The International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the Government of Japan, has launched a new initiative to transform Ethiopia’s textile, garment, and leather sector by enhancing productivity, climate resilience, and workplace safety across 40 factories in Hawassa, Addis Ababa, Adama, Dukem, and Kombolcha. The project, implemented under the ONE ILO Siraye Programme, combines enterprise-level capacity building with policy support to address climate risks, occupational safety challenges, evolving market demands, and sustainability standards.
Factories will adopt resource-efficient and circular production practices through SCORE training and Kaizen-based continuous improvement, while piloting digitalized tools to monitor heat stress, ventilation, and other climate-related risks. The initiative also includes a Women’s Leadership Development Programme to equip women with supervisory and leadership skills, fostering more inclusive workplaces.
By integrating Japanese expertise in energy efficiency, cleaner production, and sustainable manufacturing, the project promotes practical, context-specific solutions and technical cooperation. At the national level, it will support tripartite dialogue to strengthen responsible business conduct, fill policy gaps, and align frameworks with Ethiopia’s climate commitments.
Running from 15 March 2026 to 14 March 2027, the initiative aims to generate evidence and lessons to guide the sector toward a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive industrial future.
