MetasebiaYoseph.
Building what doesn’t yet exist.
I work across culture, technology, and commerce to turn insight and emerging opportunities into businesses, products, platforms, and experiences.
My practice
Innovation Architect
Venture Builder
Cultural Strategist
Creative intelligence, commercial judgment, and strategic relationships brought together to make ideas real.
01 / The practice
Seeing the whole system.
Innovation Architecture is how I connect insight to execution: recognizing an opportunity, designing a viable approach, and aligning the people, capabilities, partners, and resources needed to build it.
A visual introduction
Built, published, experienced.
Open original projects, watch an interview or episode, and follow the evidence. The full archive below connects every item to my contribution and related capabilities.
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Video ↗
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Video ↗In the media
On stage, in print, on the shelf.
Panels and interviews, press coverage, my own writing and my books. Each item links to the original and to the projects it documents.
Books
Books
A Culture of Coffee
An illustrated book on Ethiopian coffee culture and ritual, catalogued by the Library of Congress.
The COFFEE Book
A forthcoming illustrated book on coffee's global culture, published by teNeues.
Speaking & interviews
On stage and in conversation
- Saving History in an AI World: A Cultural Architect's Mission (opens in a new tab) ↗
Video interview with Metasebia on creative ecosystems, digital sovereignty and venture building.
Renew Capital Fireside Chat, Episode 2 (opens in a new tab) ↗Renew Capital's fireside chat series featuring Metasebia as founder of Design Week Addis Ababa and CEO of D!NK TV.
- LinkUp Addis Ababa, November 2022: CloseUp (opens in a new tab) ↗
Cover feature and CloseUp interview with Metasebia as founder of Design Week Addis Ababa, ahead of the festival's 2022 return.
Panel, Dubai Design WeekSpeaking on a panel at Dubai Design Week, October 2016, with Design Week Addis Ababa 2017 on screen.
- The spirit of Ethiopian culture (opens in a new tab) ↗
Interview during the research for A Culture of Coffee, describing the transmedia project and Metasebia's work as founder of Muse Collective.
Press
Press coverage
Design Week Addis Ababa
- Metasebia Yoseph Wants To Make Addis Ababa A Global Design Capital (opens in a new tab) ↗
A profile published ahead of the first Design Week Addis Ababa, identifying Metasebia as the festival's founder and director.
- Design Week Addis Ababa wants to turn Ethiopia's growing economy into a creative one (opens in a new tab) ↗
Reports that Metasebia launched the festival in 2015, largely self-funded, and describes its 2019 edition and partners.
- Design week's roaring comeback (opens in a new tab) ↗
Covers the festival's 2022 return after the pandemic, quoting Metasebia as founder and creative director, with discussion of the early development of D!NK Multimedia.
- Metasebia Yoseph: the founder of Design Week Addis Ababa (opens in a new tab) ↗
Profile of Metasebia as creative director and founder of Design Week Addis Ababa, featured on the TRUE Africa 100 list.
- Destination Focus: Design Week Addis Ababa (opens in a new tab) ↗
Announces Design Week Addis Ababa's showcase at Downtown Design in Dubai, with Ethiopian makers Actuel Urban Living and Jomo Design, quoting Metasebia as founding director.
- 6 great projects to see at Design Week Addis Ababa (opens in a new tab) ↗
Guide to the 2022 programme, noting the festival launched in 2015, naming Metasebia as founder, and featuring the tenth-anniversary Culture of Coffee project.
D!NK TV and Latey: Looking for Love
- 'Latey: Looking for Love' is the Hit Ethiopian Reality Dating Show With an Unexpected Feminist Twist (opens in a new tab) ↗
A feature on Latey: Looking for Love that names Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK TV and producer of the show, with her account of how it was conceived.
- Ethiopia's viral dating show eyes Africa with Swahili and Pidgin dubs (opens in a new tab) ↗
An interview with Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK Multimedia on the company's digital-first approach and the development of Latey.
- BBC News on Latey: Looking for Love (opens in a new tab) ↗
BBC News coverage of the series, reporting more than 600,000 views in its first two months.
- What to Watch in East Africa This January (opens in a new tab) ↗
Lists Latey: Looking for Love, brought to viewers by DINK TV on YouTube, among the month's picks. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
A Culture of Coffee
- Coffee, meet Crypto. Crypto, meet Coffee (opens in a new tab) ↗
Covers the Web3 relaunch of Culture of Coffee, ten years after the original book, and its planned $COFFEE token and second edition.
- This Creator Is Building an Entire Web3 Ecosystem Around Coffee and Literature (opens in a new tab) ↗
Feature on the Culture of Coffee Web3 project built around the tenth-anniversary edition of the 2013 book.
D!NK Multimedia
- Pioneering The Future of Media (opens in a new tab) ↗
Profile of D!NK Multimedia and its co-founders, naming Metasebia as co-founder, and of D!NK TV's short-form programming for young audiences.
Kifiya Financial Technology
- Kifiya launches international payment solution in Washington D.C. (opens in a new tab) ↗
Reports the launch of Mela, Kifiya's remittance-to-payment platform with Mastercard. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
- Kifiya increases Yene Guzo service providers in Addis Ababa (opens in a new tab) ↗
Reports the expansion of Yene Guzo, Kifiya's booking, payment and ticketing system for long-distance buses. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
More coverage and reference
- Insider guide to Addis Ababa (opens in a new tab) ↗
The Guardian Cities insider guide to Addis Ababa, covering its coffee culture and contemporary art scene.
- Metasebia Yoseph (opens in a new tab) ↗
Encyclopedia entry summarising Metasebia's career across Design Week Addis Ababa, Kifiya, Addis Futures Lab, D!NK TV and A Culture of Coffee.
Writing
Bylines
- Ethiopia Skate (opens in a new tab) ↗
Written by Metasebia, with photography by Rudi Geyser.
- Addis Art (opens in a new tab) ↗
Written by Metasebia on the Guramayne Art Centre and the artists who work and live below it, with photography by Rudi Geyser.
- A super quick guide to Addis Ababa (opens in a new tab) ↗
A city guide written by Metasebia for Ethiopian Airlines' in-flight magazine.
- Digital Gojo: Grant Report #1 (opens in a new tab) ↗
Metasebia's Grant for the Web report on Digital Gojo, a web-monetization research project, which describes Fun with Fidel as its in-house children's learning product.
- Frontier Notes by Addis Futures Lab (opens in a new tab) ↗
Frontier Notes, the essays Metasebia writes and illustrates for Addis Futures Lab.
02 / Ways to engage
Two ways to work together.
Direct engagement
Work with me
For funds, founders, companies, and institutions seeking innovation architecture, venture strategy, senior advisory, or hands-on expertise across disciplines.
Start a conversationVenture studio
Work with Addis Futures Lab
For partners and organizations seeking venture development, market intelligence, product innovation, or collaborative projects built through the studio.
Explore the studioThe collection / Five lenses
Start with a project, a capability, an output, a sector, or a source. Each view leads back to the same documented body of work.
02 / Projects
Explore the work.
A living index of ventures, cultural platforms, products, publishing, and partnerships. Select an entry to examine my contribution and its supporting evidence.
Selected work
Design Week Addis Ababa
A platform bringing design, creative communities, and the city into conversation.
My roleFounder; Executive Director 2015 to 2025
View project →7 references
D!NK TV and Latey: Looking for Love
A digital-first media platform and original reality format, connecting storytelling, talent, and commercial models.
My roleCo-founder, D!NK TV · Executive Producer and Showrunner, Latey: Looking for Love
View project →9 references
A Culture of Coffee
An illustrated book on Ethiopian coffee culture and ritual, catalogued by the Library of Congress.
