Addis Ababa

Why it matters: for over 20 years Sabahar has run as a woman-owned, World Fair Trade Organization-certified textile company, providing reliable employment and equitable pay to hundreds of Ethiopian spinners and weavers. At the Mekanisa workshop about 100 artisans handle the whole process on site – silk production, dyeing, spinning and weaving – and free guided tours run Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am. The bright showroom a minute’s walk away sells handwoven scarves, towels and throws in natural fibers, plus baskets and books from other local social enterprises. Come on a tour day and shop afterwards – local and international cards accepted.

Why it matters: designer Salem Kassahun’s woman-owned fair-trade compound creates jobs for Ethiopian artisan women and men, commits to fair returns for its employees and co-op partners, and sends senior craftspeople to train village artisans around Ethiopia – then buys their goods for the shop. It has grown from a few necklaces sold to friends into the city’s go-to destination for quality handmade jewelry, baskets and textiles. Watch weavers, jewelers and basket makers at work on site, then browse for hand-spun cotton scarves, tribal beaded jewelry and regional crosses. A calm, welcoming compound in Bole – far easier browsing than the market scrum.