Modjo: The Modjo state-of-the-art leather manufacturing facility and a renovated satellite laboratory were inaugurated today to spearhead Ethiopia’s leather industry and foster sustainable employment opportunities.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the project is a collaborative initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with technical support from the Ministry of Industry.
The newly inaugurated modern manufacturing facility and the upgraded satellite laboratory are anticipated to significantly enhance the production capabilities of local enterprises, improve the quality standards of leather goods, and facilitate greater access to both domestic and international markets.
Modjo City Mayor, Gazali Hashu expressed profound appreciation for the transformative impact of the project. UNIDO’s contribution would bridge existing gaps, he said, adding the machinery and training provided will not only equip job seekers with modern skills but also stimulate local industries.
It is not simply a physical investment but an investment in human potential and future development of our community, he stressed.
Director of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Division at UNIDO, Aurelia Patricia Calabro, lauded the collaborative spirit underpinning the achievement. “The unveiling of facilities was a celebration of partnership, vision, and a renewed commitment,” she said, adding, “This achievement has been made possible through funding by the European Union and the joint cooperation of UNIDO and the government of Ethiopia.”
This initiative therefore focuses not only just on production, but on strengthening every step of the chain, she said. “In the years ahead, we envision it as a beacon where many more young men and women will receive skills training,” she said.
To this effect, she further said, “We have established and equipped a regional satellite laboratory … supporting quality insurance and product competitiveness.”
This landmark initiative underscored a commitment to realizing Ethiopia’s aspiration for industrialization and fostering sustainable economic development within the Modjo region, a key center for the nation’s leather processing sector.
State Minister of Industry Tarekegn Bululta underscored the long-term objectives of the five-year initiative. “We consider this as a national model project to demonstrate by value addition to the leather sector, it is possible to produce shoes for both domestic and international markets,” he stated.
He further emphasized the project’s broader replicability.