My roleAuthor
View publication →8 references
Addis Futures Lab
A venture studio turning cultural and market intelligence into products, partnerships, and new businesses.
My roleFounder and CEO
View project →3 references
Complete approved collection
10 entriesNo entries match your search. Try another term.
Skills & Capabilities
Select a capability to see where it was applied, how I contributed, and which projects and documented outputs connect to it.
About involvement
Involvement describes my responsibility within a specific project. It is not a numerical score or a ranking of expertise. A project may involve different levels of responsibility across different skills.
- Led
- I owned the direction and key decisions for this part of the work.
- Executed
- I personally carried out substantial work in this area.
- Co-developed
- I shared responsibility for developing this work with collaborators.
- Advised
- I contributed guidance or specialist input.
Choose a skill to explore the relevant work.
Each skill opens the projects and roles where I used it, with my contribution and supporting references.
Innovation Architecture
Connecting insight, strategy, cultural intelligence, business design, and collaboration into a viable path for building something new.
Relevant work
Design Week Addis Ababa
- How I used this skill
- I conceived a citywide cultural platform connecting design practice, institutions, audiences, and commercial partners.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (7 references)
Addis Futures Lab
- How I used this skill
- I define venture opportunities, design strategic and commercial pathways, and assemble the capabilities and partnerships needed to test and build them.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Venture Architecture & Building
Designing and building ventures from opportunity definition through testing, partnerships, and commercial pathways.
Relevant work
Addis Futures Lab
- How I used this skill
- I define which opportunities the studio pursues and build the execution path for each venture.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Fun with Fidel
- How I used this skill
- I developed Fun with Fidel as a venture within Addis Futures Lab.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (4 references)
Market Intelligence & Opportunity Design
Reading culture, market behavior, infrastructure, and constraints to identify opportunities worth pursuing.
Relevant work
Addis Futures Lab
- How I used this skill
- I assess markets and constraints to decide what the studio builds and how each venture is positioned.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Fun with Fidel
- How I used this skill
- I helped position the app for children and heritage-learning families.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (4 references)
Kifiya Financial Technology
- How I used this skill
- I translated consumer insight into go-to-market plans for financial-inclusion products.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Product & Experience Innovation
Translating a need into a product or experience, from the proposition and user journey to development priorities.
Relevant work
Addis Futures Lab
- How I used this skill
- I set the product direction for studio ventures and develop it with technical and creative collaborators.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Fun with Fidel
- How I used this skill
- I helped shape the app's learning proposition around picture association, tracing, and pronunciation.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (4 references)
Kifiya Financial Technology
- How I used this skill
- I shaped the positioning and launch of digital payment and mobility products.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Business Model Design
Shaping how a venture creates value, works with partners, and builds a commercial path.
Relevant work
D!NK TV and Latey: Looking for Love
- How I used this skill
- I helped shape how the platform connects content, talent, and commercial opportunity.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (9 references)
Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Building
Developing the relationships, alliances, and commercial agreements that enable ventures and platforms to take shape.
Relevant work
Design Week Addis Ababa
- How I used this skill
- I developed sponsor and partner relationships and negotiated vendor and partnership agreements.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (7 references)
D!NK TV and Latey: Looking for Love
- How I used this skill
- I worked on intellectual property licensing and talent revenue-sharing arrangements.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (9 references)
Addis Futures Lab
- How I used this skill
- I develop the international partnerships the studio's ventures depend on.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
D!NK Multimedia
- How I used this skill
- I developed partnerships for the company's content and commercial work.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (5 references)
Kifiya Financial Technology
- How I used this skill
- I worked on partner revenue-sharing and software licensing arrangements.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Creative Direction
Setting a clear creative direction across identity, content, products, and experiences.
Relevant work
Design Week Addis Ababa
- How I used this skill
- I set the creative direction for each edition as founder and executive director.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (7 references)
D!NK TV and Latey: Looking for Love
- How I used this skill
- I developed the show's concept and its focus on the women in the cast.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (9 references)
A Culture of Coffee
- How I used this skill
- I shaped the book as a visual coffee table format combining photography, illustration, and text.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (8 references)
D!NK Multimedia
- How I used this skill
- I contributed to the creative development of the company's media work.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (5 references)
Frontier Notes
- How I used this skill
- I set the creative direction for the publication's identity.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (1 reference)
Fun with Fidel
- How I used this skill
- I contributed to the product's presentation and brand.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (4 references)
Cultural Intelligence & Experience Design
Working with cultural context, research, and creative communities to develop programs and stories.
Relevant work
Design Week Addis Ababa
- How I used this skill
- I shaped the festival's programming around design as a tool for development, under the developmentXdesign theme.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (7 references)
A Culture of Coffee
- How I used this skill
- I researched the history and ritual of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (8 references)
Discover Oromia
- How I used this skill
- I led a digital heritage series that presents Oromo governance, regional cultures and food traditions to a global audience.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Frontier Notes
- How I used this skill
- I draw on observation and research from building ventures across the continent.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (1 reference)
The COFFEE Book
- How I used this skill
- I shaped the book's cultural perspective on coffee.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (1 reference)
Media, Storytelling & Distribution
Shaping how ideas and projects are communicated through content, platforms, and public-facing work.
Relevant work
D!NK TV and Latey: Looking for Love
- How I used this skill
- As executive producer and showrunner, I led Latey: Looking for Love for digital-first distribution.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (9 references)
D!NK Multimedia
- How I used this skill
- I helped build the company's digital-first approach to content and distribution.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (5 references)
Discover Oromia
- How I used this skill
- I produced seven online exhibits combining writing, photography, music and archive material on Google Arts & Culture.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Frontier Notes
- How I used this skill
- I shape how Frontier Notes moves across writing, conversation, and digital channels.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (1 reference)
Writing & Editorial Development
Developing a point of view and turning research and experience into writing, publications, and editorial formats.
Relevant work
A Culture of Coffee
- How I used this skill
- I researched and wrote the book, developing it from my graduate thesis.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (8 references)
Frontier Notes
- How I used this skill
- I write the quarterly field reports and set the publication's editorial point of view.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (1 reference)
The COFFEE Book
- How I used this skill
- I authored the book.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (1 reference)
Strategic Orchestration
Aligning specialists, relationships, resources, decisions, and production to deliver complex projects and experiences.
Relevant work
Design Week Addis Ababa
- How I used this skill
- I coordinated venues, partners, and satellite events to deliver a citywide program.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (7 references)
D!NK TV and Latey: Looking for Love
- How I used this skill
- I worked through production with my business partner, including care for the cast during filming.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (9 references)
A Culture of Coffee
- How I used this skill
- I took the book from thesis to publication and its launch in Washington, DC.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (8 references)
Discover Oromia
- How I used this skill
- I led the project across the tourism commission, production partner, writers, photographers and cultural archive.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Enterprise Leadership & Venture Strategy
Setting direction and managing the decisions and relationships involved in building an organization.
Relevant work
Design Week Addis Ababa
- How I used this skill
- I founded the platform and led it as executive director from 2015 to 2025, including its 2022 return.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (7 references)
Addis Futures Lab
- How I used this skill
- As founder and CEO, I set the studio's direction and manage its key decisions and relationships.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
D!NK Multimedia
- How I used this skill
- As co-founder and CEO, I shared responsibility for the company's direction and key decisions.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (5 references)
Cross-cultural Collaboration
Working across locations, sectors, and cultural contexts to develop shared understanding and deliver together.
Relevant work
Design Week Addis Ababa
- How I used this skill
- I brought local and international designers, institutions, and brands into one shared program.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (7 references)
Addis Futures Lab
- How I used this skill
- I run the studio between Washington, DC and Addis Ababa, working with partners across both contexts.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
Discover Oromia
- How I used this skill
- I translated local cultural knowledge into exhibits made for an international platform and audience.
