Ethiopia’s Modjo Leather Manufacturing Hub aims to boost exports
The renovated laboratory serves tanneries and footwear and leather goods manufacturers.
UNIDO’s Aurelia Patricia Calabro…Strengthening every step of the leather value chain.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (12 April 2025) – The Modjo state-of-the art leather manufacturing facility and a renovated satellite laboratory are intended to spearhead Ethiopia's leather industry and foster sustainable employment opportunities.
The project is a collaborative initiative, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), with technical support by the Ministry of Industry.
The project is expected to significantly enhance the production capabilities of local enterprises, improve the quality standards of leather goods, and facilitate greater access to both domestic and international markets.
Director of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Division at UNIDO, Aurelia Patricia Calabro, lauded the collaborative spirit underpinning the achievement.
"The unveiling of facilities was a celebration of partnership, vision, and a renewed commitment," she said. "This achievement has been made possible through funding by the European Union and the joint cooperation of UNIDO and the government of Ethiopia.
“This initiative therefore focuses not only just on production, but on strengthening every step of the chain.
"In the years ahead, we envision it is a beacon where many more young men and women will receive skills training.
"We have established and equipped a regional satellite laboratory supporting quality insurance and product competitiveness."
This initiative underscored a commitment to realising Ethiopia's aspiration for industrialisation and fostering sustainable economic development within the Modjo region, a key centre for the nation's leather processing sector.
State Minister of Industry Tarekegn Bululta underscored the long-term objectives of the 5-year initiative.
"We consider this as a national model project to demonstrate by value addition to the leather sector, it is possible to produce shoes for both domestic and international markets," he stated.
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