Ethiopia is strategically positioning itself to significantly grow its leather industry, focusing on enhancing value addition and boosting competitiveness within Africa and globally, according to insights from recent high-level discussions held in the capital.
This national ambition aligns closely with initiatives like 'Ethiopia Tamrit' (Made in Ethiopia), aimed at strengthening local manufacturing capabilities. The government's commitment was emphasized this week by Yasmin Wohabrebbi, State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration. Speaking at a gathering organized by the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), she highlighted strategic investments in industrial parks catering to manufacturers and the crucial role of Ethiopian Airlines' vast network in providing the seamless logistics vital for the sector's export potential.
Ethiopia's push is synergistic with broader regional goals, particularly the newly launched COMESA Leather Value Chain Strategy. As an active participant and host of related dialogues, Ethiopia stands to benefit significantly from planned improvements in regional trade policies, harmonized quality standards, and streamlined customs procedures—factors identified by experts at the ALLPI meeting as crucial for unlocking growth.
Industry analysts and experts involved in the recent Addis Ababa discussions point to significant untapped potential within Ethiopia's leather resources. The clear direction is a shift away from primarily exporting raw materials towards producing finished leather goods like footwear, bags, and garments. This move up the value chain is considered key to capturing greater market share, boosting the competitiveness of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and creating much-needed employment, especially for women and youth.
Achieving these ambitious goals requires ongoing collaboration. The importance of leveraging diplomatic channels to attract investment, facilitate trade missions, and foster business-to-business connections for Ethiopian companies was a key takeaway from the ALLPI event attended by COMESA embassy representatives, according to FBC.
Through dedicated national strategies like 'Ethiopia Tamrit' and active engagement in regional frameworks, Ethiopia is visibly working to carve out a larger, more valuable space for itself in the international leather market.