The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has created a new training curriculum to improve how raw hides and skins are handled in Ethiopia. This move is part of a bigger plan to modernize the country’s leather industry.
The curriculum was made with help from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry, and Ministry of Labor and Skills.
It is designed for use in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The goal is to teach best practices to professionals and improve the overall quality in the leather supply chain.
UNIDO has also updated Ethiopia’s national rules for managing hides and skins. These new rules aim to make the sector more professional and easier to monitor.
“A major challenge in Ethiopia’s leather industry is the lack of skilled slaughtering services. To improve the quality of hides and skins, we must ensure that only trained and certified professionals are allowed to conduct slaughtering.”
Wondu Legesse, National Project Coordinator, UNIDO-LISEC
As part of its support, UNIDO gave an automated slaughtering machine to one of Ethiopia’s abattoirs. This tool is expected to reduce damage and improve how raw materials are processed after animals are slaughtered.
Wondu also pointed out the need for better marketing and handling systems. He stressed the importance of strong infrastructure, better tools, and public awareness to help grow exports and create jobs.
“The leather sector has untapped potential for economic development and value addition. But it requires a shift in how slaughtering services are provided. All slaughtering should take place in designated abattoirs. The informal practice of slaughtering at home must be discouraged through licensing enforcement and community education.”
Wondu Legesse, National Project Coordinator, UNIDO-LISEC
UNIDO’s plan includes improving current slaughterhouses, setting up mobile abattoirs in remote areas, and offering hands-on training. These changes aim to increase the quality of raw hides and skins, helping the leather industry create more jobs and earn more from exports.
The new curriculum is part of the LISEC project, which started in 2018 in Modjo City. The project focuses on creating decent jobs especially for women and young people by building a strong, sustainable leather value chain.
Source – The Ethiopian Herald
