Ethiopia's leather, from hide to finished.
Since 1957, we have turned Ethiopian highland sheep, goat and cow hides into export-grade leather, footwear and leather goods, in five certified units in Addis Ababa.
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Red and Brown Color-Block Shoulder Bag
What are you looking for?
Finished leather
Sheepskin, goatskin and cowhide for shoes, gloves, garments and bags.
Leathers 02A manufacturing partner
Private label footwear, leather goods and gloves, made to your specification.
Make with ELICO 03Work & safety footwear
Safety shoes, uniform boots and work gloves for teams of any size.
Work & Safety 04Shoes, bags and jackets
Ethiopian leather for everyday life.
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We make it ourselves.
Most brands buy leather from one company and make products in another. At ELICO, every step happens in our own units: hides are collected from Ethiopian farmers, tanned and finished at Awash and Abyssinia tanneries, and made into shoes, bags, garments and gloves at Tikur Abay, Fontanina and Universal. One company, one quality system, full traceability.
- Collect
- Tan
- Finish
- Make
- Ship
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The 2026 Collection.
ELICO is a leading leather manufacturer in Ethiopia, offering high-quality export-standard leather products for over 30 years.
We specialize in military, safety, work, and casual shoes, garments, and leather goods, using cowhide, sheep, and goat skins. With state-of-the-art technology and factories across the nation, we serve both local and international markets with efficient, qualified leather solutions.
We understand the importance of reliability and always strive to bring you the best!
Learn moreFootwear
Military, safety, work and casual shoesGarments & leather goods
Cowhide, sheep and goat skinsLocal & international
Factories across the nation
ELICO's history is deeply rooted in Ethiopia's tradition of hospitality.
Following World War II, Emperor Haile Selassie I welcomed a group of Armenian tanners seeking refuge from the devastation of war. Settling in Addis Ababa, they founded Awash Tannery (formerly Darmar Tannery) in 1957, with the Emperor presiding over its opening ceremony. This historic foundation paved the way for what would later become Ethio-Leather Industry Plc (ELICO) in August 1997, established by Dr. Sheikh Mohammed H. Ali Al Amoudi, one of Ethiopia’s leading private investors. Today, ELICO stands as the nation's largest leather producer, carrying forward a rich legacy.
- 1957 Awash Tannery founded in Addis Ababa
- 1997 Ethio-Leather Industry Plc (ELICO) established
- Today The nation's largest leather producer
producing and marketing environmentally sustainable high quality finished leather and leather products for export & local markets to satisfy stakeholders involved in.
and production
Audited. Certified. Accountable.
- LWG Gold (Awash Tannery)
- ISO 9001:2015
- ISO 14001:2015
- ISO 45001:2018
- IQNET-recognised (DQS)
Integrated Management System
We have successfully implemented an Integrated Management System (IMS) encompassing ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety. This certification reflects our unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and environmental sustainability in all aspects of our operations.
Our manufacturing units—Awash Tannery, Abyssinia Tannery, Universal Leather Products Factory, Fontanina Shoe Factory, and Tikur Abay Shoe Factory—have received an IQNET-recognized certificate issued by DQS Holding for Occupational Health and Safety Management System, Quality Management System, and Environmental Management System.
Our sustainability record
Ready to work with Ethiopia's leather leader?
Tell us what you need. Our export team replies within one working day.