Strengthening Climate-Resilient Leather, Textile and Garment in Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s leather, textile, and garment industry employs an estimated 95,000 to 100,000 workers, more than 80 per cent of whom are young women and plays a critical role in the country’s industrial development and export competitiveness. However, rising temperatures and persistent occupational safety and health challenges threaten workers and weaken the sector’s global competitiveness. Many factories still lack the tools or systems to handle heat stress, optimize energy use, or meet the growing international standards for responsible business practices. This project addresses these gaps. The International Labour Organization collaborates with small and medium enterprises in the textile, garment and leather sector to implement practical, climate-responsive improvements that make factories safer, more productive, and more resilient. Factories adopt energy-efficient and climate-risk management practices, and strengthen occupational safety and health systems, and enhance workers' and managers' skills. Workers and supervisors receive training in safe and sustainable production practices, including measures to prevent heat stress and enhance working conditions. The project also helps strengthen Ethiopia’s institutions and policies on climate resilience and responsible business conduct. By enhancing occupational safety and health, workplace efficiency, and market readiness, the project improves working environment across Ethiopia’s garment, leather and light manufacturing sectors. These improvements help reduce workplace stress, foster healthier and more respectful workplaces, and drive productivity gains. In doing so, the initiative supports the creation of better-quality jobs, strengthens enterprise performance, and contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive future for Ethiopia’s industrial workforce.

Project symbol

ETH/26/01/JPN

Admin unit

CO-Addis Ababa

Start date

15/03/2026

End date

14/03/2027

Total allocation

1096620

Total expenditure

Status

Active

52682

Development Partners

Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Country/Countries

Ethiopia

Outcomes

Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions
Outcome 2: Strong, representative and influential tripartite constituents and effective social dialogue
Outcome 4: Sustainable enterprises for inclusive growth and decent work