Ethiopia substituted imports worth USD 4.85 billion with locally produced goods during the first nine months of the current fiscal period, according to Industry Minister Melaku Alebel.
The performance report was presented in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and highlighted recent developments in the industrial sector. The minister said the result reflects ongoing efforts to expand domestic production and reduce reliance on imported goods.
A central part of this effort has been the Made in Ethiopia movement, also known as Ethiopia Tamirt, which was introduced as part of the country’s wider industrialization strategy. The initiative is designed to strengthen local manufacturing, improve export competitiveness, and encourage greater use of goods produced in Ethiopia.
Implemented by the Ministry of Industry, the program provides support to manufacturers through policy incentives, technical assistance, and better market access. As part of these efforts, 754 industries have entered production, contributing to the expansion of the country’s manufacturing base.
The report also indicated that the manufacturing sector has shown stronger growth compared to previous performance. According to the minister, sector growth, which had previously stood at 4.8 percent, has now risen to above 13 percent.
Domestic and foreign investors were also identified as playing a role in supporting both import substitution and export performance. During the same nine month period, Ethiopia exported industrial goods valued at USD 433 million.
The report further noted that higher industrial output has been accompanied by increased energy consumption, which was presented as an indication of expanding production activity. The import substitution program is also expected to ease pressure on foreign currency demand while supporting broader economic recovery.
Looking ahead, the government said it plans to continue strengthening the sector by improving access to finance, raw materials, reliable energy supply, and market linkages. The Made in Ethiopia initiative is expected to remain a key part of these efforts, particularly in relation to rural industrialization and bringing additional factories into operation.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
