ELIA was first founded in 1994 as the Ethiopian Tanners Association. In the year 2004 the name was changed to the Ethiopian Tanners, Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturing Association to allow footwear and leather garments and articles full participation in the Association. The name was again changed, as of January 2007 to the Ethiopian Leather Industries Association (ELIA). 

ELIA Incorporates Footwear, Leather Garments & Goods and Tanners operating in the country. To be the premier association spearheading the emergence of the Ethiopian leather industry as a key global player representative of its members who are producing and exporting first choice leather and leather products. The Ethiopian Leather Industries Association (ELIA) is a trade association of leather industries interested companies. 

ELIA works to enhance and improve the leather industries business climate. It is a recognized and respected representative and proponent of the leather industries in Ethiopia. Promote and foster the interests of the leather industry Promote cooperation among its members and establish good working relations with other stakeholders in the value chain Represent its members in national, regional and international forums Maintaining close working relationship with the government and help in creating and sustaining enabling environment for the industry Reflect the common interests of its members in negotiations with any institutions or individuals that work support the development of the leather industry