Addis ababa: Ethiopia's metal industry is gaining renewed momentum as stakeholders say the 'Made in Ethiopia' initiative is helping local manufacturers access finance, expand market opportunities and modernize production facilities.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, industry leaders and factory representatives stated that the government-backed initiative is addressing longstanding challenges that have constrained sector growth, creating new opportunities for local producers to scale up and compete in domestic and regional markets. Yohannis Girma, President of the Ethiopian Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (EMEMA), highlighted that manufacturers are producing a wide range of metal products to meet local demand while working toward becoming exporters to neighboring countries.
He noted that the Ministry of Industry has been supporting the sector through key areas like import substitution and export promotion. Yohannis emphasized that the program has contributed to the wider use of locally manufactured products while facilitating business expansion. Additionally, he mentioned that Ethiopia has significant potential to develop export-oriented metal industries by integrating local skills with modern technologies from abroad.
Yohannis further stated that the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products have been improving through modernization and innovation. EMEMA also provides consulting and engineering services across various industries, enhancing its role in the sector.
Hiwot Damenu, Marketing Manager of Met Petrochemicals Manufacturing PLC, shared that the company is expanding operations in response to growing market demand, particularly for welding electrodes. She mentioned government and private sector support in their endeavors and plans to upgrade production capacity to include MIG wire manufacturing, which is widely used by metal industries.
Since the 2014 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, the 'Made in Ethiopia' program and ongoing government support have played a crucial role in reviving inactive factories, attracting new investments, and increasing production capacity in the manufacturing sector.