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As the Founder and Leader of Peace1st Ethiopia, and a proud member of the Worldwide Peace Organization (WWPO), I had the honor of representing our collective peace and faith-based engagement at an African Union side event during the AU Summit 2026 in Addis Ababa.
We were honored to participate in the Africa Water Vision 2063 & Policy Dialogue, held on the sidelines of the African Union Summit 2026. Our engagement was deeply rooted in both identity and geography—as a community intrinsically connected to the Nile Basin and as custodians of one of its most critical ecosystems.
Kana Academy, strategically located between Lake Tana—the source of the Blue Nile (approximately one hour away)—and the Choke Mountain Highlands (about 20 minutes away), lies within what is often referred to as the “Water Tower of Africa.”
This unique ecological zone gives rise to more than 273 streams and rivers, forming one of the most significant headwaters of the Nile Basin and sustaining millions of lives and livelihoods across the region.
As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship and faith-based responsibility, Kana Academy leads the “Teaching Kids About Nature” initiative. To date, we have planted over 30,000 trees, contributing to global reforestation efforts, restoring degraded ecosystems, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Building on this natural and strategic heritage, we have recently established the Nile Basin Trading Initiative (NBTI)—a platform advocating for rural development, sustainable resource management, and inclusive regional trade, with particular emphasis on:
- Sustainable management of Nile Basin natural resources, including Nile River Wild Coffee
- Inclusive value chains and cross-border trade cooperation within the Nile Basin
- In this context, NBTI actively participated in the Africa Water Vision 2063 & Policy Dialogue at the Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa, where we were pleased to meet and exchange perspectives with diverse stakeholders.
NBTI Priority Areas.
- Tourism & Cultural Exchange – Eco-tourism routes, heritage circuits, cultural exchange programs, and hospitality investments
- Agro-Processing & Food Manufacturing – Export-ready agricultural products, agri-tech solutions, and value addition
- Bottled Water & Natural Resource Development – Premium bottled water, organic honey, and sustainable resource utilization
- Real Estate & Urban Development – Inclusive urban development and mixed-use commercial infrastructure
- Joint Research & Policy Studies – Applied research on Nile Basin trade, investment, and regional economic integration
- Flagship Initiative: Nile River Wild Coffee
NBTI promotes Nile River Wild Coffee as a flagship regional value-chain initiative that advances biodiversity conservation, sustainable trade, and inclusive economic growth across the Nile Basin.
We deeply value WWPO’s global leadership in peacebuilding and ethical development. We believe these initiatives reflect the shared values of peace, faith, stewardship, and human dignity, and we look forward to strengthening collaboration with WWPO in advancing Africa’s Water Vision 2063.
With sincere respect and gratitude,
Mistru Tesfaye
Founder & Leader, Peace1st Ethiopia
Founder, Nile Basin Trading Initiative (NBTI)
Founder, Ethiopian inclusive Education under kana Academy
Proud Member, Worldwide Peace Organization
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Founder’s Vision
Mistru Tesfaye, Founder and CEO of NBTI, is a recognized social entrepreneur and regional development leader. A graduate in Destination Management from Cambridge International College,Jersey, Britain
He has devoted over two decades to promoting social impact, inclusive education, green growth, and sustainable private-sector development in Ethiopia and the wider Nile Basin.
In 2006, he co-founded Kana Academy, a pioneering early-childhood education institution serving rural communities near Lake Tana. Under his leadership, thousands of vulnerable children gained access to quality learning and protection despite barriers such as poverty, conflict, and the absence of basic infrastructure.
Key Contributions:
- Advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
- Leading community climate actions, planting over 30,000 trees
- Promoting global education partnerships through the Global School Alliance (GSA)
- Receiving national recognition and certification by Ethiopian authorities
- Serving as an Ambassador of Peace, advocating for harmony and regional cooperation
- Promoting sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship via Tangible Ethiopia – Tourism & Environment for Social Change
- Contributing to Ethiopia’s financial sector as a founder and shareholder of Berhan International Insurance S.C.
Building on his experience in foreign trade, import–export management, and community development, Mistru established NBTI to advance regional economic cooperation, support agro-industrial transformation, and strengthen sustainable value chains across the Nile Basin.
Our Mission
To build a connected, ethical, and innovation-driven network of businesses and investors that accelerates high-potential sectors—including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, and value-added industries—while strengthening regional economic corridors and investment zones across the Nile Basin.
Our Vision
To become the leading private-sector platform driving shared prosperity in the Nile Basin, positioning the region as a competitive, sustainable, and integrated force in African and global markets.
