With a view to increase production and productivity nationwide, Ethiopian Agricultural Business Corporation (EABC) is planning to manufacture light and low cost agricultural machinery in Ethiopia. Kefyalew Berhanu, the Corporation’s CEO, said EABC plans to manufacture the machinery through joint ventures. According to the CEO, the Corporation is planning to work with foreign companies. He said, “EABC is ready to provide land, marketing service, trained manpower and also contribute modest capital,” adding that light and low cost agricultural machinery are essential for the country in reducing the cost of importing.

Ato Kefyalew said, “Imported equipments are now beyond the reach of most farmers owing to cost of machinery. Therefore, the corporation would like to manufacture machinery which can be easily driven by small motors, animals and human beings.”

The Corporation was established in March 2016 through the amalgamation of five state-owned enterprises engaged in agriculture in order to support agriculture.

According to the CIA's 'The World Factbook', agriculture contributes 35.8% to the GDP while it employs 72.7% of the labour force.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency, The World Factbook