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Economic development

UNIDO Develops Draft Curriculum to Enhance Ethiopia's Leather Sector

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has developed a draft curriculum aimed at enhancing the production, handling, and marketing of raw hides and skins in Ethiopia. The curriculum is part of a broader effort to modernize the country's leather sector. Created in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry, and Ministry of Labor and Skills, the curriculum is designed to train certified professionals in best practices and occupational standards, addressing long-standing quality issues in the leather supply chain.

Key Takeaways:

  • The draft curriculum is intended to serve as a foundation for training manuals in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and related institutions.
  • The curriculum addresses a major challenge in Ethiopia's leather industry - the lack of skilled slaughtering services - and aims to ensure that only trained and certified professionals are allowed to conduct slaughtering.
  • The curriculum is part of a broader strategy led by the Ministry of Industry to boost productivity and reduce post-slaughter damage to raw materials.
  • UNIDO has handed over an automated slaughtering machine to one of the country's abattoirs, expected to significantly reduce wastage and enhance efficiency.
  • The leather sector has untapped potential for economic development and value addition, requiring a shift in how slaughtering services are provided.
  • Key interventions include upgrading existing slaughterhouses, establishing mobile abattoirs in underserved areas, and delivering hands-on training for professionals in slaughtering and post-slaughter handling.

Statistics:

  • The LISEC project, launched in 2018, aims to promote decent jobs-particularly for women and youth-through the development of sustainable and competitive value chains in Ethiopia's leather industry.
  • The project is part of UNIDO's ongoing commitment to promoting decent jobs.

Sources:

  • Ethiopian Press Agency
  • The Ethiopian Herald

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