Welcome
The Greening of Ethiopian Manufacturing(GEM) Project is envisioning major opportunities for Ethiopian manufacturing industries in the ‘green market segment’ to inherit a chunk of the light manufacturing industries currently fleeing rising costs in china. This applies to natural fiber cotton, wool, silk manufacturing, man made fiber manufacturing and garment manufacturing industries, leather industries, organic food, handicrafts etc. Learn More
News and Events
Leather, Textile and Sophisticated Handcrafts clusters meetings organized by Greening Ethiopian Manufacturing (GEM) project was held on June 25 – 27, 2019 at Best Western Hotel.
The agenda of meetings were introductions and overview of the role of experts groups from Economic Transformation Group (ETG), The Fraunhofer Society and Audacia Consulting PLC; training needs assessment and proposed next steps, status of action initiatives and generation of new initiatives; and conclusions & next steps.
ETG expert Dr. Eric Rolf Hansen presented short overview of Cluster Initiatives Implemented by ETG and the main actors of green cluster and advantages green cluster such as better offer to the market and more competitive in global markets. Moreover, steps in supporting clusters to grow were introduced to the 3 cluster members.
Furthermore a detailed discussion was held on the list of trainings identified by needs assessment process and some additional training was proposed by the participants.
Subsequently the experts facilitated group discussions of the cluster members to review their previously identified challenges and encouraged them to propose new initiatives. Finally each group of clusters presented their initiative ideas’ actions plan and implementation follow-up meetings dates were fixed.
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Jun 28, 2019
Inoa and our partners Precise Consult International from Ethiopia and SME Movement from South Africa have jointly presented their views on sustainable entrepreneurship in Ethiopia and other Sub-Saharan countries at the 8th Africa Day International Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. At the panel, our experience with Greening Ethiopian Manufacturing (GEM) project has been discussed.
The event is being attended by high level political delegations and entrepreneurs from numerous African countries and by the representatives of the European Commission.
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May 20, 2019
Greening Ethiopia Manufacturing (GEM)-project organized Textile Cluster Meeting on April 4, 2019 at Harmony Hotel.
Cluster members were briefed on the activities performed up to date, advisory on sustainable product design, the free market access portal “Ethiopia Green Manufacturing Portal“ and the importance B–Corp Certification for sustainable fashion design.
World experience on Sustainable Textile/Garment Manufacturing Cluster and the steps to develop a cluster were presented. Moreover, Peru’s sustainable fashion cluster that is regaining its competitive advantage by greening its product was shown.
Cluster members discussed in detail their problems to produce sustainable textile/garment. The president of Ethiopian Textile & Garment Manufacturers Association has indicated that Textile & Garment Manufacturers in Ethiopia need new ideas which help them to solve their day to day problems.
Finally, cluster members training needs assessment was conducted and study visit and related to textile/garment cluster experience sharing was discussed.
Apr 11, 2019
Greening Ethiopia Manufacturing (GEM)-project arranged Vegetable Tanned Leather Purchase Cluster Initiative Meeting on April 3, 2019 at Precise Consult International Center.
At the meeting, vegetable tanned leather purchasing action plan was formulated, hence they agreed to joint material sourcing. Moreover, training needs assessment of the cluster members was conducted.
Apr 11, 2019
Greening Ethiopia Manufacturing (GEM)-project organized Sophisticated Handicraft Cluster 2nd Meeting on April 2, 2019 at Precise Consult International Center.
Cluster members were introduced to new technique for sustainable handcraft production, using wool, the abundant local material. The new techniques are dry & wet wool felting to produce necklaces, bags, blankets, shoes, etc.
Inoa expert Ms. Tadeja L. Colnar presented short overview of priorities agreed in the first cluster meeting. Activities performed up to date are: advisory on sustainable product design, launch of the GEM Best Practice Series on ethical and sustainable production and the application of Ethiopia Green Manufacturing Portal for market expansion. Moreover, she heighted the importance B–Corp Certification for sustainable fashion design using impact assessment tool “the B Impact Assessment (https://bimpactassessment.net/)”. Cluster members can use the website to measure its impact on its workers, community, environment, and customers.
