Rebel with a cause

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu takes Addis Ababa footwear on a fast track to global recognition.

SoleRebels’ meteoric rise from small-scale Addis Ababa shoe shop to Africa’s fastest-growing footwear brand is a unique tale of success — especially on this continent, where opportunities do not come easily to young entrepreneurs.

Since the founding of her company in 2004, Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu has garnered much media attention and multiple international awards for her distinctive approach to manufacturing. More impressive, however, has been the sales growth that has propelled soleRebels toward global-brand recognition.

The company currently sells its shoes through numerous retail outlets, including 12 stand-alone stores across Asia and Europe, along with a robust e-commerce operation. By the end of the decade, soleRebels plans to open dozens more retail outlets, with a target of US$250 million in sales revenue.

Read more at: Selamta Magazine