UNIDO Describes Ethiopia’s Industrial Transformation Model Developing Nations

Addis Ababa, January 30, 2026 (ENA) - The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) emphasized that Ethiopia’s ongoing industrial transformation, driven by sustained investment in energy, value addition and agro-industrial parks, is increasingly being recognized as a model for developing countries.

In an exclusive interview to ENA, UNIDO Representative to Ethiopia Stephen Bainous Kargbo affirmed that the country’s experience shows how a clear and strategic industrial policy can accelerate broad based development and attract international attention.

He underlined that energy has been the backbone of Ethiopia’s industrial progress, noting that industrialization cannot advance without reliable and expanded power supply.

“Ethiopia’s focus on developing access to energy and having more installed energy capacity is very key to industrialization and therefore all forms of development,” Kargbo said.

According to him, Ethiopia’s industrial drive is positioning the country as a major force in Africa’s industrial growth, with visible results in job creation, sustainability and shared prosperity.

He further stressed that energy supports every sector of the economy and society.

“Energy is for every aspect of life,” he said, adding that health, education and social services all depend on adequate energy supply.

Kargbo also highlighted the performance of agro-industrial parks developed with UNIDO support, describing them as concrete evidence of Ethiopia’s industrial momentum.

“Huge investments have been attracted to these industrial parks and large numbers of jobs have been created and more companies are showing interest,” he stated.

He further noted that Ethiopia’s strong emphasis on value addition follows a proven development path taken by industrialized nations.

“Building industries is something every developed country has taken as a step,” he said.

Calling for inclusive and sustainable growth, the UNIDO representative emphasized the wide economic impact of industrial investment.

“One dollar investment in industry or in manufacturing is able to generate multiplier effects in all other aspects, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.

He added that industry has the potential to drive prosperity by creating jobs and income while protecting the environment and ensuring that growth benefits all segments of society.

Ethiopia’s progress is also attracting growing international interest, with several countries visiting the country to learn from its experience in developing industrial parks.

“Many other countries have come to Ethiopia… this is already for me an indication that more and more Ethiopia is going to serve as an example,” Kargbo said.

He also reaffirmed UNIDO’s continued commitment to supporting Ethiopia through technology transfer, partnerships and industrial networks.

“This is the route to development,” Kargbo said, adding, “I see that the future is bright.”