Subsequently Inoa’s expert Ms. Tatjana Suhadolc introduced cluster members to wool felting technique. Felting is re-emerging as a trendy textile design technique all over the world. Cluster members tested their skills in dry and wet felting techniques and created their first felted products.
Apr 11, 2019
Handicraft sector in Gondar is gradually developing with several handicraft associations successfully addressing various social challenges.
GEM team offered initial product design recommendations and identified areas of further development
Dec 11, 2018
Objectives
To conduct assessment of most promising green growth manufacturing industries in Ethiopia
To launch 3 pilot green manufacturing clustersand develop their action plans
To implement actions for green- growth reorientation of MSME’s within pilot clusters, build their capacity on SCP practices and contribute to their increased sales and job creation
To facilitate SCP practice-based collaboration among key stakeholders with in each cluster’s value chain and disseminate lessons learned.
Overview of Switch Africa Project
The overall objective of SWITCH Africa Green is to support 6 countries in Africa to achieve sustainable development by engaging in transition towards an inclusive green economy, based on sustainable consumption and production patterns, while generating growth, creating decent jobs and reducing poverty. The objective will be achieved through support to private sector led inclusive green growth.
GEM Priority Sectors
Fiber Cotton, Wool, Silk, Garment Manufacturing Industries
Leather Industries
Handy craft Industries
Ethiopia Green Manufacturing Portal
Ethiopia Green Manufacturing Portal supports Ethiopian small entrepreneurs in accessing sustainable consumption and production growth opportunities locally and on the global markets.
GEM Good Practice Series
Great example! Liya Kebede’s brand Lemlem offers Ethiopian craftsmanship that sells. The #supermodel implemented a sustainable approach while sponsoring her foundation for African women
Jul 3, 2019
“We want people to be thoughtful about what they purchase so they’ll love it for a long time.”
“The name Salt + Still is a tribute to water, an ingredient that is elemental to the natural dye process. Inspiration is drawn from the mountains, the sea, traditions both old and new, and the love of natural magic. “
Jul 2, 2019
Patagonia is way ahead of the pack in terms of sustainability, but it offers a model to help consumers judge whether other brands are making a holistic effort to be sustainable, or just offering one or two sustainable products.
https://www.fastcompany.com/…/is-your-favorite-fashion-bran…
Jun 10, 2019
SOKO from Kenya is a B-Corp Certified company, following these principles: Social Impact - Artisans earn 5x's more than an average workshop. Tech Innovation - Technology that connects 2,300+ artisans to global consumers. Heritage Techniques - Premium quality goods handcrafted by skilled artisans in Kenya. Ethical Materials - Reclaimed, recycled and locally sourced for quality and sustainability.
Jun 10, 2019
GEM Good Practice Series: Ethiopian high-end fashion designers, participating in our project, are ambassadors of sustainable fashion. They all raise awareness of local community heritage, nature and natural materials.
Yefikir Design Paradise Fashion MAFI MAFI
https://theculturetrip.com/…/10-top-fashion-designers-to-k…/
May 20, 2019
Dhana Inc. sees its children’s apparel as a connector between Mother Nature, garment workers and children, and a way to empower each.
Apr 23, 2019
What is truly life changing and nation changing for the long term is when people from those so-called “low cost” / “low wage” nations create, build, and control competitive global brands producing world class products that leverage their talents and resources, bringing direct prosperity to their community members.
That model is Origin Trade, a model for prosperity and equity that I am proud to have pioneered.Bethlehm Tilahun Alemu
Apr 11, 2019
Textile manufacturing throughout the world has become solely driven by economics. This means inferior yarn quality, less pay for workers and compromised working conditions.
At Mungo they decided to uphold the standards of sustainable production in a non-industrial environment. They don’t compromise on production methods or cost of raw materials when it comes to producing a quality product.
Apr 11, 2019
Upcoming Event
Event Objectives
- To promote authentic & sustainable handicrafts made by local artisans in Lalibela;
- To enrich Lalibela cultural tourism offer for international & domestic visitors.