LULA Business development

Lula Design 

Unique handbags from Ethiopia 

International Women's Day (IWD) on 8 March 2023 recognises the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. WIDU is showcasing these achievements as part of #IWD2023. This success story is about Azeb Temesgen and her sewing shop Lula in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

She worked for different organisations for more than 20 years. Then she decided to start her own business. Her passion is sewing and making different garments from fabric scraps and from new garments. She makes bags, zip pouches, pencil cases, shopping bags and other products. The 49-year-old entrepreneur successfully applied for the WIDU grant and was able to buy various machines, such as an overlock machine and a SGemsey vibrator sewing machine. She was also able to fund the salary for a new employee and other equipment. 

Azeb presents her products
Azeb sews a new bag
A selection of Azebs bags presented in front of Azebs house
Customer has a look at Azebs bags
Azeb in front of her sewing machine
2 Jobs

WIDU is always free of charge

We do not ever ask diaspora donors or African entrepreneurs, nor their relatives or friends, to pay for our services. WIDU funding and coaching is and will always be provided for free.
Do not under any circumstances agree to give a share of your WIDU grant to a broker or a middle-man. These brokers/middle-men are breaking the law and will be sued by us.