DolMel is proud to be a beneficiary of the WIDU Africa Programme, an initiative implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Through its innovative approach, combining funding and tailored coaching, WIDU empowers small businesses across Africa in collaboration with the African diaspora in Europe.
The program played a vital role in strengthening DolMel’s operations…
DolMel is thrilled to be selected among the Top 10 fashion brands for the UltraFashion – Show Your Talent in Italy! Program, an exclusive initiative designed to empower Ethiopian fashion designers through world-class training, mentorship, and international exposure.
The program includes entrepreneurship training in Addis Ababa, one-on-one mentorship, and a two-week immersion experience in Milan…
DolMel was proudly selected as a featured fashion brand under the Sustainable Industrial Clusters (SIC) program, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German and UK governments. The SIC initiative promotes job creation and sustainable growth within Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector, particularly in the textile, garment, and leather industries, by strengthening industrial park operations, improving worker welfare, and enhancing business linkages.
As part of a designer competition for Ethiopian SMEs…
DolMel is honored to be part of the እሷ! (Isua) Network, a powerful initiative launched by Renew Capital, an early-stage investment firm focused on scaling tech and tech-enabled startups across Africa. Through funding, strategic support, and ecosystem development, Renew Capital partners with visionary founders to drive sustainable growth.
The እሷ! Network, launched in Addis Ababa in March 2024, is a peer-to-peer platform designed to empower women-owned and -led micro …
In 2024, DolMel was proudly selected as part of the 2nd cohort of Creative DNA Ethiopia, a prestigious program under the SSA Arts Creative Economy Programme. This initiative promotes innovative and alternative approaches to the global fashion system, while spotlighting fashion as a viable career path and key contributor to the creative economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Creative DNA Ethiopia supports fashion entrepreneurs through a unique blend of research & insight, policy and advocacy, and business support,…
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,…
DolMel was honored to participate in the second edition of Creative Economy Week (CEW) in Zimbabwe, a dynamic, week-long gathering that brought together creatives, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across Africa.
Under the 2025 theme “Growth Reimagined”, the event spotlighted the power of creative industries in building inclusive and sustainable economies….
In December 2024, DolMel proudly took part in the Africa Industrialization Week (AIW) and the African Women in Processing Summit (AWIP), organized by the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Held under the powerful theme “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Green Industrialization, and Intellectual Property for Africa’s Transformation,” the event served as a continental platform for innovation, sustainability, and industrial growth…
In 2024, DolMel was honored to participate in two of Africa’s most influential fashion and trade platforms: the East Africa Textile and Leather Trade Show in Nairobi, Kenya (May 2024) and Africa Sourcing & Fashion Week (ASFW) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (November 2024).
At both events, DolMel not only showcased its signature fusion of Ethiopian handwoven textiles and modern digital prints but also took part in …
Presented in January 2025 | Supported by British Council
HAFW is a dynamic platform celebrating bold African design, creativity, and innovation. As part of the showcase curated in collaboration with Creative DNA Ethiopia and supported by the British Council, the event spotlighted a new wave of visionary designers reimagining the future of African fashion.
DolMel took to the HAFW runway with a timeless yet modern collection,…