Ethiopia could do better
Despite the fact that Ethiopia boasts a strong livestock population with approximately 35 million cattle, 21 million sheep and 16.8 million goats, experts feel its leather sector could be performing better.
According to reports, the country produces around 2.7 million hides, 8.1 million sheepskins and 7.5 million goatskins per year. Leather and leathergoods exports are a major contributor to the country, with leather and semi-processed hides and skins constituting between 10% and 20% of the country’s total foreign earnings.
However, while finished leather and leathergoods exports rose 22% to around $40 million last year, exports have now started to fall. Experts believe that government support will be needed if the sector is to prosper, and even to hold on to its current market share. Suggestions include meeting with industry representatives in other countries to promote bilateral trade and investment in technology.