Core Values
- Integrity & Accountability – Upholding transparent, responsible, and ethical business practices.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Championing creativity, technology adoption, and market-driven solutions.
- Regional Integration – Supporting cross-border trade, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
- Sustainable Development – Promoting growth that protects people, natural ecosystems, and future generations.
- Inclusive Participation – Empowering youth, women, and communities to benefit from regional value chains.
The Nile Basin Trading Initiative (NBTI) is a private-sector–led regional platform established to promote trade, investment, research, and cross-border collaboration among Nile Basin countries. Our mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, with a strong emphasis on youth engagement, innovation, and strategic private sector partnerships.
Globally, the Nile Basin region is often misunderstood, with international narratives frequently emphasizing poverty and conflict rather than its vast economic, cultural, and investment potential. NBTI is committed to reshaping this narrative by highlighting the region’s opportunities, resources, and its role as a dynamic destination for responsible trade, investment, and cooperation.
NBTI Priority Areas
- Tourism & Cultural Exchange – Development of eco-tourism routes, heritage circuits, cultural exchange programs, and hospitality investments.
- Agro-Processing & Food Manufacturing – Export-ready agricultural products, agri-tech solutions, food processing, and value addition for regional and global markets.
- Bottled Water & Natural Resource Development – Premium bottled water, organic honey, and the sustainable utilization of natural resources.
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- Real Estate & Urban Development – Inclusive urban development, commercial infrastructure, and mixed-use investment opportunities.
*
- Joint Research & Policy Studies – Applied research on Nile Basin trade, investment, and regional economic integration.
*
- Nile>River Wild Coffee: Sustainable Value Chains & Regional Trade
The Nile Basin Trading Initiative (NBTI) promotes Nile River Wild Coffee as a flagship regional value-chain initiative that advances sustainable trade, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive economic growth within the Nile Basin.
Concept Overview:
Nile River Wild Coffee is sustainably harvested from natural forest systems in the highlands surrounding Lake Tana and along the Upper Nile Basin. The initiative integrates conservation-based agriculture with market access for smallholder and forest-dependent communities.
- Development & Policy Relevance:
- Strengthens intra-African trade in line with AfCFTA objectives
- Supports green economy and climate-resilient agriculture
- Enhances youth and women participation in agri-value chains
- Preserves biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems
Brand Principle:
“From the Heart of the Nile, Naturally Wild.”
*Indigenous Spices and Grains: Inclusive Agro-Industrialization
NBTI supports the structured export of indigenous spices and ancient grains produced in the Lake Tana and Nile Basin ecosystem, contributing to Africa’s agro-industrial transformation agenda.
Key Contributions:
- Promotion of value addition and processing at source
- Support to smallholder farmers and cooperatives
- Expansion of regional and international market access
- Preservation of indigenous crop varieties and food systems
Alignment:
AU Agenda 2063 (Agricultural modernization & food sovereignty)
UNECA’s work on productive capacities and trade facilitation
UNDP priorities on livelihoods, poverty reduction, and resilience
*Nile Riverbank Vineyard & Agro-Ecological Demonstration Farm
NBTI proposes the establishment of a Nile Riverbank Vineyard and Agro-Ecological Farm as a pilot model for climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land use, and green enterprise development.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate climate-resilient and water-efficient farming systems
- Create youth employment and skills development opportunities
- Promote eco-tourism and agri-innovation
- Support sustainable use of Nile Basin natural resources
Strategic Value:
This initiative serves as a regional learning and demonstration site for sustainable agriculture, linking environmental stewardship with private-sector-led growth.
* Nile river bank / Near lake Tana Tea farm & Development
*Cross-Cutting Outcomes
Through these priority areas, NBTI contributes to:
Regional economic integration in the Nile Basin
Sustainable natural resource management
Youth entrepreneurship and job creation
Private-sector engagement in development
Achievement of SDGs 1, 8, 12, 13, and 15
Contact Us
Registered Offices
HQ:
Arada Sub-City, Woreda 01
Piassa Commercial Center, Churchill Avenue
8th Floor, Office No. 811
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
+251 911 285 688
+251 911 55 68 29 nilebasinbusiness@gmail.com
www.nbti.com
Licence Certificate no: 2003032891429
Taxpayer registration: 0103428273
Global Representatives
United States – Professor Shine
Zimbabwe – Professor Kuni
Uganda – Mrs. Suda
Kenya – Mrs. Josephine
Tanzania – Dr. George
China - Umihoza Liliana Vanessa
Malawi- Blessings Mlelemba
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