Better Work - Ethiopia

The garment and textile industries are among the priorities of the Ethiopian Government under the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTPII). According to the Plan of Action for Job Creation 2020-2025, employment in the textiles and apparel industry was estimated at 798,752 in 2018 and is forecast to grow 86% through 2025, creating more than 683,000 new direct jobs such as sewing and cutting and almost 868,000 new indirect jobs such as sourcing, shipping and handling, transport and catering. However, poor working conditions and low wages, which result in low productivity, high turnover, and absentee rates; weak regulatory institutions; and limited capacity of workers’ and employers’ organizations hinder the proper functioning of the labor market and businesses environment. 

The overarching goal of the program is improved respect of workers’ rights, leading to greater income and compensation, safety, equality, voice, and representation. The program also aims to lift industrial productivity and competitiveness to enable a global competitive textile and garment sector; and encourage accountable and transparent government institutions. The program works at national, regional, industry, and factory levels involving different ILO departments and global programs to advance decent work in Ethiopia.