- My involvement
- Evidence
- View supporting evidence (3 references)
04 / Outputs
What did the work become?
Follow the tangible results across formats and settings: experiences, platforms, media, publications and digital products. Each output links back to the project, my contribution and original sources.
Explore by output, touchpoint or platform
Output type
Touchpoint
Platform
One career. Many forms.
Outputs are individual, documented expressions of larger projects. A single project may have several outputs and reach people through multiple touchpoints.
Experiences & EventsDesign Week Addis Ababa festivalA recurring citywide platform for design, exchange, exhibitions and events.↗Media & SeriesD!NK TV digital media platformA youth-facing platform for culture and entertainment programming.↗Media & SeriesDiscover Oromia online exhibit seriesSeven illustrated online exhibits on Oromo history, governance, coffee and food culture.↗Media & SeriesLatey: Looking for LoveAn original Ethiopian reality dating series distributed through a digital-first media platform.↗Books & EditorialA Culture of CoffeeAn illustrated book on the history and ritual of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, catalogued by the Library of Congress.↗
Books & EditorialFrontier Notes field reportsAn editorial property capturing research, observations and lessons from venture building.↗Books & EditorialThe COFFEE BookA forthcoming illustrated book on coffee's global culture.↗
Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel learning resourcesDigital learning content accompanying the children’s language-learning experience.↗Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel mobile learning appAn interactive language-learning experience designed around the Ge’ez script.↗Digital Products & LearningMela remittance-to-payment platformKifiya's remittance-to-payment platform, launched in Washington, DC with Mastercard.↗Digital Products & LearningYene Guzo bus booking and paymentElectronic booking, payment and ticketing for long-distance buses in Addis Ababa.↗Platforms & VenturesAddis Futures Lab venture studioA venture-building practice connecting market intelligence, product thinking and partnerships.↗Platforms & VenturesD!NK Multimedia business and distribution modelA digital-first media company connecting creative production with audiences and commercial partnerships.↗Programming & PartnershipsCreative programming and institutional collaborationPrograms and relationships connecting local and international creative communities.↗Brands & IdentitiesFun with Fidel brand and learning propositionA child-friendly product identity and presentation connecting digital learning with cultural heritage.↗Experiences & Events
In-person environments, public programs and cultural convenings
Media & Series
Screen-based formats and programming for digital audiences
Media & SeriesD!NK TV digital media platformA youth-facing platform for culture and entertainment programming.↗Media & SeriesDiscover Oromia online exhibit seriesSeven illustrated online exhibits on Oromo history, governance, coffee and food culture.↗Media & SeriesLatey: Looking for LoveAn original Ethiopian reality dating series distributed through a digital-first media platform.↗Books & Editorial
Books, field reports, and researched editorial work
Books & EditorialA Culture of CoffeeAn illustrated book on the history and ritual of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, catalogued by the Library of Congress.↗Books & EditorialFrontier Notes field reportsAn editorial property capturing research, observations and lessons from venture building.↗Books & EditorialThe COFFEE BookA forthcoming illustrated book on coffee's global culture.↗Digital Products & Learning
Software and educational tools with user-facing interfaces
Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel learning resourcesDigital learning content accompanying the children’s language-learning experience.↗Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel mobile learning appAn interactive language-learning experience designed around the Ge’ez script.↗Digital Products & LearningMela remittance-to-payment platformKifiya's remittance-to-payment platform, launched in Washington, DC with Mastercard.↗Digital Products & LearningYene Guzo bus booking and paymentElectronic booking, payment and ticketing for long-distance buses in Addis Ababa.↗Platforms & Ventures
Organizations and platforms that support creative or commercial activity
Platforms & VenturesD!NK Multimedia business and distribution modelA digital-first media company connecting creative production with audiences and commercial partnerships.↗Programming & Partnerships
Program structures and coordinated cross-organization initiatives
Brands & Identities
Brand architecture, visual identities and named commercial or cultural propositions
Campaigns & Communications
Launch campaigns, communications initiatives and cross-platform storytelling
Live & In-person
Public programs, convenings, exhibitions and physical experiences
Web & Digital
Digital properties, websites and online reading experiences
Media & SeriesD!NK TV digital media platformA youth-facing platform for culture and entertainment programming.↗Media & SeriesDiscover Oromia online exhibit seriesSeven illustrated online exhibits on Oromo history, governance, coffee and food culture.↗Media & SeriesLatey: Looking for LoveAn original Ethiopian reality dating series distributed through a digital-first media platform.↗Books & EditorialFrontier Notes field reportsAn editorial property capturing research, observations and lessons from venture building.↗Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel learning resourcesDigital learning content accompanying the children’s language-learning experience.↗Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel mobile learning appAn interactive language-learning experience designed around the Ge’ez script.↗Digital Products & LearningMela remittance-to-payment platformKifiya's remittance-to-payment platform, launched in Washington, DC with Mastercard.↗Digital Products & LearningYene Guzo bus booking and paymentElectronic booking, payment and ticketing for long-distance buses in Addis Ababa.↗Platforms & VenturesAddis Futures Lab venture studioA venture-building practice connecting market intelligence, product thinking and partnerships.↗Platforms & VenturesD!NK Multimedia business and distribution modelA digital-first media company connecting creative production with audiences and commercial partnerships.↗Brands & IdentitiesFun with Fidel brand and learning propositionA child-friendly product identity and presentation connecting digital learning with cultural heritage.↗Mobile & Apps
App stores, interactive applications and mobile learning
Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel mobile learning appAn interactive language-learning experience designed around the Ge’ez script.↗Digital Products & LearningMela remittance-to-payment platformKifiya's remittance-to-payment platform, launched in Washington, DC with Mastercard.↗Digital Products & LearningYene Guzo bus booking and paymentElectronic booking, payment and ticketing for long-distance buses in Addis Ababa.↗Brands & IdentitiesFun with Fidel brand and learning propositionA child-friendly product identity and presentation connecting digital learning with cultural heritage.↗Video & Streaming
Screen-based media and streaming distribution
Media & SeriesD!NK TV digital media platformA youth-facing platform for culture and entertainment programming.↗Media & SeriesLatey: Looking for LoveAn original Ethiopian reality dating series distributed through a digital-first media platform.↗Platforms & VenturesD!NK Multimedia business and distribution modelA digital-first media company connecting creative production with audiences and commercial partnerships.↗Print & Books
Physical publications and editorial objects
Institutions & Partners
Collaboration and commercial or institutional relationships
Experiences & EventsDesign Week Addis Ababa festivalA recurring citywide platform for design, exchange, exhibitions and events.↗Media & SeriesDiscover Oromia online exhibit seriesSeven illustrated online exhibits on Oromo history, governance, coffee and food culture.↗Books & EditorialFrontier Notes field reportsAn editorial property capturing research, observations and lessons from venture building.↗Platforms & VenturesAddis Futures Lab venture studioA venture-building practice connecting market intelligence, product thinking and partnerships.↗Platforms & VenturesD!NK Multimedia business and distribution modelA digital-first media company connecting creative production with audiences and commercial partnerships.↗Programming & PartnershipsCreative programming and institutional collaborationPrograms and relationships connecting local and international creative communities.↗Communities & Audiences
Programming and editorial work designed to convene audiences
Experiences & EventsDesign Week Addis Ababa festivalA recurring citywide platform for design, exchange, exhibitions and events.↗Media & SeriesD!NK TV digital media platformA youth-facing platform for culture and entertainment programming.↗Media & SeriesLatey: Looking for LoveAn original Ethiopian reality dating series distributed through a digital-first media platform.↗Books & EditorialA Culture of CoffeeAn illustrated book on the history and ritual of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, catalogued by the Library of Congress.↗Books & EditorialFrontier Notes field reportsAn editorial property capturing research, observations and lessons from venture building.↗Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel learning resourcesDigital learning content accompanying the children’s language-learning experience.↗Programming & PartnershipsCreative programming and institutional collaborationPrograms and relationships connecting local and international creative communities.↗Brands & IdentitiesFun with Fidel brand and learning propositionA child-friendly product identity and presentation connecting digital learning with cultural heritage.↗Spatial & Installation
Physical environments, design installations, and built spaces
Retail & Commerce
Distribution, packaging and customer-facing commerce
Audio & Podcast
Audio-first conversations, recorded programs and sound
YouTube
Video and series distributed through YouTube
Media & SeriesD!NK TV digital media platformA youth-facing platform for culture and entertainment programming.↗Media & SeriesLatey: Looking for LoveAn original Ethiopian reality dating series distributed through a digital-first media platform.↗Platforms & VenturesD!NK Multimedia business and distribution modelA digital-first media company connecting creative production with audiences and commercial partnerships.↗Substack
Published field reports and editorial work
Apple App Store
iOS product distribution
Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel mobile learning appAn interactive language-learning experience designed around the Ge’ez script.↗Brands & IdentitiesFun with Fidel brand and learning propositionA child-friendly product identity and presentation connecting digital learning with cultural heritage.↗Google Play
Android product distribution
Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel mobile learning appAn interactive language-learning experience designed around the Ge’ez script.↗Brands & IdentitiesFun with Fidel brand and learning propositionA child-friendly product identity and presentation connecting digital learning with cultural heritage.↗Websites
Public websites and digital content hubs
Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel learning resourcesDigital learning content accompanying the children’s language-learning experience.↗Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel mobile learning appAn interactive language-learning experience designed around the Ge’ez script.↗Platforms & VenturesAddis Futures Lab venture studioA venture-building practice connecting market intelligence, product thinking and partnerships.↗Brands & IdentitiesFun with Fidel brand and learning propositionA child-friendly product identity and presentation connecting digital learning with cultural heritage.↗Social-first visual storytelling and distribution
Professional distribution and field intelligence
Podcast platforms
Audio-first distribution
Google Arts & Culture
Online exhibits published on Google Arts & Culture.
