Ethiopian Industrial Parks Impress Regional ILO Conference Delegates

Addis Ababa, May 22, 2025 (ENA) -- Participants of the 20th International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Conference for Labour-Based Practitioners have lauded Ethiopia's industrial parks and development programs, citing them as commendable models for job creation and inclusive growth.

The delegates, representing various African nations and international institutions, shared their positive impressions after visiting key development sites in Addis Ababa, including the Bole Lemi Special Economic Zone and the Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation. 

 

They exressed particular admiration for the Bole Lemi Industrial Park, Ethiopia's first industrial park that began operation in 2014 and successfully attracted international investors.

Key aspects that impressed the visitors include, the massive job creation, workers welfare, housing, schools, and kindergartens for workers children, environmental stewardship, streamlined investment process, government support and subsidies, among others.

The Cameroonian Patric Armel Kunda emphasized learning from Ethiopia's initiatives in employment creation and the provision of worker facilities, saying "now, things have really changed. We just came empty, but we will go back loaded."

 

The South African Dorothy Steenkamp commended the Ethiopian government for the "absolutely amazing" socio-economic impact of its development, particularly the industrial parks.

She praised the working conditions for employees and Ethiopia's role as a role model for other African countries.

 

The Tanzanian Luwitiko Mwandobo was particularly impressed by the efficient organization of services for investors within the industrial areas, the provision of housing and food for employees, and Ethiopia's strategic approach to attracting investment through subsidies and land allocation for future developments.

 

The Madagascan Randrianarivo Bertrand described Ethiopia as "very amazing," expressing a desire to learn from Ethiopia's development and apply lessons in his own country.

He specifically highlighted the impressive organization and efficiency of the construction sector.

 

The collective sentiment among the delegates was that Ethiopia's commitment to job creation through industrialization and well-planned development programs offers invaluable lessons for other African nations striving for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The 20th International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Conference for Labour-Based Practitioners underway at the African Union Conference Center, aims to foster knowledge exchange, explore innovative solutions, and develop actionable strategies for employment creation and sustainable development across Africa.