About Entrust Africa

Thomas Lorato

Founder & CEO

Thomas Lorato is the Founder of Entrust Africa, working with financial institutions and SMEs to improve the quality, readiness, and scalability of businesses across African markets.

He brings over two decades of international manufacturing experience, along with a track record of leading and managing organizations across different markets. This operational background informs his approach to building businesses that are not only strategic, but executable.

His work focuses on bridging the gap between banks and SME clients—supporting deal structuring, financial readiness, and pipeline development that leads to stronger, more bankable businesses.

He also leads Andinet and Afri-bridge, platforms designed to expand market access and enable cross-border trade.

Mikias Melak Birhanie

Managing Director, Advisory & Transactions

Mikias Melak Birhanie is a licensed attorney and legal consultant based in Addis Ababa, with expertise in corporate, commercial, labor, and international law. At Entrust Africa, he leads advisory and transaction support work, focusing on investment structuring, regulatory compliance, and cross-border deal execution.

He previously worked as an Associate Lawyer at KAL Law Office and served as in-house counsel for Parker Clay Ethiopia, supporting corporate governance, compliance, and international business operations. He also advises SMEs on legal compliance, HR systems, and institutional engagement.

Mikias has been actively involved in governance and civil society work, including serving as a General Assembly Member of Transparency International Ethiopia (2016–2024), and founding Public Information Noble (PIN), an organization focused on transparency and access to information.

Fekadu Welde

Chief Legal & Regulatory Affairs Officer

Fekadu Welde is a lawyer and legal consultant based in Ethiopia, with strong experience in corporate, commercial, and regulatory law. At Entrust Africa, he leads legal structuring and regulatory advisory work, supporting cross-border transactions, investment compliance, and institutional engagements.

He has worked across legal advisory and consulting roles, supporting businesses on licensing, contract structuring, labor compliance, and dispute resolution. His work helps organizations operate within Ethiopia’s regulatory framework while aligning with broader regional trade and investment requirements.

Fekadu is recognized for a practical legal approach that connects regulatory requirements with business execution, helping clients move from compliance challenges to operational clarity.

Thomas Seyoum Kassaye

Digital Governance Advisor

Thomas Seyoum Kassaye is a seasoned Digital Governance Advisor with over 20 years of experience across international organizations, including the UNHCR, UNEP, UNICEF, UNECA, UNSOS, and UNAMA in the ICT, digital transformation, and information governance sectors. He brings deep expertise in designing and implementing digital systems that enhance institutional efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making, particularly within government and multilateral contexts. He has extensive knowledge in data science, information systems, Archive and Records Management, business analysis, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. He has led the implementation of major digital initiatives, including Electronic Document Management Frameworks (EDMF), cloud migrations, data warehousing, and paperless office projects, across mission-critical environments. Thomas has also worked as a technical lead for AI projects.

Thomas currently serves as the Team Lead for Project Management and Policy Development of Records and Archives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, where he leads the digitization of records and modernization of archival systems. He ensures institutional compliance with ISO 15489 and national regulatory standards.