Design Week Addis Ababa festival
A recurring citywide platform for design, exchange, exhibitions and events.
My contribution
Founded the festival and shaped its direction, partnerships and programming.
Led
Where it appeared
In-person programming
Supporting references
Metasebia Yoseph Wants To Make Addis Ababa A Global Design Capital
Independent coverage
A profile published ahead of the first Design Week Addis Ababa, identifying Metasebia as the festival's founder and director.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Design Week Addis Ababa wants to turn Ethiopia's growing economy into a creative one
Independent coverage
Reports that Metasebia launched the festival in 2015, largely self-funded, and describes its 2019 edition and partners.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Design week's roaring comeback
Independent coverage
Covers the festival's 2022 return after the pandemic, quoting Metasebia as founder and creative director, with discussion of the early development of D!NK Multimedia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Metasebia Yoseph: the founder of Design Week Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
Profile of Metasebia as creative director and founder of Design Week Addis Ababa, featured on the TRUE Africa 100 list.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗6 great projects to see at Design Week Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
Guide to the 2022 programme, noting the festival launched in 2015, naming Metasebia as founder, and featuring the tenth-anniversary Culture of Coffee project.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗LinkUp Addis Ababa, November 2022: CloseUp
Interview
Cover feature and CloseUp interview with Metasebia as founder of Design Week Addis Ababa, ahead of the festival's 2022 return.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗D!NK TV digital media platform
A youth-facing platform for culture and entertainment programming.
My contribution
Co-founded the platform and contributed to the content and commercial development of its programming.
Co-developed
Where it appeared
YouTube · Digital media
Supporting references
'Latey: Looking for Love' is the Hit Ethiopian Reality Dating Show With an Unexpected Feminist Twist
Interview
A feature on Latey: Looking for Love that names Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK TV and producer of the show, with her account of how it was conceived.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Ethiopia's viral dating show eyes Africa with Swahili and Pidgin dubs
Interview
An interview with Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK Multimedia on the company's digital-first approach and the development of Latey.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗D!NK TV
Official source
D!NK TV's site, part of D!NK Multimedia, listing its short-form series including Latey.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗DINK TV on YouTube
Official channel
DINK TV's official YouTube channel, where Latey: Looking for Love was released.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Pioneering The Future of Media
Independent coverage
Profile of D!NK Multimedia and its co-founders, naming Metasebia as co-founder, and of D!NK TV's short-form programming for young audiences.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Discover Oromia online exhibit series
Seven illustrated online exhibits on Oromo history, governance, coffee and food culture.
My contribution
Led the project and produced the series, credited with Lidya Gebrehanna.
Led / Executed
Where it appeared
Google Arts & Culture
Supporting references
Discover Oromia
Published work with credits
The published exhibit. Its credits name Metasebia Yoseph and Lidya Gebrehanna as producers for Laurendeau & Associates, presented by the Oromia Tourism Commission.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗The Maaddii: A table of traditional dishes shared with family and friends
Published work with credits
One of seven exhibits in the series. Its credits name Metasebia Yoseph as producer for Laurendeau & Associates.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Visit Oromia on Google Arts & Culture
The partner page collecting the Visit Oromia exhibits, including the coffee ceremony, food and material culture stories in this series.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Latey: Looking for Love
An original Ethiopian reality dating series distributed through a digital-first media platform.
My contribution
Executive producer and showrunner; helped shape the original format and its creative approach.
Led / Executed
Where it appeared
D!NK TV · YouTube
Supporting references
Latey: Looking for Love (TV Series 2024 to 2025), full cast and crew
Credits database
The series' IMDb credits list Metasebia Yoseph as executive producer and showrunner, alongside the director and producers.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗'Latey: Looking for Love' is the Hit Ethiopian Reality Dating Show With an Unexpected Feminist Twist
Interview
A feature on Latey: Looking for Love that names Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK TV and producer of the show, with her account of how it was conceived.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗BBC News on Latey: Looking for Love
Independent coverage
BBC News coverage of the series, reporting more than 600,000 views in its first two months.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗What to Watch in East Africa This January
Independent coverage
Lists Latey: Looking for Love, brought to viewers by DINK TV on YouTube, among the month's picks. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗DINK TV on YouTube
Official channel
DINK TV's official YouTube channel, where Latey: Looking for Love was released.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗A Culture of Coffee
An illustrated book on the history and ritual of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, catalogued by the Library of Congress.
My contribution
Researched and authored the work, developed from graduate research.
Led / Executed
Where it appeared
Book, 91 illustrated pages
Supporting references
A culture of coffee / Metasebia Yoseph
Catalog record
The Library of Congress catalog record (LCCN 2013487345): published by The Muse Collective, Washington, DC, 2013, 91 illustrated pages, with a copy held in the Library's General Collections.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗CCT Alumna, Metasebia Yoseph, publishes her CCT M.A. thesis and launches book
Official source
Announces A Culture of Coffee, developed from Metasebia's M.A. thesis, as a coffee table book on the history of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗A Culture of Coffee
Catalog record
Catalog record for the CreateSpace edition: published 29 November 2013, 94 pages, ISBN 978-1-4935-6706-5.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗A Culture of Coffee on Amazon
Retail listing
Retail listing for the book (ISBN 1493567063).
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Frontier Notes field reports
An editorial property capturing research, observations and lessons from venture building.
My contribution
Created and write the publication, setting its editorial focus and interpretive approach.
Led / Executed
Where it appeared
Substack
Supporting references
Frontier Notes by Addis Futures Lab
Official source
The publication's home, presenting quarterly field reports on building ventures across technology, culture, and commerce in Africa.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗The COFFEE Book
A forthcoming illustrated book on coffee's global culture.
