Ethiopia has set a target of earning USD 1 billion from manufacturing exports during the 2026/27 fiscal year, after the sector generated USD 607 million in the 2025/26 fiscal year.
Industry Minister Melaku Alebel announced the target during a manufacturing export performance review and recognition program held in Addis Ababa.
According to the minister, manufacturing export earnings increased from USD 385 million before the introduction of the Made in Ethiopia initiative to USD 607 million during the 2025/26 fiscal year.
The latest figure represents an increase of USD 222 million, or about 58 percent, compared with the earlier level cited by the ministry.
Melaku said the sector had recorded progress in production, exports and employment, although manufacturers continued to face operational and structural challenges.
Annual employment in the manufacturing sector increased from approximately 162,000 at the beginning of the government’s reform program to more than 433,000, according to figures presented by the minister.
He said increasing exports would require manufacturers to improve productivity, product quality and competitiveness in international markets.
The Ministry of Industry has also prepared a new manufacturing export strategy based on domestic production capacity, market opportunities and international experience.
The strategy is intended to guide efforts to expand manufacturing exports, attract investment, create employment and improve the competitiveness of locally produced goods.
Melaku called for coordination among government institutions, manufacturers, exporters and other stakeholders to meet the USD 1 billion export target.
The ministry said it would continue implementing the Made in Ethiopia initiative and the import substitution program as part of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and increase exports.
During the forum, participants reviewed the manufacturing sector’s export performance during the 2025/26 fiscal year and discussed the export plan for the 2026/27 fiscal year.
The meeting also examined policy and implementation challenges, cooperation between the public and private sectors and measures required to improve export performance.
Manufacturers that recorded strong export results during the 2025/26 fiscal year were recognized at the event.
The program brought together government officials, manufacturers, exporters, private sector representatives, development partners and officials from institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Industry.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
