When the Ethiopian Stock Exchange (ESX) rang its inaugural bell, history was made. The nation had officially entered the era of capital markets. But while dignitaries clapped in well-lit conference halls in Addis Ababa, many of us across the country still asked: “What does this mean for us?”
At SLab, we asked a different question: How do we make sure every Ethiopian—not just those near the bell—gets to hear it?
We built SLab because we believe finance shouldn’t be reserved for those who live within the ring roads of Addis or speak fluent economic jargon. We built it because real inclusion means making financial education available not just in boardrooms, but in barbershops, buses, and backyards.
And yes—we built it to raise a new kind of financial leader. We call them the Wolves of Flamingo Street.
Flamingo Street is more than a metaphor. It’s a real place in Addis Ababa—the new home of the ESX and the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA). But it’s also a symbol. A street that today holds the power of finance, and tomorrow, we hope, becomes a place that welcomes the nation.
At SLab, we’re not waiting for people to find Flamingo Street. We’re taking its knowledge to them.
We’re starting by training Ethiopia’s first generation of retail-facing brokers—young people from across the country who will become the bridge between the market and the people. These aren’t finance graduates in fancy suits. These are students from Hawassa, digital natives in Jigjiga, accountants in Assosa, dreamers in Dilla. They are the wolves—driven not by greed, but by purpose.
Because here’s the truth: You can’t trade on the ESX unless you go through a licensed broker. And today, the number of brokers is small—and the pipeline even smaller. That’s not a challenge. It’s an opportunity.
Our vision is bold, but simple. We want to bring capital market education to every corner of Ethiopia. We want a market where a girl from Gambella can grow up knowing how to invest. Where a boy from Bale can explain bonds to his friends. Where our economy is driven not just by government policy, but by grassroots participation.
We don’t need to copy Wall Street. We need to build Flamingo Street—our Flamingo Street.
And so, the bell has rung. But the story doesn’t end there. It’s only the beginning.
Let the wolves rise.
