A legacy that began with hospitality.
Since 1957, Ethiopia's leather story has been written in our tanneries.
From Darmar Tannery to ELICO
After the Second World War, Emperor Haile Selassie I gave refuge to a group of Armenian tanners. In Addis Ababa they founded Darmar Tannery in 1957, later Awash Tannery, and the Emperor presided over its opening. His commemorative plaque still stands at the entrance.
In the decades that followed, Ethiopia's leading tanneries and factories grew, were nationalised under the Derg, and returned to private hands in the 1990s. In August 1997, Ethio-Leather Industry PLC (ELICO) was established within the MIDROC Investment Group to bring Awash Tannery, Abyssinia Tannery and Universal Leather Products Factory together. Tikur Abay and Fontanina shoe factories completed the chain.
Today ELICO is Ethiopia's largest leather producer: five certified units, Ethiopian hides from over 2,000 smallholders, and leather and products sold in 16 stores at home and in markets on four continents.
Milestones
- 1947Tikur Abay Shoe Factory begins making footwear (1940 E.C.)
- 1957Darmar (later Awash) Tannery founded by Armenian tanners, opened by Emperor Haile Selassie I
- 1984Universal Leather Products Factory established
- 1997ELICO established within MIDROC; tanneries and Universal privatised and joined together
- 2004First ISO certification
- 2013Fontanina Shoe Factory opens (ETB 84.8 million investment)
- 2016Biological effluent treatment plant at Abyssinia Tannery (over ETB 28 million)
- 2026New ELICO website, 2026 Collection and leather library launched
To become Africa's leader in finished leather, shoes and leather products by 2029.
To craft innovative, sustainable leather, shoes and leather solutions that meet international standards and build long-lasting partnerships with our customers.
More about ELICO
See where it all happens.
Two tanneries and three factories in Addis Ababa.