Ethiopia: BBC Reports Ethiopia Has One of World's Fastest Growth Rates

BY ZERYHUN KASSA, 20 MAY 2013 Once known for its famines and dependency on foreign aid, Ethiopia now has one of the world's fastest growth rates. This is a report by the BBC in connection to the 50th African Union Anniversary gathering pace to be celebrated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The report says some of that growth is coming from small businesses - and George Alagiah has been to a shoe factory with a difference in Addis Ababa. Following is the full text of the story George produces from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. "Now if you ever wonder what happens to all those old tyres, well here is one useful. We are at the home of SoleRebels. The pan is entirely intended because what they make here is a rather special kind of shoe, the other part of the process is the use home-made span cotton fabric, this is the beginning with this ladies here spinning. It is an ancient skill they using it in a modern way. The thing about private companies like this is they are breathing in new life into Ethiopia's once faltering economy," George speaks in his story. He goes on to say, "Nine years ago when the company began there were only 5 workers here. Today that number is 120. Much of that success is down to one woman her name is Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu,. She is here with us and she is also on Forbes's list of one hundred most powerful women in the world." He congratulates the founder and owner Bethlehem and asks her what she is proudest of? "We are proud that we are creating job opportunity here. We are paying 5 times more than the other companies are paying here locally in Ethiopia. We are doing that by empowering our own people and by giving them a chance to come and work here." Well your shoe can be bought all around the world? He adds another question: "People can buy our product everywhere because we are a global brand now. People can buy it online. In different major cities we do have flagship stores including in Taiwan, Japan, Sweden and Austria. We are about to open in London also," she explains. At last in his report George says: "Here we have a finished product a rather funky shoe I just can to see myself reading the news wearing one of these shoes. The importance of such businesses is that it helps the people who live in poverty by about a third. For a country like Ethiopia that is a win-win." Ethiopia Sudanese Refugees Relocated to Camp in Ethiopia The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has relocated over 1,480 Sudanese refugees from the border to Sherkole camp in … see more »