Poverty still exists in Ethiopia, but forget the Live Aid images of dust, flies and famine – Ethiopia is rising from the ashes FAST.

And it is thanks to a growing economy and investment rather than huge handouts.

Supermodel Liya Kebede, 34, who has graced the cover of US Vogue several times, is among the prolific entrepreneurs emerging from the country.

Her online fashion range, Lemlem, is made in Addis Abba and its $260 dresses and $160 scarves quickly sell out.

Another businesswoman is Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, who owns footwear firm soleRebels.

She is suspicious of the long-term effects of the vast aid promised by David Cameron.

Mum-of-three Bethlehem, 32, explains: “In Ethiopia we have become used to taking money from the West, to always getting help.

“That does not make for a sustainable economy. We need to solve our own problems.

“I grew up in a small village watching charities bringing in aid but it didn’t change anyone’s life.

“The future for Ethiopia is in the jobs we are creating, not your aid.”

She set up soleRebels seven years ago. She now employs 100 full-time staff making 800 pairs of shoes a day, sold online.

Her success is challenging preconceptions about the best way to lift Ethiopia out of poverty.

Minister of Industry Mekonnen Manyazewal told The Sun: “We have been very grateful for what we’ve been given and have invested it wisely. But ultimately, trade and investment is our exit strategy from aid. We are open to all investment, particularly from the UK.

“But China is more aggressive in taking opportunities. And now we have interest from the USA.”

Ethiopia, synonymous with famine since Bob Geldof’s Live Aid in 1984, is no longer a place to pity — it is a place to make money.

Of the ten fastest-growing economies in the world, seven are African and Ethiopia is one of them.

Even Prince Harry’s favourite polo gloves are made here from Ethiopian leather by UK-based firm Pittards. A tannery in Nazret employs 700 while 450 more jobs have been created in a glove factory in Addis Ababa.

Pittards boss Reg Hankey says: “We now see ourselves as an Ethiopian company with British people involved. Ethiopia is still fragile but it’s growing.”

Read the complete story from The Sun