ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — The participation of local producers in Ethiopia's industrial parks has seen a significant increase to 55 percent, up from last year's 10 percent, as reported by the Industrial Parks Development Corporation. This growth is part of Ethiopia's broader strategy to become a leading manufacturing hub, with the government establishing 13 specialized industrial parks in fields such as textiles, agro-processing, and pharmaceuticals. The aim is to enhance the country's import substitution and export trade capabilities.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, CEO of the Industrial Parks Development Corporation, the manufacturing industry has been a focal point of Ethiopia's homegrown economic reform agenda. Over the past four years, several measures have been implemented to rejuvenate the sector. These measures include increasing the involvement of domestic producers in industrial parks, promoting the substitution of imported goods with locally manufactured ones, and establishing new business partnerships. Policy amendments have also been made to encourage producers within the parks to cater to both export and domestic markets.

Tadesse highlighted that all manufacturing spaces in the Bole Lemi, Adama, Dire Dawa, and Semera industrial parks are now fully occupied by investors. Efforts are underway to expand market destinations to America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The next steps involve enhancing support for local investors, boosting exports, and broadening market access, aiming to further integrate Ethiopia's manufacturing sector into the global economy.