Youth-Led Industrial Innovation Driving Ethiopia’s Economic Future: Founder of Bejai Ethio Industry

Addis Ababa, September 27, 2025 (ENA) – Youth-led industrial innovation has been fueling Ethiopia’s economic transformation, according to Bejai Nerash Naiker, founder of Bejai Ethio Industry & Engineering Solutions. 

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Bejai appreciated the government’s efforts in supporting youth entrepreneurship.

“There is a bright future for young innovators as policies, infrastructure, and access to finance improvements,” he noted, adding that the government must continue simplifying procedures and strengthening support systems.

He further advised young people to align their business ideas with national development policies, tackle local challenges, and pioneer untested ventures that inspire others.

“Young people have immense untapped potential, but many face challenges that limit their capacities. They need to start by producing innovations that benefit their communities and country,” he said, urging young entrepreneurs to embrace fabrication engineering and create homegrown solutions.

He stated that the government’s policy to replace imported goods with domestically produced products promotes technology and knowledge transfer, which further contributes to identifying local capabilities and skills.

According to him, the “Made in Ethiopia” movement one of the initiatives that significantly expanded the efforts, enabling product distribution in neighboring countries and attracting investors. 

Naiker emphasized the strong leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior government officials in encouraging investments in agriculture.

Bejai added that his company has employed over 300 people directly and works with 24 subcontractors who run their own facilities, hiring skilled workers such as welders, fitters, and painters.

"Together, we are building a dynamic youth-driven industrial workforce that powers Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector,” he emphasized.