Vision
To 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.
The national voice of Ethiopia’s leather industry.
Since 1994: the association of the country’s tanneries, footwear manufacturers, and leather goods and garment producers.
02 Who we are
The Ethiopian Leather Industries Association (ELIA) is the sectoral association of Ethiopia’s leather manufacturers. Our members include tanneries, footwear manufacturers, and leather goods and garment producers, covering the full leather value chain from hide processing to finished products.
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Memberenterprises
ELIA represents the industry before the government, connects members with buyers and partners, and supports businesses to improve quality, meet international standards and grow exports. We also own and organize the All Africa Leather Fair (AALF) and manage the Ethiopian Highland Leather (EHL) national brand.
03 Vision and mission
Mission
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.
Since 1994, 194 companies, one voice.
ELIA The association N° 01
Tanneries, footwear and leather goods makers, represented together since 1994.
Fig. 01 Buyers and makers in conversation at the All Africa Leather Fair’s business lounge
04 What we do
Six ways we work for the sector.
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Advocacy
We represent the industry in policy, regulatory and investment decisions, including raw hide supply, finance and environmental compliance.
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Market Development
We open markets through the All Africa Leather Fair, international trade fairs and buyer linkages.
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Capacity Building
We coordinate training, technical assistance and technology transfer for members.
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Sustainability
We promote cleaner production and responsible practices across the sector.
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Partnerships
We work with government, development partners and international organizations on sector programs.
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Information
We share market intelligence, regulatory updates and industry data with members.
05 Our history
Since 1994.
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1994
Founded as the Ethiopian Tanners Association to represent the country’s tanneries.
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2004
Renamed the Ethiopian Tanners, Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturing Association, opening full membership to footwear, garment and leather goods producers.
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January 2007
Adopted its current name, the Ethiopian Leather Industries Association (ELIA).
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2008
Launched the first All Africa Leather Fair in Addis Ababa.
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2015
Developed the Ethiopian Highland Leather national brand.
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2023
Co-organized the first workshop on the Ethiopian leather industry and the AfCFTA with UNECA and ECCSA.
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2026
Partnered with Messe Frankfurt to host AALF 2026 alongside Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week.
06 Our values
What we hold to.
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Quality
Commitment to manufacturing excellence and consistent products.
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Sustainability
Growth that protects the environment and communities.
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Collaboration
A stronger sector through collective action.
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Integrity
Honest, accountable and transparent governance.
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Inclusion
Opportunities for women, youth and enterprises of every size.
07 Leadership
Message from the President.
08 Governance
Elected by its members.
Board of Directors
ELIA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members. The Board sets strategy, approves partnerships, oversees finances and represents the industry in high-level policy dialogue. Board members come from tanneries, footwear manufacturers and leather goods producers.
President Zelalem Merawi
Secretariat
The Secretariat runs ELIA’s daily operations under the direction of the Board.
- Secretary General
- Finance and Administration
- Programs and Projects (including AALF)
- Member Services
- Communications
09 Partners
Working Together for the Sector
ELIA works with national institutions and international organizations to develop Ethiopia’s leather industry.
- Government
- Ministry of Industry
- Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ethiopian Investment Commission
- Leather and Leather Products Industry Research and Development Center
- Business Bodies
- Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA)
- Regional and International
- Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI)
- United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
- UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
- Development Partners
- GIZ
- CBI (Netherlands)
- JICA
- Solidaridad Network
- Trade Fair Partner
- Messe Frankfurt
