Who We Are
We design and implement development and investment projects; blend development and investment finances with technical expertise to achieve scalable impact; and leverage partnerships with government, development and private actors and financial institutions to multiply results. As we expand our reach across East Africa, we are committed to unlocking the region's full potential.

Our Mission
At FC, we are dedicated to crafting and executing transformative economic development initiatives that enable sustainable, inclusive, and innovative growth across East Africa. Through strategic partnerships and collaboration, we aim to unlock the full potential of the region and drive economic prosperity.
Our Vision
We envision a vibrant and thriving Africa, where economies are dynamic, inclusive, and resilient.

Our Values
Excellence and Integrity
Upholding the highest standards of quality and ethics in all our endeavours.
Impact and Sustainability
Creating lasting positive change in the communities we engage with.
Collaboration and Partnership
Building strong relationships to achieve shared goals.
Humility and Dignity
Valuing local knowledge with openness and ensuring respect for all individuals in our communities.
Embracing creativity to develop solutions for complex challenges.
Valuing local knowledge with openness and ensuring respect for all individuals in our communities.
Our Team
First Consult is an east African organisation of over 200 employees. Our team is comprised of talented, multidisciplinary professionals from diverse backgrounds, led by a team of directors and programme leads who serve as our senior management. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in our team that represents a variety of age groups, genders and cultures.
Chairperson
Dr Ahmed is the Chairman of FC, bringing over 30 years of experience. Previously, he served as the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, and held key positions as the Managing Director and later Chairman of Coca Cola Ethiopia. He also served as Managing Director of GCS‐NCR Ethiopia, a leading IT Company in Ethiopia and was general manager of several Ethiopian enterprises. Dr Ahmed was a lecturer in Business and Finance at Cardiff Business School. Dr. Ahmed is fluent in English, Amharic, Harari and Arabic.
Kellow
Managing Director
Nebil Kellow is the Managing Director of FC, with a career spanning over two decades in the development sector. Prior to his current role, Nebil gained valuable experience at McKinsey & Co. and in the UK investment industry. His strategic mindset and deep understanding of business operations have been influential in FC’s success. Under Nebil’s leadership, FC has collaborated with major international donors on projects that have significantly
contributed to development outcomes, including job creation, increased investment and policy changes. Nebil is passionate about empowering youth and women, recognizing their potential for growth and transformation and has built a robust network of sectoral expertise and intra-continental talent base in Africa. His achievements and dedication to excellence have positioned him as a prominent leader in this industry.
Addisu
Managing Partner and Technical Director
Michael is a private sector development expert with extensive hands-on experience in business management and development projects, with a focus in the financial and manufacturing sectors. Previously, Michael “Mike” served as the Technical Director for the Enterprise Partners Programme. He also worked for the World Bank for five years as a Financial Management Specialist for the PSNP, one of the largest social protection programmes in Ethiopia. In 2013, Michael founded Nisir Microfinance, a pioneering financial institution focused on serving medium, small and micro enterprises that are often overlooked by traditional financial institutions.
Getachew
Commercial Director and General Manager
Meron is a fellow of ACCA with more than 17 years of experience in leadership roles. As the Commercial Director and General Manager at FC, she leverages her expertise to implement internal control systems and ensure compliance with organisational processes. Meron is actively involved in strategic decision-making, project management, and financial planning for FC and its clients, including UNDP, the World Bank, the Mastercard Foundation, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Prior to her role at FC, Meron acquired valuable experience in several sectors, such as agriculture, oil and energy, manufacturing, and hospitality, where she held positions from mid to senior management. Her diverse background allows her to deliver innovative solutions and drive financial success for FC.
Woldu
Operations Director- Programmes
Haben is a professional with over 15 years of experience and currently serves as the Director of Operations. With strong organisational skills and a natural aptitude for numbers, she brings positive energy and drive to her workplace. Her education has equipped her to be an agile change manager. Throughout her career, Haben has excelled in managing cross-functional teams, implementing operational improvements, and developing strategic plans that have led to significant cost savings and steady growth for the organisations she has worked with. She has held key positions, including Media Accountant and Senior Media Budget and Data Analyst at Weiden and Kennedy in Portland,Oregon in the U.S. and as well as Director of Operations and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer at Rainbow Plastic and Foam Industries in Addis Ababa.
Tenna
Programme Lead- BRIDGES
Henok oversees the technical and operational management of projects at FC, including the BRIDGES Programme. With over 18 years of experience, he has diverse background in business advisory, consultancy services, business management, investment advisory, training, and team leadership.
Prior to his role at FC, Henok worked in various global and local organisations including Ernst & Young and the International Financial Corporation, where he gained extensive experience advising Ethiopian and international companies on strategic value creation, business plan development, financial forecasting, organisation transformation, and performance management. His hands-on experience as a core management team member in various organisations has equipped him with a deeper understanding of the business and financial sector landscapes, both locally and globally.
Itana
Programme Lead - MESMER
Kenno is a development professional with over 18 years of experience in microfinance, SME financing, and project management. He has successfully led his team through two phases of the European Investment Bank’s Women Entrepreneurship Development Program (WEDP) Technical Assistance Facility and currently leads the MESMER Programme.
Kenno has a proven track record of successfully implementing projects for international organisations such as the World Bank and DAI. He has provided technical assistance to financial institutions in areas such as risk management, financial management, and institutional capacity building. Kenno is also an experienced trainer and mentor, dedicated to fostering growth and development in the sector.
Partners & Clients
FC works with diverse partners and clients, including financial institutions, development agencies, government entities, and business support services, in its work to foster sustainable economic growth in Ethiopia.





































The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) is the central bank of the country, established in 1963 to regulate the financial system and maintain monetary stability. As the principal authority overseeing Ethiopia’s financial institutions, NBE is responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy, ensuring the soundness of the banking system, and fostering economic growth and stability. (website)

The Ministry of Labor and Skills of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) was established in 2018 and is accountable to the Prime Minister of the FDR. The Ministry administers, collaborates, and oversees job creation agendas throughout all sectors. To ensure the creation of sustainable jobs, the Ministry plans to facilitate and assist the creation of millions of jobs by 2030.

The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organisations to advance education and financial inclusion, enabling young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organisation separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. The Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership determines its policies, operations, and program decisions. Its flagship initiative, the Young Africa Works strategy, aims to enable 30 million young Africans to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 2030, emphasizing youth employment as a critical pathway to socio-economic advancement and poverty reduction across the continent.

RTI International is a leading independent nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition through innovative solutions in research, development, and technical services. With a mission to make a lasting difference, RTI works across various sectors, including health, education, environment, and economic development, providing evidence-based insights and practical strategies to address complex global challenges.

Founded in 1970, DAI’s mission is to create lasting positive change by empowering people to improve their lives. Its vision is a world where communities and societies thrive—becoming more prosperous, equitable, well-governed, safer, healthier, and environmentally sustainable. Through its work, DAI aims to foster long-term development that benefits individuals and strengthens entire societies.

Founded in 2011, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a global service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. Operating in over 120 countries, GIZ has been working for decades to improve the lives of people and foster development across a wide range of sectors, including economic development, governance, education, and environmental sustainability.
Regional Presence
First Consult has strong presence in over 17 cities and towns within Ethiopia and is actively expanding into East Africa. Our focus on Kenya and Rwanda represents the first step in our broader plan to establish a strong presence in key networks and collaboration opportunities across the continent and beyond.




