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Public Impact Record

What outcomes can be attributed to Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu?

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

Ethiopian entrepreneur who founded the footwear company soleRebels and several other consumer and finance ventures.

Self-reportedOutcomes at a glance

4 documented outcomes: 3 self-reported, 1 pledged.

soleRebels artisan footwear manufacturing, Addis Ababa

Self-reported

Grew from five workers at founding to 'hundreds of workers' by 2012; revenue over US$2 million (as cited from The Observer)

Role
Founder and Executive Director
Reported by
Knowledge at Wharton interview (December 2012)

Sources 1

soleRebels wages

Self-reported

Wages stated as over 233% above industry standard and four to five times the legal minimum wage

Role
Founder and Executive Director
Reported by
Knowledge at Wharton (company-stated figures)

Sources 1

soleRebels employment and sales

Self-reported

About 300 employees in Ethiopia; 125,000 pairs of shoes sold and 1,200 jobs created by 2016; distribution to 30 countries

Role
Founder and Executive Director
Reported by
Global Business Hall of Fame laureate profile (2022)

Sources 2

soleRebels growth targets (2012)

Pledged

Targets: over 600 global jobs by 2015 and US$25-40 million annual revenue by 2018; achievement not confirmed in sources reviewed

Role
Founder and Executive Director
Reported by
Knowledge at Wharton

Sources 1

Reports and evaluations

  1. SecondaryIn Ethiopia, Trading Poverty for Prosperity Provides Global Success for soleRebelsKnowledge at Wharton (University of Pennsylvania) · 11 Dec 2012
  2. Secondary2022 Laureate: Bethlehem Tilahun AlemuGlobal Business Hall of Fame · 2022

Revisions

26 Oct 2026 Published after review.

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