Many young entrepreneurs in Ethiopia enter the jewellery-making industry with modest capital and minimal formal training, relying on digital platforms for sales. Online commerce, especially through TikTok, has rapidly overtaken traditional in-person jewellery sales. Rising input costs and supply chain shortages pose major challenges for local artisans, while policy support remains limited.
In Ethiopia's jewellery trade, a new breed of makers is emerging. Addishiwet Ermiyas, 28, started with 12,000 birr and an unconventional flair. Her medium is epoxy resin, glitter, and paint, requiring little beyond basic craft skills.
Online sales, particularly via TikTok, have quickly surpassed traditional in-person jewellery transactions. This shift presents significant changes for local artisans. Rising input costs and supply chain shortages remain primary hurdles, with limited policy backing.
Jewellery imports, chiefly from China and the UAE, have grown rapidly, fueling a market worth 82.9 million dollars in 2023. This influx threatens the viability of traditional jewellery work, as local supply chains falter. The future of Ethiopia's handmade craftsmanship hangs in the balance amid these imported pressures.