Ethiopian Leather Industries Association
The national association of Ethiopia’s tanneries, shoe manufacturers and leather goods makers. 194 companies, one voice, since 1994.
194 member companies, one association since 1994
The sectoral association of Ethiopia’s leather manufacturers: tanneries, footwear manufacturers, and leather goods and garment producers, covering the whole value chain from hide processing to finished products.
ELIA represents the industry before the government, connects members with buyers and partners, and helps them improve quality, meet international standards and grow exports. It owns and organizes the All Africa Leather Fair and manages the Ethiopian Highland Leather national brand.
The membership, by sector · one stitch for each company
The membership at a glanceTo be the leading association driving the Ethiopian leather industry to become a key global player, representing members who produce and export first-choice leather and leather products.
To build an enabling business environment for the sustainable development of the Ethiopian leather sector, through advocacy, trade facilitation and technology transfer services for our members.
We speak for the industry in policy, open markets through the All Africa Leather Fair and buyer linkages, and bring members training, technology and cleaner production.
ELIA Ethiopian Highland Leather N° 01
Hair sheep grazing free on the highland pastures grow a skin like no other: thinner, lighter and softer, yet remarkably strong.
Fig. 01 Highland sheep on a grassy ridge, with the mountains of the Ethiopian highlands behind
12–15 November 2026, Addis International Convention Center. Africa’s leather trade show, organized by ELIA since 2008: tanners, manufacturers, buyers, investors and suppliers from Africa and beyond.
With the Ethiopian Leather Development S.C.: the Highland Leather project, the AfCFTA, the Modjo leather cluster and cleaner production.
The national brand of premium sheepskin, developed in 2015 and owned and managed by ELIA, with four certified producers.
Leather, footwear, gloves, bags and garments from ELIA’s members. Tell us what you need and we make the introductions.
Ethiopia has the largest livestock population in Africa and a leather industry dating back to the early 20th century. Today it is moving from exporting raw and semi-processed leather to making finished footwear, garments and leather goods for markets at home and abroad.
The largest livestock population in Africa, and highland hides and skins preferred by international buyers.
Ethiopian Highland Leather: sheepskin thinned to under 0.35 mm, light and soft yet strong, and a registered national brand.
The African Continental Free Trade Area opens a market of 1.4 billion people, and Ethiopian Airlines cargo links Addis Ababa to more than 130 destinations.
Investors in leather get income tax holidays and duty-free import of capital goods and construction materials.
A tote in chestnut calf: rolled handles, tan piping, saddle stitching and brass fittings.
ELIA All Africa Leather Fair N° 02
Tanners, manufacturers, buyers, investors, and machinery and chemical suppliers from across Africa and beyond, in Addis Ababa.
Fig. 02 The All Africa Leather Fair’s exhibition hall from above, its stands laid out in rows under the lights
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
November2026
The fair opens in
Where
Addis International Convention Center, Addis Ababa. Held alongside the 12th ASFW Addis. Closing night: the ELIA Award and Gala Night, 15 November, Sheraton Addis.
How Ethiopia's highland sheepskin became a registered national brand, and what it means for producers and international buyers.
Read moreIn many developing countries, competing leather businesses share interests that often go unrecognized. Working together through an association gives the industry a stronger voice with government and a better chance to grow.
Read on the source
At a press briefing in Addis Ababa, ELIA President Zelalem Merawi called for stronger action on raw hide supply, access to finance and planned relocation of factories to serviced industrial parks.
Read moreDevelopment partners, government offices and the sector’s own brands.
