Plizio Visual Lab

Huajian Shoe Factory

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Huajian Shoe Factory, located in the Eastern Industry Zone of Dukem about 30 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, is a prominent example of foreign direct investment in Ethiopia. Opened in 2012 by the Chinese Huajian Group, the facility marked the beginning of large-scale industrialization in the country's leather sector. Employing thousands of local workers, the factory produces millions of pairs of shoes annually for renowned international brands such as Guess and Marc Fisher. Ethiopia provides advantages such as competitive labor costs and duty-free access to markets in the United States and Europe. The factory is part of the Ethiopian government's broader strategy to transform the nation into a hub for light manufacturing in Africa. Beyond production, the company engages in vocational training and local infrastructure development within the special economic zone. Despite various operational challenges, Huajian remains a cornerstone of Ethiopia's export-oriented growth model in the global supply chain.

Location: Ethiopia
Top sights: Nuru House · Keyo house · Zebiba Home
Nearby: Bishoftu (32 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	17	18	18	18	18	16	16	16	14	14	14
Rain mm	12	27	56	90	89	116	239	246	145	34	16	13

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This large shoe factory, operated by a Chinese manufacturer in Ethiopia, produces millions of shoes. These are exported mainly to Europe and America, boosting the local industrial economy.

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Visiting

The factory's exterior can be seen from nearby public roads. Visits inside typically require prior permission or special arranged tours.

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Where to view it

Good viewpoints include the road alongside the factory compound and a nearby hill. From there, the scale of the facility and truck traffic are visible.

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Local products

Visitors can find locally produced shoes and leather goods in nearby markets. The factory itself does not sell directly to end consumers.

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Active season

Production runs throughout the year, peaking before the main export seasons in spring and autumn. The largest workforce is visible during major shipment preparations.

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Nearby

Combine the visit with nearby Addis Ababa or Lake Bishoftu. The region also allows exploration of Ethiopian coffee culture and textile markets.

Geography

Coordinates

8.95670, 38.74610

Facts

Factory opened in 2012 in the town of Dukem
Located within the Eastern Industry Zone
Produces over 2 million pairs of shoes annually
Employs approximately 4,000 local Ethiopian workers
Duty-free exports to the USA under the AGOA act
Part of a long-term $2 billion investment project

Explore nearby

Notable places around

AU Headquarters3 km · EExplore →

Addis Ababa Stadium5 km · EExplore →

Akaki River5 km · WExplore →

Kality Metal Products Factory5 km · NWExplore →

Medhane Alem Cathedral6 km · NEExplore →

Grand Anwar Mosque6 km · EExplore →

Menelik II's Imperial Palace6 km · EExplore →

Menelik II Monument6 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Huajian Shoe Factory (9)

Nuru House📍 landmark

A well-known local residential home serving as an architectural point of interest near the bustling Huajian shoe factory.

Keyo house📍 landmark

Keyo house is a private residential dwelling offering a glimpse into local architecture.

Zebiba Home🏰 castle

Zebiba Home is a distinctive private residence constructed in an unusual fortress style.

Zewdu house📍 landmark

Zewdu house is another example of local residential culture near the industrial park.

Kenteri🌿 nature

Kenteri is a viewpoint offering broad vistas over the surrounding urban and industrial areas.

Sitina's Home🏰 castle

Sitina's Home is a castle-like private residence featuring an architecturally striking facade.

Jemo-micheal roundabout🌿 nature

The Jemo-micheal roundabout serves as an urban hub offering an overview of the local traffic flow.

Lebu Mebrathayil🌿 nature

Lebu Mebrathayil provides a vantage point over the suburban streets and adjoining residential neighborhoods.

Home🏰 castle

This private residential building is constructed in the style of a castle, standing out in the urban environment.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who is the owner of the Huajian factory?

It is a major Chinese company, which is one of the largest shoe manufacturers in the world.

How many shoes are produced here?

The factory produces millions of pairs of shoes per year, mainly for export to the USA and Europe.

Does the factory provide jobs for locals?

Yes, Huajian employs thousands of Ethiopian workers, contributing significantly to employment in the region.

Can the factory floors be visited?

Special viewing appointments for journalists or educational groups are possible with prior registration.

Which well-known brands are manufactured here?

Huajian produces as a contract manufacturer for many international luxury and fashion brands.

Huajian Shoe Factory: where is it located?

Huajian Shoe Factory is located in Ethiopia.

Huajian Shoe Factory: what is there to see?

Highlights include Nuru House, Keyo house, Zebiba Home.

Huajian Shoe Factory: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Huajian Shoe Factory: why is it worth visiting?

The Huajian Shoe Factory, located in the Eastern Industry Zone of Dukem about 30 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, is a prominent example of foreign direct investment in Ethiopia.

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