The International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the Government of Japan, is launching a new initiative to promote a more climate-resilient, productive and socially responsible leather, textile and garment manufacturing sector in Ethiopia. Implemented under the ONE ILO Siraye Programme, the project combines enterprise-level capacity building with policy support to help the sector respond to climate risks, occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges, evolving market demands and sustainability standards.
At the enterprise level, the initiative will strengthen the capacity of 40 factories located in Hawassa, Addis Ababa, Adama, Dukem and Kombolcha. Through SCORE Training, integrated with Kaizen-based continuous improvement approaches, participating enterprises will adopt more resource-efficient and circular production practices, reduce waste and energy consumption, and optimize workflows. The project will also pilot digitalized OSH tools, enabling factories to monitor heat stress, ventilation and other climate-related risks in real time, while strengthening compliance systems.
© ILO/Homa M. Ejeta
In parallel, the initiative will roll out the Women's Leadership Development Programme (WLDP), equipping women workers with the supervisory and leadership skills needed to advance within the sector and contribute to more inclusive workplaces.
A key feature of the project is the integration of Japanese expertise and technologies, particularly in areas such as energy efficiency, cleaner production and sustainable manufacturing systems. By fostering knowledge exchange and technical cooperation, the initiative will introduce practical, context-specific solutions tailored to Ethiopia's industrial landscape.
At the national level, the project will reinforce systems that enable and sustain enterprise transformation. It will support tripartite dialogue among government, employers and workers to map existing responsible business conduct initiatives, identify policy gaps, and build consensus on sector priorities. Evidence generated through assessments on climate risk, OSH and circularity will inform more coherent policy frameworks aligned with Ethiopia's climate commitments and its Nationally Determined Contributions.
The initiative will be implemented over a one-year period, from 15 March 2026 to 14 March 2027. During this timeframe, the project will deliver targeted support to enterprises and institutions, generating practical evidence and lessons to inform future scaling efforts and strengthen Ethiopia's transition toward a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive industrial sector.
