Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has lauded the Wonji Shoa Sugar Factory as a vivid example of successful reform, showcasing its dramatic turnaround from near collapse into a thriving enterprise that serves as a testament to strategic change.
In a message shared recently, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the factory's journey, noting its construction 70 years ago on a strong foundation. However, he cautioned that mere longevity doesn't guarantee sustained success. "However, merely being early or established doesn't guarantee superiority if one doesn't keep pace with the times," the Prime Minister stated, adding a traditional proverb: "An ear that grew earlier can be overtaken by a horn that came later." He emphasized that if one fails to innovate and accelerate to stay ahead, time itself will leave them behind.
Just three years ago, Wonji Sugar Factory faced dire circumstances, unable to pay its employees' salaries and burdened by overwhelming debt. Thanks to concerted reform efforts, the factory has dramatically increased its daily production from 1,500 quintals to 7,000 quintals of sugar.
Beyond core sugar production, the factory has seen the return of ‘Desta Keremela’, a nostalgic product for many, after a 14-year hiatus. Furthermore, under the 'Lemat Trufat' (Bounty of the Basket) initiative, new operations have been established, capable of producing 3,000 liters of milk and 20,000 eggs daily. The Prime Minister also remarked on the enhanced visual appeal of the factory's compound and fields.
Wonji has successfully navigated its period of challenge this year, generating a significant 8.7 billion Birr in revenue within just nine months.
Prime Minister Abiy expressed his expectation that these robust reform results observed at Wonji will be replicated across other factories in the country. He concluded with an inspiring call to action: "If we work, we will get ahead of tomorrow."