About Us
Blue Nile Glove factory
in Ethiopia
Finest quality leather and craftsmanship
We believe in Ethiopia!
We are creating an environmentally friendly tannery and a solar-powered glove factory in Ethiopia, together with our local partners. The finest glove leather comes from the Ethiopian Highlands, so it makes sense to tan the skins and produce the gloves locally.
Until now, Ethiopia has lacked this craftsmanship, even though the country meets most requirements for its own glove industry. The Ethiopian Highlands, sometimes called the “Roof of Africa” with peaks up to 4,550 meters, are home to over 20 million Highland Hairsheep. These sheep are a key source of income, providing milk, meat, and most importantly, soft yet durable skins prized in the glove industry.
Ethiopia’s Leather
Potential
Ethiopia produces high-quality leather, but most is exported as raw material. According to ESGPIP, 14–18% of the country’s export income comes from sheep and goat hides and skins, while tanning and glove production happen abroad. ESGPIP aims to increase local value creation and improve animal husbandry and land use.
Sustainable Industry
Development
Granqvists wants to go beyond sourcing raw materials by helping build a glove industry in Ethiopia. This approach creates local jobs, transfers skills, and supports long-term development, while also pursuing responsible economic growth.
Collaboration with
Local Partners
Eight years ago, we partnered with an Ethiopian entrepreneur to develop Bahir Dar Tannery. Together, we improved leather quality to international standards and minimized environmental impact. Today, the tannery produces clean waste water, a major achievement in the leather industry.
Building a Sustainable Glove Industry in Ethiopia
With support from Swedfund, the first glove factory opened in Bahir Dar in 2011 with 35 seamstresses. After five years of challenges, the project succeeded, paving the way for a larger, solar-powered factory that strengthens local production and sustainability. Knowledge & Craftsmanship
Top seamstresses from Poland trained local Ethiopian staff, while some Ethiopian seamstresses trained in Poland. Leather punching, glove-making skills, and production processes were upgraded, taking local craftsmanship to a professional level. Shared Rewards
Collaboration in Ethiopia benefits everyone involved. Building skills, creating jobs, and working alongside committed local partners brings lasting value to the community, the company, and the people themselves.