The Aba Shoe and Leather Hub in Abia State is one of Nigeria’s most vibrant centres for footwear and leather goods production. Known for its skilled artisans and bustling workshops, Aba has earned a reputation as the “China of Africa” when it comes to locally made shoes, sandals, bags, belts, and other leather products. What began decades ago as small-scale cobbling in roadside shops has evolved into a thriving cluster of workshops, factories, and markets supplying products across Nigeria, West Africa, and beyond.
The hub is centred around the Ariaria International Market, where thousands of shoemakers and leather workers operate in close-knit clusters, producing high-quality, affordable items often customised to customer specifications. Aba’s craftsmen are renowned for their ability to replicate top global brands while infusing unique Nigerian flair, making the market a preferred destination for traders, retailers, and fashion enthusiasts.
Cultural and Economic Significance
Shoe and leather production in Aba is more than a business — it’s a deeply rooted tradition passed from one generation to another. The hub supports a massive value chain, including tanners, designers, tailors, suppliers of synthetic and natural materials, marketers, and transporters. Its success has made Aba a symbol of Nigerian entrepreneurship, innovation, and resilience.
Despite challenges like limited access to modern machinery and fluctuating raw material costs, the Aba Shoe and Leather Hub continues to thrive through sheer skill, creativity, and a vast network of artisans. Local and federal government initiatives, as well as private investments, are gradually modernising operations, making the industry more competitive in the global market.
Tourist Experience
Visitors can explore workshops where shoemakers cut, stitch, and finish products by hand, gaining insight into the craftsmanship process. Tourists often purchase customised footwear or leather items at competitive prices, sometimes watching their orders being made from scratch. The energy, creativity, and resourcefulness of the artisans make it a unique cultural and shopping experience.
Location: Aba, Abia State, Nigeria
Specialty Products: Shoes, leather bags, belts, sandals, wallets, and customised leather accessories
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays, when artisans are actively at work and the market is in full swing
