Ethiopia's ongoing macroeconomic reforms have significantly enhanced the international competitiveness of the manufacturing sector, according to local producers participating in the third Ethiopia Tamirt (Made in Ethiopia) Expo.
The expo, which was officially opened by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) on May 3, 2025, at the Addis Ababa International Convention Center, featured a panel discussion under the theme, "Increasing the Productivity and Competitiveness of the Manufacturing Industry through Institutional and Coordinated Work in the Ethiopia Tamirt Movement."
Panelists deliberated on key areas impacting the manufacturing sector, including finance, customs procedures, technology and business support, the establishment of reliable logistics services, and streamlining the flow of inputs and goods.
Khalifa Hussein, president of the Ethiopian Meat Producers and Exporters Association, lauded the government's efforts to incentivize the manufacturing industry. He specifically highlighted the macroeconomic reform's success in curbing illegal trade and boosting the global competitiveness of the sector. Hussein also noted that technological advancements in logistics services have contributed to increased efficiency within the industry. He shared that measures taken to address illicit livestock trade, which previously hampered productivity, have now enabled the production of 200,000 metric tons of meat annually, reported ENA.
Echoing this sentiment, Elisabet Getahun, president of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Ship Agents Association, for her part, stated that the government's reforms in the logistics sector have brought about substantial positive changes. She pointed out the introduction of favorable regulations for the manufacturing industry and the widespread implementation of technology in logistics services, particularly in customs, where many services are now technologically accessible. Elisabet emphasized that the modernization of the logistics sector has facilitated smoother operations for both exporters and importers, reducing previous hurdles.
Hibret Lemma, manager of the Hawassa Industrial Park Investors Association, highlighted that the macroeconomic reform has been particularly beneficial for manufacturers by improving access to foreign currency, thereby mitigating previous shortages.