23/01/2026
Ethiopian social entrepreneur Kibret Abebe wins prestigious Global Award
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: Kibret Abebe, a pioneering nurse anaesthetist and social entrepreneur, has been honored with the 2026 Charles Schwab Foundation Award for Social Entrepreneurship, placing Ethiopian innovation firmly on the world stage.
Kibret, who serves as President of Social Enterprise Ethiopia and is the Founder and CEO of Tebita Ambulance, was announced today among 21 global change-makers recognized for driving systemic progress and building a more equitable and sustainable world.
The award celebrates his groundbreaking work in establishing and scaling Tebita Ambulance—Ethiopia’s first comprehensive pre-hospital emergency medical service. Founded to address a critical national gap in emergency care, Tebita has been instrumental in pioneering ambulance services, emergency response, and widespread first-aid training across the country.
Under Kibret's leadership, the enterprise has saved countless lives and laid a foundational framework for a professional, standardized emergency medical system in Ethiopia, transforming public health response capabilities.
“Congratulations to Kibret Abebe for this extraordinary global recognition,” said a spokesperson from Social Enterprise Ethiopia. “His vision and unwavering commitment have not only built life-saving systems but have also showcased how Ethiopian innovation leads the way in solving critical social challenges.”
The Charles Schwab Foundation Award is among the world’s most esteemed accolades for social entrepreneurship, highlighting leaders whose models create deep, lasting impact.
