H&M to support 4,000 jobs in Ethiopia

Swedish fashion retailer H&M is opening a new textile factory in Ethiopia, in collaboration with development financier Swedfund, owned by the Swedish state, and the industry group DBL, that will provide job opportunities for 4,000 people.

H&M has pledged to support the new factory with its sustainable textile production knowledge, as well as buying products from the factory, for at least a set number of years, as well as ensure that it has decent working conditions, creates jobs for women, and is considered to the environment. The fashion chain adds that the factory requirements are "in line with the strict standard requirements H&M’s suppliers always have to follow.”

Swedfund managing director Anna Ryott, said: “We have managed to form a unique partnership in Ethiopia with deep professional knowledge in every part of the process in order to fulfil the high sustainability requirements.

“It is a great example of how to work to achieve efficient job creation, and in this project it is particularly focused on women. Job creation is crucial to help people find their way out of poverty and the cooperation with such a great partners like H&M and DBL will make this a role model for other similar projects.”

H&M global head of production, Helena Helmersson, added: ”H&M is pleased that Swedfund is co-financing a project with DBL Group. H&M wants to contribute to a long-term sustainable textile industry in Ethiopia taking social as well as environmental dimensions into consideration. It is important to us that both DBL and Swedfund are putting these questions on top of their agenda when doing investments.”

Image: Courtesy of H&M