Abri Business Group: Diversified Growth and Leadership Under Women’s Vision
By Admin
Abri Business Group is a diversified Ethiopian enterprise operating across electric mobility, construction and agricultural machinery importation, real estate development, cooperative finance, healthcare support, transport services, trade, tourism, entertainment (through Afro), technology, and agricultural investments. Under the leadership of Abrehet Ayele, CEO of Abri Business Group, the company has evolved over more than two decades into a multi-sector platform aligned with Ethiopia’s industrialization, green transition, and postwar reconstruction priorities.
Abrehet’s journey is defined by resilience. From early trading to leading a conglomerate, she has navigated market volatility and post-conflict recovery. Her leadership reflects strategic foresight and an ambition to become a “Queen of African Business.” A self-described “results-first” leader, she is known for her strict punctuality and high-velocity execution; she delegates tasks with the expectation of immediate, high-quality turnaround to maintain the group’s competitive edge.
Core Business Pillars
Abri Business Group maintains active operations in:
Import trade across machinery, vehicles, and industrial goods
Export of GameStone and other natural resource products
Construction and infrastructure development
Finance and cooperative-based capital mobilization
Transport and logistics services
Agricultural exports, including meat and maize
Importation and distribution of construction and agricultural machinery
Tourism, entertainment (through Afro), and technology
Agricultural investment, including bee (honey) production and irrigation projects.
The group’s agricultural investments included a bee (honey) production initiative in Tigray, designed to develop local industry and employment. Unfortunately, the honey project was looted and destroyed during the two-year conflict, representing both a material and emotional loss for the enterprise. Abri Business Group also developed irrigation activities in the Valley of Rays, supporting sustainable agriculture and local livelihoods.
This diversification strengthens the group’s resilience while allowing it to operate across interconnected economic sectors, contributing to Ethiopia’s productive and industrial development.
Abri Motors: Electric Mobility and Industrial Machinery
Formerly operating as ABL Trading Plc, Abri Motors now serves as the group’s automotive and machinery arm. The company focuses on importing electric vehicles in line with Ethiopia’s government regulations that prioritize EV adoption over fuel-powered cars.
In addition, Abri Motors participates in the importation and distribution of construction and agricultural machinery, operating as one of the authorized agents of China’s Hunan Zoomlion International Trade Co., Ltd. under structured financing arrangements. This enables contractors and farmers to access mechanized equipment critical for infrastructure and agricultural development.
Abri Motors maintains offices in Djibouti and branches in Addis Ababa and Mekelle. Alongside its electric mobility operations, the company continues community-focused support initiatives as part of its long-term engagement with society.
The company has also conducted electric vehicle handover events, including its third EV handover ceremony in Mekelle, delivering 13 vehicles to customers, demonstrating its practical contribution to expanding Ethiopia’s EV sector.
Real Estate and Urban Renewal: Global Properties
Global Properties, a sister company under Abri Business Group, has announced plans for a modern apartment development project in Mekelle. The project contributes to private-sector-led efforts supporting postwar reconstruction and urban renewal.
Featuring contemporary architectural design, high-quality construction materials, and a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments, the development targets both local residents and diaspora investors seeking long-term property investment. Guided by the slogan “Building Community, Beyond Housing,” the project emphasizes community-oriented urban living while addressing growing demand for flexible urban spaces.
Cooperative Finance: Horizon SACCO
Through its engagement in cooperative finance, Horizon SACCO has emerged within Ethiopia’s savings and credit sector, promoting financial inclusion and community capital mobilization. The SACCO extends structured credit access to small-scale entrepreneurs and households, reinforcing the group’s philosophy of inclusive growth and grassroots empowerment.
Healthcare Development: Ado Clinic
Abrehet Ayele has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of Ado Clinic, providing strategic advisory support and financial backing for her husband, Dr. Samson Mukugeta. Her involvement strengthened the hospital’s institutional base and operational capacity, improving healthcare access and contributing to sustainable service delivery.
Philanthropy and Social Commitment
Beyond its commercial achievements, Abri Business Group underscores its philanthropic engagement. The company has provided financial support to women veterans, families of martyrs, and young entrepreneurs, particularly during periods of emergency or crisis.
These initiatives reflect the group’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, social resilience, and national development, combining enterprise expansion with practical community support.
Integrated Growth and Strategic Vision
Abri Business Group represents a model of women-led corporate leadership, combining strategic business expansion with social responsibility. Its diversified operations across trade, electric mobility, industrial machinery, construction, real estate, finance, healthcare, tourism, entertainment, technology, and agriculture exemplify a holistic approach to enterprise growth.
Under Abrehet Ayele, the group continues to align commercial success with Ethiopia’s broader development priorities while fostering social impact, positioning the CEO and her company as a strong contender for continental recognition in African business leadership.
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