“Let Ethiopia Produce” Ignites Impetus on Dev't of Manufacturing in Pastoralist Areas

Addis Ababa, May 7/2024 (ENA) The Chief Administrators of Somali and Afar regions remarked that the “Let Ethiopia Produce” movement has ignited a greater impetus on the development of the manufacturing sector in the pastoralist areas.  

“Let Ethiopia Produce” is a nationwide movement launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed two years ago to revitalize the industry sector by boosting productivity and competitiveness with a view to appropriately tape the potential of the sector to the overall economic development of the country. 

Speaking to ENA, the Chief Administrator of Somali Region, Mustefe Mohammed said that the region had no experience in industrial and urban development.

However, after the inception of national reform program and more particularly in the advent of the “Let Ethiopia Produce “ movement two years ago has prompted various investors to engage in manufacturing industries in the region. 

He added that the regional administration has introduced various incentives to lure investors to the manufacturing sector by removing various bottlenecks and enabling those who had earlier quitted investing in the sector. 

The Chief Administrator noted that apart from supporting 10 bigger industries to resume production, the region has supported various agro-processing industries so that they would contribute their share in promoting the manufacturing sector.

Mustefe said that based on the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda which envisages the synchronization of the manufacturing sector with agriculture; efforts are underway to increase production and productivity in the sectors.

He added that more efforts will be exerted to increase the support to those manufacturing industries that are engaged in import substitution.

Specific directions have been put in place to coordinate efforts to resolve the bottlenecks that are encountered in the manufacturing sector by making the necessary follow up from the region down to district levels, the Chief Administrator further stressed.  

The Chief Administrator of Afar region, Awol Arba, said the “Let Ethiopia Produce” has enabled the region to make the necessary coordination among stakeholders to resolve problems that have been encountered in the manufacturing sector.
 

The Chief Administrator said that more than 100 small and middle level   manufacturing industries engaged in the production of salt and chemicals that were closed due to the war that has flared up in the norther part of the country have been made to resume production. 

He added that a coordinated system was put in place to resolve challenges in power supply, infrastructure and access to finance through central coordination office in cooperation with stakeholders in identifying the major issues encountered in the sector. 

The Chief Administrator said that short term, mid-term and longer strategic plans were made to streamline the production capacity of the manufacturing sector in the region.

Pursuant to the objectives of “Let Ethiopia Produced” campaign, a committee was established tasked with resolving upcoming problems, enhancing the capacity of the manufacturing sector in the region and promotion of quality production and competitiveness. 

The committee has been providing support for those engaged in the manufacturing sector in the region, Awol remarked. 

He added that various exhibitions were organized in the region to enable local and foreign investors to introduce their products and engage in market linkage for their products. 

The conducive environment put in place for production of commodities for foreign markets has created an opportunity for the development of the manufacturing sector in the region, he stated. 

Awol further called upon investors to take the opportunity and engage in the manufacturing sector by utilizing the diverse natural resources that are available in the region for their own benefit and the development of the country.

He added that investors can utilize the vast agricultural natural resources in the Awash River Valley.