Celebrating Ethiopia's Women in Business and Beyond

In every corner of society, women are leading the way. From the working-class individuals in the hurried markets to the students striving for knowledge in the classroom, from the stay-at-home moms to C-Suite ladies, the advocates championing change in their communities, each woman is worth celebrating in her own right. We don’t see womanhood as something to be overcome with ‘resilience’ or ‘determination’— buzzwords common around this time of year. We perceive womanhood as a wellspring of inherent strength and profound wisdom, a foundation upon which societies have been built and nurtured. It is a testament to every woman’s creativity, intelligence, and leadership, qualities that should be celebrated and leveraged for societal progress. Rather than framing the female experience as one riddled with hurdles, as it may well be, today, we champion embracing and amplifying women’s unique perspectives and capabilities in every sphere of life. This approach not only honors the intrinsic value of women but also paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable world where every individual’s potential can be fully realized without the constraints of outdated stereotypes or expectations.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us honor and uplift these extraordinary individuals in our homes, workplaces, schools, and everywhere else. Remember that they embody strength and deserve respect, love, and celebration.

Here’s to the women of Ethiopia— we celebrate your innate value and integrity! We hope for an Ethiopia where your input, participation, and leadership are valued, welcomed, and celebrated.    

Happy International Women’s Day!

Business Owners (10 Years and above)

NamePositionCompany NameBusiness CategoryEstDuration
Genet KebedeFounder and Creative DirectorParadise FashionFashion & Textile199232 Years
Menna Selamu BekeleCo-FounderFLIPPER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLEducation199925 Years
Meaza BirruCo-Founder & General ManagerSheger FMMedia200024 Years
Akiko SeyoumFounder and CEOOrchid Business GroupTech200024 Years
Anna GetanehFounder, Managing Director & Creative DirectorAfrian MosaiqueFashion & Textile200025 Years
Dr. Emebet GezahegnFounderDr. Emebet Dental ClinicHealthcare200026 Years
Tilksew GedamuOwnerIRONLADY International Investment GroupHospitality200027 Years
Dr. Selam AkliluFounder1st Chiropractic ClinicHealthcare200123 Years
Gizeshwork TessemaFounder and CEOGIZE PLCTrade200222 Years
Amakelech LuluGeneral ManagerGishen PharmacyHealthcare200420 Years
Rahel ShawlFounder & PrincipalRAAS ArchitectsBusiness/Industry200420 Years
Amelework GideyFounder & Managing DirectorTechnostyleBusiness/Industry200420 Years
Sara MohammedFounder and CEONext Fashion Design CollegeFashion & Textile200420 Years
Emebet WoldeherOwner & General ManagerBora Amusement ParkHospitality200519 Years
Biruktawit TigabuFounder & General ManagerWhiz Kids WorkshopsMedia200519 Years
Tsedey AsratCEOKaldis CoffeeHospitality200519 Years
Bilen AynuGeneral ManagerSavour AddisHospitality200618 Years
Salem KassahunOwner & General ManagerSalem’s EthiopiaFashion & Textile200717 Years
Lydia AddisOwner & General ManagerLe Chateau Import & Export PLCTrade200717 Years
Hilina BeleteCEOHilina enriched foodsBusiness/Industry200816 Years
Yoadan TilahunFounder and CEOFlawless EventsHospitality200816 Years
Wudassie EnquberhanDeputy General ManagerWudassie and Family Business PLCTrade200915 Years
Rahel Boon-DejeneFounder and CEOR&D GroupTrade201014 Years
Samrawit FikruCo-Founder and CEOHybrid DesignsTech201113 Years
Mahlet AfeworkFounder and CEOMafi MafiFashion & Textile201113 Years
Bethlehem BerhaneFounderEntoto beth artisanTrade201212 Years
Samrawit MersiehazenFounder And CEOSamra Leather BagsFashion & Textile201212 Years
Tihitina LegesseManaging DirectorWaryt FurnitureTrade201311 Years

Notable leaders in institutions and corporations

NameCurrent PositionInstitutionNotable PositionsSectorDuration
Sahle-Work ZewdePresident/Head of StateOffice of the PresidentPermanent Representative to IGADPublic Administration6 years
Zinash TayachewFirst LadyOffice of the First LadyFirst LadyPublic Administration6 years
Chaltu SaniMinisterMinistry of Urban development and InfrastructureInfrastructure3 years
Mekdes DabaMinisterMinistry of HealthWorld Health Organization Team LeadHealth1 month
Aynalem NegussieMinisterMinistry of Revenues
Muferihat Kamil AhmedMinisterMinistry of Labour and Skills DevelopmentMinister of PeaceLabor3 years
Aisha Mohammed MusaMinisterMinistry of Irrigation and Lowland Areas DevelopmentMinister of Construction and Urban DevelopmentInfrastructure3 years
Fitsum Assefa Adela (Dr.)MinisterMinistry of Planning and DevelopmentBoard member of Commercial Bank of EthiopiaDevelopment6 years
Nassise ChaliMinisterMinistry of TourismAmbassador of Ethiopia to CanadaTourism3 years
Ergoge TesfayeMinisterMinistry of Women, Children and YouthMinister of Labour and Skills DevelopmentSocial3 years
Adanech AbebeMayor of Addis AbabaMayor's Office of Addis AbabaFederal Attorney GeneralPublic Administration3 years

Rising Business Leaders

NameYear of EstablishmentStartup NamePositionSector
Betelhem Dessie2013iCog- Anyone Can CodeCEOTechnology
Bethelhem Dejene2017Zafree PapersFounder & CEOBusiness/Industry
Feven Tsehaye2020Chakka originsFounder & CEOHealthcare
Kalkidan Mulugeta2017ClearSkies ICT ConsultancyCo Founder & General ManagerTechnology
Kidist Tesfaye2021Yene HealthCEOHealthcare
MICKAL MAMO2019Adey PadsFounder & CEOHealthcare
Nebiyat Demeke2017Rohobot Nursing ServiceFounder & General ManagerHealthcare
Rekik Bekele2016Green Scene energy plcFounder & CEOTechnology
Ruth Yohannes2019The Talent FirmFounder & General ManagerBusiness/Industry
Samrawit Tarekegn2020MogzitFounder & CEOHospitality
Sara Yirga2012Cherish Addis Coffee & Books and YA CoffeeFounder & General ManagerBusiness/Industry
Selamawit Alemu2020Fidel TutorialFounder & CEOEducation
SEMHAL GUESH2017KABANA LEATHER.Founder & CEOFashion & Textile
Yididia Damtew2018Aklil companyFounder & CEOFashion & Textile

Disclaimer: While Ethiopia is home to countless remarkable women, this selection represents only those who have recently captured our attention.

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