Manufacturing Push Gains Momentum as Ethiopia Cements Economic Foundation: Minister Melaku

Addis Ababa, April 25, 2026 (ENA) —Industry Minister Melaku Alebel stated that the government is working with a focus on the manufacturing industry sector to solidify Ethiopia on a strong economic foundation.

Speaking during the “Ethiopia Tamrit (Made in Ethiopia”) 10-kilometer street race held at Meskel Square; the minister underscored the government’s focus on expanding industrial capacity and promoting locally made products.

The event drew senior officials including Culture and Sports Minister Shewit Shanka, Addis Ababa Deputy Mayor Jantrar Abay, and Ethiopian Athletics Federation President Sileshi Sihine.

 

Minister Melaku said the race was designed to promote locally manufactured sport materials   and highlight the growing capacity of industries engaged in import substitution.

“The government is working with a clear focus on manufacturing to build a strong economic foundation,” he said, adding that reforms in recent years have begun to yield tangible results.

He noted that momentum in the sector has accelerated following the launch of the “Ethiopia Tamrit” initiative, with improvements seen in both the quality and volume of domestic production.

“The culture of using locally manufactured goods is steadily improving,” he stated, emphasizing that products once reliant on imports are now increasingly produced within the country.

 

The minister affirmed that efforts would continue to expand the sector’s contribution to the national economy and deepen industrial transformation.

Minister Shewit Shanka on her part highlighted parallel investments in the sports sector, noting that expanding infrastructure has opened broader opportunities for youth participation and development.

“The integration of sports and industry is helping replace imported sports materials with locally produced alternatives,” she said.

She added that the sportswear used in the race was entirely produced in Ethiopia, reflecting growing coordination between the two sectors.

 

Deputy Mayor Jantrar Abay also pointed to significant progress in Addis Ababa’s industrial landscape, noting that reforms have strengthened production capacity and supported the city’s role in advancing the national manufacturing agenda.