty, aid, professionalism, education, religion, and politics. SOPHOS doesn’t give surface answers; it pushes us to think deeply and respond wisely. Moreover, SOPHOS has also provided a space for people with shared passion and commitment to meet and connect. Through my involvement, I have met many individuals who are working for peace and justice in different roles and capacities. These relationships have been meaningful and encouraging as we have had the chance to continue important conversations.
Looking back on the journey, I am deeply grateful for the impact SOPHOS AFRICA has had on me. It has stretched my thinking, challenged my assumptions, and equipped me with tools to live more intentionally. Through its programs and community, I found the courage to engage with difficult topics, gained a clearer understanding of justice, and discovered a supportive network of individuals committed to peace and societal transformation. More than anything, SOPHOS AFRICA has inspired me to think critically, act responsibly, and pursue meaningful change which begins with my own personal virtues and grows outward into the community.

Amanuel