My contribution
Author.
Led / Executed
Where it appeared
Book, teNeues
Supporting references
The COFFEE Book
Publisher listing
Publisher listing for The COFFEE Book by Metasebia Yoseph, a forthcoming illustrated book on coffee's global culture, published by teNeues.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel learning resources
Digital learning content accompanying the children’s language-learning experience.
My contribution
Contributed to the educational positioning and presentation of the learning experience.
Co-developed
Where it appeared
Fun with Fidel website
Supporting references
Fun with Fidel
Official source
The product site, describing the app's picture association, letter tracing, and pronunciation features, with links to free videos and worksheets.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Digital Gojo: Grant Report #1
Byline
Metasebia's Grant for the Web report on Digital Gojo, a web-monetization research project, which describes Fun with Fidel as its in-house children's learning product.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel mobile learning app
An interactive language-learning experience designed around the Ge’ez script.
My contribution
Helped shape the product proposition, positioning and development as a standalone app.
Co-developed
Where it appeared
App Store · Google Play
Supporting references
Fun with Fidel
Official source
The product site, describing the app's picture association, letter tracing, and pronunciation features, with links to free videos and worksheets.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel on Google Play
Official source
The app's Android store listing.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel on the App Store
Official source
The app's iOS store listing.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Mela remittance-to-payment platform
Kifiya's remittance-to-payment platform, launched in Washington, DC with Mastercard.
My contribution
Product marketing and business innovation for the launch.
Executed
Where it appeared
Mela
Supporting references
Kifiya launches international payment solution in Washington D.C.
Independent coverage
Reports the launch of Mela, Kifiya's remittance-to-payment platform with Mastercard. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Yene Guzo bus booking and payment
Electronic booking, payment and ticketing for long-distance buses in Addis Ababa.
My contribution
Product marketing and business innovation.
Executed
Where it appeared
Yene Guzo
Supporting references
Kifiya increases Yene Guzo service providers in Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
Reports the expansion of Yene Guzo, Kifiya's booking, payment and ticketing system for long-distance buses. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Addis Futures Lab venture studio
A venture-building practice connecting market intelligence, product thinking and partnerships.
My contribution
Founded the studio and shape its venture direction, development and partnerships.
Led
Where it appeared
Addis Futures Lab website
Supporting references
Addis Futures Lab
Official source
The studio's website, describing its work across cultural insight, strategic advisory, and venture building.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗D!NK Multimedia business and distribution model
A digital-first media company connecting creative production with audiences and commercial partnerships.
My contribution
Co-founded and led the business, contributing to its media direction and commercial partnerships.
Co-developed / Led
Where it appeared
Digital media
Supporting references
Ethiopia's viral dating show eyes Africa with Swahili and Pidgin dubs
Interview
An interview with Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK Multimedia on the company's digital-first approach and the development of Latey.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Creative programming and institutional collaboration
Programs and relationships connecting local and international creative communities.
My contribution
Developed creative programming and built relationships across designers, institutions and partner organizations.
Led / Executed
Where it appeared
Design Week Addis Ababa
Supporting references
Metasebia Yoseph Wants To Make Addis Ababa A Global Design Capital
Independent coverage
A profile published ahead of the first Design Week Addis Ababa, identifying Metasebia as the festival's founder and director.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Design week's roaring comeback
Independent coverage
Covers the festival's 2022 return after the pandemic, quoting Metasebia as founder and creative director, with discussion of the early development of D!NK Multimedia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Destination Focus: Design Week Addis Ababa
Partner announcement
Announces Design Week Addis Ababa's showcase at Downtown Design in Dubai, with Ethiopian makers Actuel Urban Living and Jomo Design, quoting Metasebia as founding director.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel brand and learning proposition
A child-friendly product identity and presentation connecting digital learning with cultural heritage.
My contribution
Contributed to the product’s positioning, brand presentation, and standalone learning proposition.
Co-developed
Where it appeared
Fun with Fidel website · App Store · Google Play
Supporting references
Fun with Fidel
Official source
The product site, describing the app's picture association, letter tracing, and pronunciation features, with links to free videos and worksheets.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel on Google Play
Official source
The app's Android store listing.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel on the App Store
Official source
The app's iOS store listing.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗05 / Sectors
Different sectors. A connected practice.
Explore how the same capabilities operate across creative economy, media, publishing, education, technology and venture strategy. A project can belong to more than one domain.
Creative Economy & Design
Cultural platforms, design, creative entrepreneurship
Projects & roles
Related outputs
Media & Entertainment
Media companies, formats, content distribution
Projects & roles
Related outputs
Publishing & Storytelling
Books and editorial intellectual property
Projects & roles
Related outputs
EdTech & Cultural Heritage
Language and cultural education through technology
Projects & roles
Related outputs
Venture Building & Strategy
Venture design, market insight and strategic partnerships
Projects & roles
Related outputs
Technology & Digital Products
Digital product design and user experiences
Projects & roles
Related outputs
Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel learning resources↗Digital Products & LearningFun with Fidel mobile learning app↗Digital Products & LearningMela remittance-to-payment platform↗Digital Products & LearningYene Guzo bus booking and payment↗Platforms & VenturesAddis Futures Lab venture studio↗Brands & IdentitiesFun with Fidel brand and learning proposition↗06 / Evidence library
Follow the references.
Independent press, institutional records, product listings and published material, linked once and connected to the relevant projects and outputs. A source documenting a project does not necessarily independently prove every individual contribution.
Press
16 referencesMetasebia Yoseph Wants To Make Addis Ababa A Global Design Capital
Independent coverage
A profile published ahead of the first Design Week Addis Ababa, identifying Metasebia as the festival's founder and director.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Design Week Addis Ababa wants to turn Ethiopia's growing economy into a creative one
Independent coverage
Reports that Metasebia launched the festival in 2015, largely self-funded, and describes its 2019 edition and partners.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Design week's roaring comeback
Independent coverage
Covers the festival's 2022 return after the pandemic, quoting Metasebia as founder and creative director, with discussion of the early development of D!NK Multimedia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗'Latey: Looking for Love' is the Hit Ethiopian Reality Dating Show With an Unexpected Feminist Twist
Interview
A feature on Latey: Looking for Love that names Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK TV and producer of the show, with her account of how it was conceived.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Ethiopia's viral dating show eyes Africa with Swahili and Pidgin dubs
Interview
An interview with Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK Multimedia on the company's digital-first approach and the development of Latey.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗BBC News on Latey: Looking for Love
Independent coverage
BBC News coverage of the series, reporting more than 600,000 views in its first two months.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗What to Watch in East Africa This January
Independent coverage
Lists Latey: Looking for Love, brought to viewers by DINK TV on YouTube, among the month's picks. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Metasebia Yoseph: the founder of Design Week Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
Profile of Metasebia as creative director and founder of Design Week Addis Ababa, featured on the TRUE Africa 100 list.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Destination Focus: Design Week Addis Ababa
Partner announcement
Announces Design Week Addis Ababa's showcase at Downtown Design in Dubai, with Ethiopian makers Actuel Urban Living and Jomo Design, quoting Metasebia as founding director.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗6 great projects to see at Design Week Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
Guide to the 2022 programme, noting the festival launched in 2015, naming Metasebia as founder, and featuring the tenth-anniversary Culture of Coffee project.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Pioneering The Future of Media
Independent coverage
Profile of D!NK Multimedia and its co-founders, naming Metasebia as co-founder, and of D!NK TV's short-form programming for young audiences.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Coffee, meet Crypto. Crypto, meet Coffee
Independent coverage
Covers the Web3 relaunch of Culture of Coffee, ten years after the original book, and its planned $COFFEE token and second edition.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗This Creator Is Building an Entire Web3 Ecosystem Around Coffee and Literature
Independent coverage
Feature on the Culture of Coffee Web3 project built around the tenth-anniversary edition of the 2013 book.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Kifiya launches international payment solution in Washington D.C.
