SoleRebels, Ethiopia won 50,000 US dollars as one of the finalists at the Africa Award for Entrepreneurship. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Founder and Managing Director of soleRebels accepted the award on behalf of the company at the event held in Nairobi.
“I am elated by this award. It is recognition that soleRebels is at the forefront of a new business paradigm on the continent, one where African driven businesses and brands are elevating Africa’s global competitiveness by winning in the global marketplace” said Bethlehem.
The $100,000 Grand Prize was awarded to SECURICO, from Zimbabwe. The company provides security guard services and electronic solutions. It is the first International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certified Security Company in Zimbabwe.The ten finalists represented entrepreneurs from eight countries, including Ethiopia, active in a range of sectors. SoleRebels and two other of the top ten countries are woman owned businesses.
This years Award saw more than 3000 companies from 48 countries in Africa said Hamish Banks, Head of Corporate Communications for Legatum. The competition was the most vigorous to date and involved vetting at various stages he added.
Legatum, the company who organizes the award, is committed to entrepreneurship as an important element in social equity said Philip Vassiliou, Managing Director of Legatum.
The company recognizes all the finalists for this year’s award for the role they have played in supporting economic development in the African continent he added.
Source: 2011 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Press Release/soleRebels Press Release
