This interview was for the national broadcaster here in Ethiopia. It was on Friday this week (October 7) and was broadcast live.
On ARHIBU people get to phone in from all over the country and ask questions of the person being interviewed. It was a great opportunity to share what soleRebels have been up to and hear back what people here think about all of it.
There were quite a few calls from aspiring entrepreneurs who wanted some guidance on moving a business forward, which I was very pleased to give!!
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – TED, the ideas worth spreading group, and iconic global conservation group the World Wildlife Fund [WWF] have teamed up to create a special TEDx/WWF and they have invited soleRebels founder and 2011 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu to address the conference as keynote speaker.
"I am a HUGE fan of TED and the WWF so to be able to participate in their very first joint event as a speaker is really a thrill of a lifetime. And on top of that, to be asked to share my personal experiences, well that’s a dream come true." stated Bethlehem.
The TEDxWWF conference will comprise forward-thinking speakers who will share their endeavors and insights (scientific, adventurous, artistic or otherwise) that are challenging and changing the way we think, live, and work to meet the challenges of living on our one planet.
TEDxWWF aims to deliver an unforgettable day, where people come together to discuss a range of issues, the broad theme being the environment and ways in which people might better live in harmony with nature. The programme aims to be though-provoking, moving, creative, emotional and essentially positive and uplifting - in the spirit of 'ideas worth spreading'.
The theme of TEDxWWF is 'One Planet Living' and it will examine the idea of creating and embracing a truly sustainable future. The aim is to go beyond the idea of sustainability as an aspiration by channeling the experiences of inspiring individuals like Bethlehem who will share their endeavours and insights.
"Bethlehem spoke at our 50th anniversary celebrations back in May of this year. She created such a stir with her insightful thoughts, passionate delivery and fresh ideas that literally everyone at WWF wanted to find the absolute next possible chance to bring her back. We are excited that she has agreed to appear in this special TEDxWWF event", stated WWF Director General James P. Leape.
The symposium will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2011 in Geneva’s famed Palladium.
soleRebels' founder Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu recently spoke at the World Bank /IMF Annual Meeting on a panel titled Africa Needs Growth That Delivers Jobs.
I just spoke at the World Bank /IMF Annual Meeting on a panel titled Africa Needs Growth That Delivers Jobs Watch the entire session in the video below.
soleRebels founder to speak on African growth and youth economic opportunity
Washington DC / Addis Ababa, Sept 3, 2011
soleRebels founder and 2011 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu has been invited to address the World Bank and IMF’s upcoming Annual meeting held September 23rd-25th in Washington DC.
On September 24 Bethlehem will address a panel titled Africa Needs Growth That Delivers Jobs that will look at sustainable ways to create jobs , especially for Africa’s growing youth populations.
World Bank Vice President Obiageli Ezekwesili believed that bethlehem’s proven track as a successful global entrepreneur gave her a very unique position to address the bodies on the issue of African growth and job creation. “This is one of the key panels at this annual meeting and we wanted a very dynamic young African entrepreneur who HAS created jobs herself to give a real time business perspective. Bethlehem was top of our list! Her participation will inform the critical debate on inclusive growth in Africa and provide key insights for policy makers, development partners and other participants. We are very excited to have her participating.”
Bethlehem will present her views on youth job creation, with a specific focus on how her experiences in creating over 75 full time and 120 part time jobs while simultaneously building Africa’s fastest growing global footwear brand can inform other strategies for youth job growth across Africa.
“I am honored that the Vice President has thought to include me in these critical discussions that will impact on African growth, in particular job opportunities for the youth. As a young entrepreneur myself whose FOUNDING aim was to create a world class brand AND great community based jobs, I am very excited to be able to share my experiences in hopes of catalyzing greater youth employment opportunities around the continent., ” stated Bethlehem.
The 2011 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings kick off in September. The shareholders of the two institutions and other attendees will participate in a full slate of pre-meeting seminars, and briefings focused on the global outlook and economic recovery.
The Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) each year bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, private sector executives, and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness.
soleRebels' founder, Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, has just been named by Forbes Magazine as one of the 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa.
Here's what they had to say:
Ethiopian-born entrepreneur was recently named the ‘African Businesswoman of the Year’ by African Business Magazine, a leading pan African business magazine. She is the founder of Sole Rebels, a brand of eco-friendly shoes and sandals made in Ethiopia. She was also named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum earlier this year.
This interview was for the national broadcaster here in Ethiopia. It was on Friday this week (October 7) and was broadcast live.
soleRebels' founder, Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, was 