Independent coverage
Reports the launch of Mela, Kifiya's remittance-to-payment platform with Mastercard. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Kifiya increases Yene Guzo service providers in Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
Reports the expansion of Yene Guzo, Kifiya's booking, payment and ticketing system for long-distance buses. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Insider guide to Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
The Guardian Cities insider guide to Addis Ababa, covering its coffee culture and contemporary art scene.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Interviews
4 referencesThe spirit of Ethiopian culture
Interview
Interview during the research for A Culture of Coffee, describing the transmedia project and Metasebia's work as founder of Muse Collective.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗LinkUp Addis Ababa, November 2022: CloseUp
Interview
Cover feature and CloseUp interview with Metasebia as founder of Design Week Addis Ababa, ahead of the festival's 2022 return.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Saving History in an AI World: A Cultural Architect's Mission
Interview
Video interview with Metasebia on creative ecosystems, digital sovereignty and venture building.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Renew Capital Fireside Chat, Episode 2
Fireside chat
Renew Capital's fireside chat series featuring Metasebia as founder of Design Week Addis Ababa and CEO of D!NK TV.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Writing
4 referencesEthiopia Skate
Byline
Written by Metasebia, with photography by Rudi Geyser.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Addis Art
Byline
Written by Metasebia on the Guramayne Art Centre and the artists who work and live below it, with photography by Rudi Geyser.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗A super quick guide to Addis Ababa
Byline
A city guide written by Metasebia for Ethiopian Airlines' in-flight magazine.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Digital Gojo: Grant Report #1
Byline
Metasebia's Grant for the Web report on Digital Gojo, a web-monetization research project, which describes Fun with Fidel as its in-house children's learning product.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Books & catalogs
4 referencesA culture of coffee / Metasebia Yoseph
Catalog record
The Library of Congress catalog record (LCCN 2013487345): published by The Muse Collective, Washington, DC, 2013, 91 illustrated pages, with a copy held in the Library's General Collections.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗A Culture of Coffee
Catalog record
Catalog record for the CreateSpace edition: published 29 November 2013, 94 pages, ISBN 978-1-4935-6706-5.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗A Culture of Coffee on Amazon
Retail listing
Retail listing for the book (ISBN 1493567063).
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗The COFFEE Book
Publisher listing
Publisher listing for The COFFEE Book by Metasebia Yoseph, a forthcoming illustrated book on coffee's global culture, published by teNeues.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Official Sources
8 referencesCCT Alumna, Metasebia Yoseph, publishes her CCT M.A. thesis and launches book
Official source
Announces A Culture of Coffee, developed from Metasebia's M.A. thesis, as a coffee table book on the history of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Addis Futures Lab
Official source
The studio's website, describing its work across cultural insight, strategic advisory, and venture building.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel
Official source
The product site, describing the app's picture association, letter tracing, and pronunciation features, with links to free videos and worksheets.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Visit Oromia on Google Arts & Culture
The partner page collecting the Visit Oromia exhibits, including the coffee ceremony, food and material culture stories in this series.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Latey: Looking for Love (TV Series 2024 to 2025), full cast and crew
Credits database
The series' IMDb credits list Metasebia Yoseph as executive producer and showrunner, alongside the director and producers.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Metasebia Yoseph, Producer
Credits database
Metasebia's IMDb producer page, listing Latey: Looking for Love (2024) as a showrunner credit.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗D!NK TV
Official source
D!NK TV's site, part of D!NK Multimedia, listing its short-form series including Latey.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗DINK TV on YouTube
Official channel
DINK TV's official YouTube channel, where Latey: Looking for Love was released.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Publications
3 referencesFrontier Notes by Addis Futures Lab
Official source
The publication's home, presenting quarterly field reports on building ventures across technology, culture, and commerce in Africa.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Discover Oromia
Published work with credits
The published exhibit. Its credits name Metasebia Yoseph and Lidya Gebrehanna as producers for Laurendeau & Associates, presented by the Oromia Tourism Commission.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗The Maaddii: A table of traditional dishes shared with family and friends
Published work with credits
One of seven exhibits in the series. Its credits name Metasebia Yoseph as producer for Laurendeau & Associates.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Project Materials
2 referencesFun with Fidel on Google Play
Official source
The app's Android store listing.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel on the App Store
Official source
The app's iOS store listing.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Reference
1 referenceMetasebia Yoseph
Encyclopedia entry
Encyclopedia entry summarising Metasebia's career across Design Week Addis Ababa, Kifiya, Addis Futures Lab, D!NK TV and A Culture of Coffee.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗07 / About Metasebia
A career across disciplines, not defined by one.
I am an innovation architect, venture builder, and cultural strategist working across business, technology, and creative practice. I founded Addis Futures Lab and Design Week Addis Ababa, and co-founded D!NK Multimedia.
My work has taken different forms, including cultural platforms, publishing, media, product development, and commercial partnerships. Across them, I am interested in how an idea becomes something people can use, experience, and build on.
Born and raised in Washington, DC, I work between Washington and Addis Ababa.
Education
- MA, Communication, Culture & Technology, Georgetown University
- BA, Art History, University of Maryland
08 / Start a conversation
What could we build together?
Whether you are exploring a venture, seeking strategic insight, or looking for a collaborative build, I would be glad to hear what you are working on.
Design Week Addis Ababa
My roleFounder; Executive Director 2015 to 2025
Overview
I founded Design Week Addis Ababa in 2015 as a platform for design and creative exchange in Addis Ababa, and served as its executive director until 2025. The work combines cultural programming, partnerships, and the practical coordination needed to bring people and ideas together.
My contribution
- I shaped the platform's direction and programming.
- I developed partnerships and negotiated vendor and partnership agreements.
- Selected references document the events, collaborators, and creative work involved.
Selected outcomes
- Launched in 2015 with a single sponsor and largely self-funded. (Quartz)
- Designated a destination event by Tourism Ethiopia for its 2019 edition, with Heineken joining as a sponsor. (Quartz)
- Returned in 2022 after the pandemic pause, with a program spotlighting Addis Ababa's technology community. (The Reporter Ethiopia)
- Profiled by TRUE Africa and featured on its TRUE Africa 100 list, 2015. (TRUE Africa)
Visual & multimedia archive
Original published work, interviews, platform previews, and supporting documentation for this case.
Outputs & touchpoints
Select an output to see the formats, touchpoints and supporting sources.
Skills demonstrated
Supporting evidence
References and materials documenting this work. Each item includes its source and context.
Metasebia Yoseph Wants To Make Addis Ababa A Global Design Capital
Independent coverage
A profile published ahead of the first Design Week Addis Ababa, identifying Metasebia as the festival's founder and director.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Design Week Addis Ababa wants to turn Ethiopia's growing economy into a creative one
Independent coverage
Reports that Metasebia launched the festival in 2015, largely self-funded, and describes its 2019 edition and partners.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Design week's roaring comeback
Independent coverage
Covers the festival's 2022 return after the pandemic, quoting Metasebia as founder and creative director, with discussion of the early development of D!NK Multimedia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Metasebia Yoseph: the founder of Design Week Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
Profile of Metasebia as creative director and founder of Design Week Addis Ababa, featured on the TRUE Africa 100 list.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Destination Focus: Design Week Addis Ababa
Partner announcement
Announces Design Week Addis Ababa's showcase at Downtown Design in Dubai, with Ethiopian makers Actuel Urban Living and Jomo Design, quoting Metasebia as founding director.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗6 great projects to see at Design Week Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
Guide to the 2022 programme, noting the festival launched in 2015, naming Metasebia as founder, and featuring the tenth-anniversary Culture of Coffee project.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗LinkUp Addis Ababa, November 2022: CloseUp
Interview
Cover feature and CloseUp interview with Metasebia as founder of Design Week Addis Ababa, ahead of the festival's 2022 return.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Dates
Founded 2015 · Executive Director 2015 to 2025
Link to this entry: addisfutureslab.com/metasebia-portfolio#design-week-addis-ababa
D!NK TV and Latey: Looking for Love
My roleCo-founder, D!NK TV · Executive Producer and Showrunner, Latey: Looking for Love
Overview
My work with D!NK TV combined content and business development, including the agreements that connect intellectual property, talent, and commercial opportunity. Its reality series Latey: Looking for Love has been covered by regional press as Ethiopia's first Bachelor-style dating show.
