Enset Innovation Institute Inc.

Scaling Climate-Resilient, Women-Led Enset Systems

Governance & Transparency

At Enset Innovation, we believe that institutional-grade transparency is foundational to solving systemic climate and food security challenges. As an organization currently finalizing its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS (EIN: [39-4676360]), we operate under strict governance, operational, and financial frameworks designed to maximize the impact of every dollar deployed.

Institutional Consortium & Alliances

Enset Innovation does not operate in isolation. Our initiatives are driven by a formal, multi-sector consortium linking cutting-edge academic research with field-tested regional execution. We proudly collaborate with:

  • Arba Minch University: Advancing localized agronomic research, tissue culture optimization, and climate-modeling data.
  • SOS Sahel Ethiopia: Deploying decades of on-the-ground expertise in rural agroforestry, community mobilization, and resilient livelihoods.

Together, this alliance drives the execution of our Enset Flagship Program, scaling climate-smart agricultural interventions across vulnerable ecosystems.

Governance Policies & Integrity

Our board of directors and executive leadership adhere to rigorous oversight standards to ensure total alignment with public trust and compliance regulations.

Core Governance Frameworks

Note: PDF copies of our full Board Governance Policies, Articles of Incorporation, and Bylaws are available upon request to institutional donors and wealth advisors.

  • Conflict of Interest Policy: Mandatory annual disclosures required for all board members and key employees to prevent personal or financial bias in institutional operations. Read the Full Conflict of Interest Policy
  • Whistleblower & Non-Retaliation Policy: A secure framework protecting employees, volunteers, and community partners who report suspected ethical or operational misconduct. Read the Full Conflict of Interest Policy
  • Records Retention & Destruction Policy: Strict data security mandates ensuring that all operational, financial, and legal records are handled in compliance with federal guidelines.

Financial Stewardship & Trust

To ensure absolute capital efficiency during our launch phase, Enset Innovation operates under a Zero-Leakage Financial Model:

  • Administrative Grounding: 100% of our current foundational administrative and organizational setup costs are covered out-of-pocket by executive leadership.
  • Capital Deployment: 100% of incoming philanthropic grants and Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) capital are restricted directly to regional project execution, field equipment, and community-level training.
  • Reporting Compliance: Upon receipt of our IRS Determination Letter, Enset Innovation will publish its annual Form 990 filings and audited financial statements transparently on this page and our Candid (GuideStar) Profile.

Institutional Compliance & Oversight

Enset Innovation Institute, Inc. (EII) operates under a comprehensive, Board-approved Financial, Operations, Human Resources, Grants, Procurement, and Administrative Manual (v1.0 – 2026). Our frameworks strictly comply with US GAAP and multi-currency international reporting standards.

Key Operational Safeguards Include:

  • Rigorous Internal Controls: Clear separation of operational duties; no single individual controls the authorization, custody, or reconciliation of any financial asset.
  • Multi-Tiered Board Oversight: A definitive Delegation of Authority Matrix requiring mandatory dual-signatures for all wire transfers exceeding $10,000 and all corporate contracts over $25,000.
  • Strict Procurement Integrity: Mandatory competitive multiple-quotation vetting for all field purchases over $500, and formal tendering for major institutional procurements.

Executive Leadership Team

Our executive officers provide the strategic leadership, fiscal stewardship, and operational oversight necessary to drive a global native perennial crops revolution.

Mr. Asratie A. Teferra

  • Title: Co-Founder & President
  • Institutional Background: Former Founding Chief Operating Officer, Habtech Solutions Inc. (USA); Climate Reality Leader.
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Ms. Lizah Makombore

  • Title: Vice President & Business Development
  • Institutional Background: PhD Candidate in Agroecology, University of Vermont.
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Ms. Elizabeth Tessema

  • Title: Treasurer
  • Institutional Background: Executive Director, Christian Relief Services Charities, USA.
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Ms. Sara Haris

  • Title: Secretary
  • Institutional Background: Researcher, Columbia University Center for Climate Systems Research (CCSR).
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Dr. Tewabech Bishaw

  • Title: Officer at Large
  • Institutional Background: UNICEF Health Officer (Retired).
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