Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
A Woman of Vision and Resolve: Abrehet Ayele’s Path to Becoming an Elite Business Leader
Written by Chekole Alemu
Abrehet Ayele’s rise from Mekelle to the frontlines of Ethiopia’s modern business landscape reflects both resilience and ambition. Born and raised in the capital of Tigray, her journey embodies a generation of women determined to transform their communities despite war, economic instability, and limited opportunities. Today, she stands among Ethiopia’s most successful businesswomen, an entrepreneur whose influence stretches from the local economy of Mekelle to regional markets in Addis Ababa and emerging global networks.
Abrehet’s business career began modestly, but her drive to excel quickly set her apart. Over the years, she built a diverse professional portfolio spanning healthcare, telecommunications, import–export, automotive supply, and event management. Her leadership within Abri Motors, a sister company under a broader business group, solidified her reputation. Under her oversight, the company expanded services in vehicle sales, electric mobility solutions, and automotive maintenance across Mekelle and Addis Ababa. The brand is now known for reliability, skilled service delivery, and its growing role in bringing new automotive technologies to northern Ethiopia.
One of her most notable achievements is the launch of an electric vehicle assembly plant in Mekelle, backed by more than 100 million birr in capital investment. The factory’s capacity to assemble and supply electric automobiles and buses marks a strategic shift toward future-oriented transport solutions at a time when fuel shortages have pushed many urban areas, particularly Tigray, toward electric alternatives.
The growth of electric Car transport has not only eased mobility pressures but also created new job opportunities for young people. Abrehet’s initiatives support this shift through training, maintenance services, and access to spare parts, helping hundreds of young mechanics and drivers build sustainable livelihoods.
Her business ethos extends beyond profit. Throughout her career, Abrehet has emphasized empowerment, especially for youth and women in conflict-affected communities. She has been instrumental in creating job pathways in Mekelle and surrounding areas, pairing economic recovery with long-term skills development. Colleagues describe her as disciplined and methodical, qualities she honed during more than 16 years of experience in healthcare operations, supply management, and organizational leadership.
In recent years, Abrehet has expanded her mission through AfroHub Ethiopia Events, a platform dedicated to promoting Ethiopia’s cultural, creative, and economic identity on the global stage. AfroHub works to reconnect Ethiopia with influential global creators, innovators, and investors. It organizes premium conferences, concerts, beauty pageants, and cultural exhibitions, including the Africa TikTok Awards. The initiative reflects her belief that Ethiopia’s creative economy, long overshadowed by political crises, can once again become a driver of soft power and global engagement.
Her appointment of young TikTok creator Adonay as an ambassador underscores her commitment to mentoring and elevating emerging talent. By integrating the digital generation into national branding efforts, she aims to position young Ethiopians as agents of change rather than passive observers.
Across all her ventures, one theme is constant: Abrehet Ayele is driven by a clear vision of linking Ethiopia to the world. She advocates for an economic revival rooted in creativity, innovation, and global partnership. Her entrepreneurial success, combined with her commitment to social impact, has made her a symbol of elite business leadership in Tigray and Ethiopia at large.
In a phone interview with Horn News Hub, Abrehet said she holds a broad vision to promote Ethiopia’s historic and rich cultural heritage and to showcase the country’s growing tourism potential to the rest of the world. She highlighted her strong desire to contribute to national projects championed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, including efforts to build a flourishing tourism industry that reflects Ethiopia’s beauty, diversity, and enduring cultural legacy.
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