My contribution
- I co-founded D!NK TV with Yehdego Abeselom, and served as executive producer and showrunner of Latey: Looking for Love, helping shape its original concept.
- I worked on intellectual property licensing and talent revenue-sharing arrangements, alongside the broader development of the platform.
Selected outcomes
- Credited on IMDb as executive producer and showrunner of the series, which premiered in December 2024. (IMDb)
- Reported by BBC News to have drawn more than 600,000 views in its first two months. (BBC News)
- Covered by OkayAfrica as Ethiopia's first Bachelor-style reality dating show. (OkayAfrica)
Visual & multimedia archive
Original published work, interviews, platform previews, and supporting documentation for this case.
Outputs & touchpoints
Select an output to see the formats, touchpoints and supporting sources.
Skills demonstrated
Supporting evidence
References and materials documenting this work. Each item includes its source and context.
Latey: Looking for Love (TV Series 2024 to 2025), full cast and crew
Credits database
The series' IMDb credits list Metasebia Yoseph as executive producer and showrunner, alongside the director and producers.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Metasebia Yoseph, Producer
Credits database
Metasebia's IMDb producer page, listing Latey: Looking for Love (2024) as a showrunner credit.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗'Latey: Looking for Love' is the Hit Ethiopian Reality Dating Show With an Unexpected Feminist Twist
Interview
A feature on Latey: Looking for Love that names Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK TV and producer of the show, with her account of how it was conceived.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Ethiopia's viral dating show eyes Africa with Swahili and Pidgin dubs
Interview
An interview with Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK Multimedia on the company's digital-first approach and the development of Latey.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗BBC News on Latey: Looking for Love
Independent coverage
BBC News coverage of the series, reporting more than 600,000 views in its first two months.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗What to Watch in East Africa This January
Independent coverage
Lists Latey: Looking for Love, brought to viewers by DINK TV on YouTube, among the month's picks. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗D!NK TV
Official source
D!NK TV's site, part of D!NK Multimedia, listing its short-form series including Latey.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗DINK TV on YouTube
Official channel
DINK TV's official YouTube channel, where Latey: Looking for Love was released.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Renew Capital Fireside Chat, Episode 2
Fireside chat
Renew Capital's fireside chat series featuring Metasebia as founder of Design Week Addis Ababa and CEO of D!NK TV.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Collaborators & credits
- Yehdego Abeselom, Co-founder, D!NK TV; director and executive producer, Latey
- Mahlet Fekede, producer, Latey
Dates
Latey: Looking for Love, 2024 to 2025
Link to this entry: addisfutureslab.com/metasebia-portfolio#dink-tv-latey
A Culture of Coffee
My roleAuthor
Overview
A Culture of Coffee reflects my interest in how cultural practices shape the way we live and connect. Developed from my M.A. thesis at Georgetown University, it is an illustrated book on the history and ritual of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, published in 2013 by The Muse Collective in Washington, DC.
My contribution
- I developed the book's cultural perspective and authored the work.
- Publication details and references are collected here to provide context.
Selected outcomes
- Catalogued by the Library of Congress, with a copy held in its General Collections (LCCN 2013487345). (Library of Congress Catalog)
- Announced by Georgetown University's Communication, Culture & Technology program as a published thesis and book launch. (Georgetown University, Communication, Culture & Technology)
- Relaunched in 2022 as a Web3 tenth-anniversary project, covered by nft now and The Washington Informer Bridge. (nft now)
Outputs & touchpoints
Select an output to see the formats, touchpoints and supporting sources.
Skills demonstrated
Supporting evidence
References and materials documenting this work. Each item includes its source and context.
A culture of coffee / Metasebia Yoseph
Catalog record
The Library of Congress catalog record (LCCN 2013487345): published by The Muse Collective, Washington, DC, 2013, 91 illustrated pages, with a copy held in the Library's General Collections.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗CCT Alumna, Metasebia Yoseph, publishes her CCT M.A. thesis and launches book
Official source
Announces A Culture of Coffee, developed from Metasebia's M.A. thesis, as a coffee table book on the history of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗A Culture of Coffee
Catalog record
Catalog record for the CreateSpace edition: published 29 November 2013, 94 pages, ISBN 978-1-4935-6706-5.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗A Culture of Coffee on Amazon
Retail listing
Retail listing for the book (ISBN 1493567063).
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗The spirit of Ethiopian culture
Interview
Interview during the research for A Culture of Coffee, describing the transmedia project and Metasebia's work as founder of Muse Collective.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗This Creator Is Building an Entire Web3 Ecosystem Around Coffee and Literature
Independent coverage
Feature on the Culture of Coffee Web3 project built around the tenth-anniversary edition of the 2013 book.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Coffee, meet Crypto. Crypto, meet Coffee
Independent coverage
Covers the Web3 relaunch of Culture of Coffee, ten years after the original book, and its planned $COFFEE token and second edition.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗6 great projects to see at Design Week Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
Guide to the 2022 programme, noting the festival launched in 2015, naming Metasebia as founder, and featuring the tenth-anniversary Culture of Coffee project.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Collaborators & credits
- The Muse Collective, publisher, Washington, DC
Dates
Published 2013
Link to this entry: addisfutureslab.com/metasebia-portfolio#a-culture-of-coffee
Addis Futures Lab
My roleFounder and CEO
Overview
I founded Addis Futures Lab to turn opportunities into executable businesses. The work brings together market understanding, venture development, product thinking, and partnerships, with a focus on connecting local innovation to international capital and distribution.
My contribution
- I shape venture concepts, define their business and product direction, and develop the relationships needed to move them forward.
- I also work with international partners to understand markets and explore new businesses and collaborations.
Visual & multimedia archive
Original published work, interviews, platform previews, and supporting documentation for this case.
Outputs & touchpoints
Select an output to see the formats, touchpoints and supporting sources.
Skills demonstrated
Supporting evidence
References and materials documenting this work. Each item includes its source and context.
Addis Futures Lab
Official source
The studio's website, describing its work across cultural insight, strategic advisory, and venture building.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Frontier Notes by Addis Futures Lab
Official source
The publication's home, presenting quarterly field reports on building ventures across technology, culture, and commerce in Africa.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Saving History in an AI World: A Cultural Architect's Mission
Interview
Video interview with Metasebia on creative ecosystems, digital sovereignty and venture building.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Project status
Active
Link to this entry: addisfutureslab.com/metasebia-portfolio#addis-futures-lab
D!NK Multimedia
My roleCo-founder and CEO, Executive Producer 2022 to 2025
Overview
At D!NK Multimedia, I brought together creative direction, communications, and business development to develop media and cultural work, serving as co-founder, CEO and executive producer from 2022 to 2025. Press coverage describes the company as a digital-first media business.
My contribution
- My work spanned business leadership, creative development, and partnerships.
- This entry brings together selected references that show the scope of that work.
Visual & multimedia archive
Original published work, interviews, platform previews, and supporting documentation for this case.
