Sourcing Support
Curated introductions to vetted tanneries and manufacturers. Sampling, quality facilitation, and order follow-up.
Land of origin.
The future of leather.
Explore EHL
Discover highland leather that connects global brands to 191+ Ethiopian manufacturers — thinner, lighter, softer, and remarkably strong.
191+
Leather Manufacturers
0.35mm
Highland Leather Thinness
165M+
Livestock · #1 in Africa
100+
Colors in Production
Highland Plateau
>3,000m ASL
№ 01 · The Material
The material the world
can’t replicate.
Ethiopia’s highlands have bred something no tannery can copy. A rare climate — low latitudes tempered by high elevation — lets sheep roam freely across vast highland pastures. The result: a special hair sheep whose skin becomes leather unlike any other.
- Thin — under 0.35mm Crafted by skilled Ethiopian hands
- Light & soft Prized by glove, garment, and luxury makers
- Strong & colorful Over 100 unique colors, dyed with generational expertise
№ 02 · Continental Exhibition
The 15th All African Leather Fair
November 2026 · Convention Center · Addis Ababa
Africa’s dedicated leather marketplace — organized by ELIA with a five-year strategic partnership with Germany’s Trade and Fairs Consulting GmbH. B2B matchmaking, fashion runway, innovation zone, and expert panels.
№ 03 · Your Gateway
One association.
One continent’s opportunity.
ELIA represents 191+ leather manufacturers and delivers sourcing support, investment facilitation, market intelligence, trade platforms, and standards & skills.
Investment Facilitation
Factory visits, joint-venture matchmaking, and clear guidance on incentives with the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
Market Intelligence
Sector data, export procedures, regulatory guidance, and buyer requirements for confident decisions.
Trade Platforms
AALF in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian pavilions at leading fairs, and inbound and outbound trade missions.
№ 04 · Sustainability
Good for business.
Good for the planet.
Ethiopian leather begins as a natural by-product of smallholder farming — free-range, grass-fed, and traceable to origin. The sector is investing in cleaner production, modern effluent treatment, and international certification, with specialized industrial parks and zero-liquid-discharge facilities already operational.
Sustainability CharterMeet us · Source from us · Invest with us
Ready for Ethiopia.
Whether you are a buyer seeking premium material, an investor looking for a proven opportunity, or a brand searching for a reliable sourcing partner — Ethiopia is ready. And ELIA will take you there.