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Addis Ababa

Fendika Cultural Center

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Why it matters: dancer Melaku Belay turned this legendary azmari bet into a cultural institution that pays traditional musicians and dancers monthly salaries instead of leaving them to dance for tips – a first when he took over in 2008. After its Kazanchis compound of three decades was demolished in October 2024 for redevelopment, Fendika kept the music going at the Hyatt Regency while the new Grand Fendika center takes shape. Expect jaw-dropping eskista shoulder dancing, azmari improvisation and the Ethiocolor band, with tej (honey wine) and Ethiopian home cooking on the side. Check Fendika’s social channels for the current performance schedule before heading out.

Salem’s Ethiopia

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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.

Sabahar

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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.

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