Outputs & touchpoints
Select an output to see the formats, touchpoints and supporting sources.
Skills demonstrated
Supporting evidence
References and materials documenting this work. Each item includes its source and context.
Ethiopia's viral dating show eyes Africa with Swahili and Pidgin dubs
Interview
An interview with Metasebia as co-founder of D!NK Multimedia on the company's digital-first approach and the development of Latey.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Design week's roaring comeback
Independent coverage
Covers the festival's 2022 return after the pandemic, quoting Metasebia as founder and creative director, with discussion of the early development of D!NK Multimedia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Pioneering The Future of Media
Independent coverage
Profile of D!NK Multimedia and its co-founders, naming Metasebia as co-founder, and of D!NK TV's short-form programming for young audiences.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗D!NK TV
Official source
D!NK TV's site, part of D!NK Multimedia, listing its short-form series including Latey.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Renew Capital Fireside Chat, Episode 2
Fireside chat
Renew Capital's fireside chat series featuring Metasebia as founder of Design Week Addis Ababa and CEO of D!NK TV.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Dates
2022 to 2025
Link to this entry: addisfutureslab.com/metasebia-portfolio#dink-multimedia
Discover Oromia
My roleProject lead
Overview
Discover Oromia brings the history, governance, regional cultures and food traditions of the Oromo people to Google Arts & Culture. The series was presented by the Oromia Tourism Commission in partnership with Laurendeau & Associates, and runs across seven online exhibits, from the Gadaa system to the Buna Dhugaa coffee ceremony and the Maaddii shared table.
My contribution
- I led the project and produced the exhibit series for Laurendeau & Associates, credited as producer alongside Lidya Gebrehanna.
- The exhibits combine writing by Outdoor Ethiopia, original photography and music, and artifacts shared from the Oromo Cultural Center archive.
Selected outcomes
- Seven exhibits published on Google Arts & Culture under the Visit Oromia partner page, each crediting me as producer. (Google Arts & Culture)
Visual & multimedia archive
The published exhibits live on Google Arts & Culture. Their photographs and audio belong to the credited rights holders, so this case links to the originals rather than reproducing them.
Outputs & touchpoints
Select an output to see the formats, touchpoints and supporting sources.
Skills demonstrated
Supporting evidence
References and materials documenting this work. Each item includes its source and context.
Discover Oromia
Published work with credits
The published exhibit. Its credits name Metasebia Yoseph and Lidya Gebrehanna as producers for Laurendeau & Associates, presented by the Oromia Tourism Commission.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗The Maaddii: A table of traditional dishes shared with family and friends
Published work with credits
One of seven exhibits in the series. Its credits name Metasebia Yoseph as producer for Laurendeau & Associates.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Visit Oromia on Google Arts & Culture
The partner page collecting the Visit Oromia exhibits, including the coffee ceremony, food and material culture stories in this series.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Collaborators & credits
- Lidya Gebrehanna, co-producer
- Laurendeau & Associates, production partner
- Oromia Tourism Commission, presenting partner
- Outdoor Ethiopia, writing
- Berhanu Beyene, Abinet Teshome and Aron Simeneh, photography
- Manuhe Negesse Gudina, music
- Oromo Cultural Center, archive and artifacts
Link to this entry: addisfutureslab.com/metasebia-portfolio#discover-oromia
Frontier Notes
My roleCreator and writer
Overview
Frontier Notes, presented by Addis Futures Lab, explores the experiences of people coming or returning to build in Africa. It creates space for the decisions, struggles, and observations behind that work.
My contribution
- I shape the editorial direction and the way stories move across conversations, writing, and digital channels.
- I write the essays, published on Substack since September 2025, and create the generative illustrations that accompany them.
Visual & multimedia archive
Original published work, interviews, platform previews, and supporting documentation for this case.
Outputs & touchpoints
Select an output to see the formats, touchpoints and supporting sources.
Skills demonstrated
Supporting evidence
References and materials documenting this work. Each item includes its source and context.
Frontier Notes by Addis Futures Lab
Official source
The publication's home, presenting quarterly field reports on building ventures across technology, culture, and commerce in Africa.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Project status
Active
Link to this entry: addisfutureslab.com/metasebia-portfolio#frontier-notes
Fun with Fidel
My roleProduct and venture development
Overview
Fun with Fidel brings heritage learning into a digital experience for children and families. The product is designed around learning the Ge'ez alphabet and supporting connections to language and culture.
My contribution
- I helped shape the product's learning proposition, positioning, and presentation.
Selected outcomes
- Featured as the in-house children's learning product of Digital Gojo, a web-monetization research project Metasebia reported on to Grant for the Web in 2021. (Interledger Community)
Visual & multimedia archive
Original published work, interviews, platform previews, and supporting documentation for this case.
Outputs & touchpoints
Select an output to see the formats, touchpoints and supporting sources.
Skills demonstrated
Supporting evidence
References and materials documenting this work. Each item includes its source and context.
Fun with Fidel
Official source
The product site, describing the app's picture association, letter tracing, and pronunciation features, with links to free videos and worksheets.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel on Google Play
Official source
The app's Android store listing.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Fun with Fidel on the App Store
Official source
The app's iOS store listing.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Digital Gojo: Grant Report #1
Byline
Metasebia's Grant for the Web report on Digital Gojo, a web-monetization research project, which describes Fun with Fidel as its in-house children's learning product.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Project status
Available on iOS and Android
Link to this entry: addisfutureslab.com/metasebia-portfolio#fun-with-fidel
Kifiya Financial Technology
My roleSenior Marketing & Business Innovation Manager, 2016 to 2018
Overview
At Kifiya Financial Technology, I led product marketing and business innovation for digital financial services, including Mela, a remittance-to-payment platform launched with Mastercard, and Yene Guzo, a booking and payment system for long-distance bus travel.
My contribution
- I led product marketing and business innovation across consumer insight, positioning, go-to-market and partnerships.
- I worked on partner revenue-sharing and software licensing arrangements.
Outputs & touchpoints
Select an output to see the formats, touchpoints and supporting sources.
Skills demonstrated
Supporting evidence
References and materials documenting this work. Each item includes its source and context.
Kifiya launches international payment solution in Washington D.C.
Independent coverage
Reports the launch of Mela, Kifiya's remittance-to-payment platform with Mastercard. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Kifiya increases Yene Guzo service providers in Addis Ababa
Independent coverage
Reports the expansion of Yene Guzo, Kifiya's booking, payment and ticketing system for long-distance buses. Project source; does not name Metasebia.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Metasebia Yoseph
Encyclopedia entry
Encyclopedia entry summarising Metasebia's career across Design Week Addis Ababa, Kifiya, Addis Futures Lab, D!NK TV and A Culture of Coffee.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Collaborators & credits
- Mastercard, Mela launch partner
Dates
2016 to 2018
Link to this entry: addisfutureslab.com/metasebia-portfolio#kifiya
The COFFEE Book
My roleAuthor
Overview
The COFFEE Book is an illustrated tribute to coffee's global culture, from the Ethiopian highlands to the modern café, published by teNeues. It continues the work I began with A Culture of Coffee.
My contribution
- I am the author of the book.
Outputs & touchpoints
Select an output to see the formats, touchpoints and supporting sources.
Skills demonstrated
Supporting evidence
References and materials documenting this work. Each item includes its source and context.
The COFFEE Book
Publisher listing
Publisher listing for The COFFEE Book by Metasebia Yoseph, a forthcoming illustrated book on coffee's global culture, published by teNeues.
Open original source (opens in a new tab) ↗Collaborators & credits
- teNeues, publisher
Project status
Forthcoming
Link to this entry: addisfutureslab.com/metasebia-portfolio#the-coffee-book