DEG promotes training in Ethiopian textile industry

Ethiopia becomes increasingly attractive for textile manufacturers. Due to rising investment, the Ethiopian textile and garment industry has managed to catch up in machinery and technology. Yet there is a lack of skilled workers and an industry-wide lack of awareness of social and environmental standards.

The Belgian textile company ERVE operates two state-of-the art production sites in Ethiopia and is now setting up a vocational training centre for skilled workers. DEG provides funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (BMZ) develoPPP.de programme.

Training in environmental and social standards

In the three-month intensive courses, which include theoretical and practical sessions, the students acquire practical skills such as printing and labelling of clothing but are also trained in environmental and social standards.

ERVE cooperates with Bahir Da University; the Ethiopian Textile and Garment Manufacturers Association (ETGAMA) and the Ethiopian Textile Industry Development Institute (ETIDI) in the planning of the training. Students at the Bahir Dar University also have the opportunity to do a two-month internship at the vocational training centre. In addition, "train the trainer" courses and workshops for executives from the textile industry are being developed to achieve a broader understanding of the importance of a sustainable environmental and social management.

develoPPP.de programme

The develoPPP.de programme, which DEG is running on behalf of the BMZ, is aimed at companies which plan to operate in developing and emerging-market countries in the long term, and thereby shape their entrepreneurial commitment in a sustainable manner. DEG helps them structure and finance their investment and implement it on site. Implement your own develoPPP.de project with us! Apply now and send your idea by 31 December.

Further information

developpp.de