Brands like Zaaf are part of a new breed of African business that seeks to adapt traditional styles for an international market. "People are shocked that these products are made in Ethiopia," says founder Abai Schulze. "We are challenging stereotypes about Africa."
Brands like Zaaf are part of a new breed of African business that seeks to adapt traditional styles for an international market. "People are shocked that these products are made in Ethiopia," says founder Abai Schulze. "We are challenging stereotypes about Africa."
Zaaf
A member of the Zaaf workshop prepares the lining for a bag. To be able to deliver large orders, Schulze outsources to independent artisans.
A member of the Zaaf workshop prepares the lining for a bag. To be able to deliver large orders, Schulze outsources to independent artisans.
Eliza Anyangwe
Weavers producing fabrics for Zaaf's bags. Schulze explains that as the brand grew so did local demand or her bags which she had initially marketed internationally. This prompted her to open a boutique in Addis Ababa.
Weavers producing fabrics for Zaaf's bags. Schulze explains that as the brand grew so did local demand or her bags which she had initially marketed internationally. This prompted her to open a boutique in Addis Ababa.
Eliza Anyangwe
From a recently-opened shopping mall, Snap Plaza, Little Gabies sells accessories for new mums and babies.
From a recently-opened shopping mall, Snap Plaza, Little Gabies sells accessories for new mums and babies.
Eliza Anyangwe
A pair of baby shoes made from leather on sale at Little Gabies. The boutique caters for children aged 0-2.
A pair of baby shoes made from leather on sale at Little Gabies. The boutique caters for children aged 0-2.
Eliza Anyangwe
A trader in Shiro Meda, Addis's large market for traditional clothes and souvenirs, poses with her wares. Always go ready to haggle hard.
A trader in Shiro Meda, Addis's large market for traditional clothes and souvenirs, poses with her wares. Always go ready to haggle hard.
Eliza Anyangwe
Abeba Nerayo (in red) with her co-founders of Anbar marketplace. The event which started in 2014 now gathers 80 vendors two to four times a year.
Abeba Nerayo (in red) with her co-founders of Anbar marketplace. The event which started in 2014 now gathers 80 vendors two to four times a year.
Eliza Anyangwe
BHoney founders Selome Gedle Wasse and Gideon Abate. They keep their own bees then infuse the honey with natural ingredients such as ginger and orange.
BHoney founders Selome Gedle Wasse and Gideon Abate. They keep their own bees then infuse the honey with natural ingredients such as ginger and orange.
Eliza Anyangwe
Hamere Eleni Demissie is the founder of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/actuelinteriors/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Actuel Urban Living</a> which makes contemporary furniture in Ethiopia.
Hamere Eleni Demissie is the founder of Actuel Urban Living which makes contemporary furniture in Ethiopia.
Eliza Anyangwe
Retail experiences such as Anbar are finding a ready consumer base in the expat community and among returning members of the diaspora who make up a fair of Ethiopia's middle class.
Retail experiences such as Anbar are finding a ready consumer base in the expat community and among returning members of the diaspora who make up a fair of Ethiopia's middle class.
Eliza Anyangwe