In 2024, Melat Terefe, Founder and Creative Director of DolMel, was selected as a fellow of the prestigious AGYLE (African German Young Leaders in Business) programme, an initiative by Germany, Land of Ideas, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and supported by the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE).

The 2024 program focused on the theme of Circular Economy, exploring how young leaders can drive sustainable and regenerative business models across industries. For DolMel, this theme resonated deeply; at the heart of the brand lies a commitment to circular fashion, integrating traditional Ethiopian hand-weaving with modern digital printing to reduce waste and extend product life cycles.

Through live sessions, company visits, and intercultural workshops, Melat joined a network of innovative minds from Africa and Germany, collaborating on ideas to build more resilient, sustainable economies. Her participation in AGYLE further strengthens DolMel’s mission to preserve heritage while pioneering eco-conscious fashion solutions.