The occupancy rate across Ethiopia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has climbed to 89%, according to the Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC). Zemen Junedi, Deputy CEO of IPDC’s Promotion and Marketing Division, noted that nearly all 13 SEZs are now operational, attracting both local and international investors.

Bole Lemi and Adama Industrial Parks have achieved full occupancy, while Jimma SEZ is 90% occupied. Zemen cited extensive legal reforms, revising around 80 regulatory frameworks, as the key driver of investor interest and confidence.

Notably, domestic investor participation in SEZs has surged from under 5% to 60%. “Ethiopian investors are now present in all SEZs. The government has introduced targeted measures to boost local manufacturing and industrial transformation,” he said.

The SEZs contribute to both exports and import substitution, especially in textiles, garments, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and automobile assembly. Zemen revealed that nearly USD 900 million in new investments were secured in the current fiscal year, with most projects already operational.

“Previously underperforming areas are now thriving. The SEZs are fulfilling their purpose, generating foreign exchange, creating jobs, and facilitating technology transfer,” he emphasized.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald