Ethiopia’s humans rights problems may hinder global apparel ambitions

Cotton modules at a cotton factory, Ethiopia.© Antonella865

Quartz has published a good read on Ethiopia’s prospects as an apparel-sourcing country. Many clothes companies have already set up factories in the country, where is also a burgeoning footwear industry, and the government has recognised the importance of the sector to its low-wage economy. But a recent risk report has shed some doubt over its future. Verisk notes a “a host of political, social and environmental risks”. Protests against expanding the capital have resulted in burned down flower farms and foreign properties, while a state of emergency was declared last year and remains in force. Drought is also a severe threat to livelihoods at the moment, one issue among many which could drive away foreign investment.