By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Ethiopia, June 09, 2026 - Ethiopia's flagship Ethiopia Tamirt (Made in Ethiopia) Movement is playing an increasingly important role in reducing import dependence, expanding local manufacturing and generating much-needed foreign exchange earnings, according to government officials.
The remarks were made during the closing ceremony of the regional Ethiopia Tamirt Movement programme held in Kombolcha City, Amhara Regional State, under the theme “Ethiopia Tamirt for Inclusive Sovereignty.”
Speaking at the event, Minister of Industry Melaku Alebel said the initiative has become a key pillar of Ethiopia's industrialization agenda, helping stimulate economic growth while strengthening domestic production capacity.
"The movement has played a significant role in the growth of the industrial sector and in stimulating the country's economy in recent years," Melaku said.
Launched as part of Ethiopia's broader economic reform programme, the Made in Ethiopia campaign seeks to increase domestic manufacturing, substitute imports with locally produced goods and enhance the competitiveness of Ethiopian industries in regional and international markets.
According to the Industry Minister, the initiative has contributed to improving industrial productivity by supporting factories, addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and modernizing service delivery systems.
"The movement has supported industries, improved infrastructure, modernized service delivery, and addressed challenges," he said, noting that tangible results have already been recorded across several sectors.
Melaku further stated that the programme has helped Ethiopia reduce reliance on imported goods while increasing the production of quality products capable of earning foreign exchange through exports.
"In addition to substituting imported products and boosting the production of quality goods that generate foreign exchange earnings, the movement has enabled the creation of job opportunities for citizens," he said.
The minister added that the initiative has created a favorable environment for both existing manufacturers and new investors by improving access to support services and encouraging greater participation in Ethiopia's industrial sector.
The programme comes at a time when Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to address foreign currency shortages through export promotion and import substitution strategies.
The government has identified manufacturing as a key sector capable of generating employment, increasing exports and supporting broader economic transformation.
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Also addressing the gathering, Amhara Regional State Chief Administrator Arega Kebede said the movement has contributed significantly to economic growth within the Amhara region by improving services in the industrial and investment sectors.
"The Ethiopia Tamirt movement has enabled the region to provide efficient services in the industrial and investment sectors, which have contributed significantly to the growth of the region's economy," Arega said.
He noted that beyond supporting industrial production, the initiative has helped cultivate a culture of consuming locally manufactured products.
"In addition to substituting imported products and producing goods for foreign markets, the movement has also made a significant contribution to developing a culture of using domestic products and taking pride in locally produced goods," he added.
According to Endris Abdu, Head of the Region’s Industry and Investment Bureau, the programme has delivered measurable results across the region over the last four years.
"Through the movement, 496 new and existing industries have transitioned into operational status over the past four years," Endris said.
He further revealed that more than 125,000 jobs have been created through industrial and investment activities linked to the initiative.
"The movement has enabled us to enhance close collaboration with investors, helping them promote their products, access credit facilities, obtain the necessary infrastructure, and receive sustained and strengthened support," he said.
The Ethiopia Tamirt Movement has become one of the government's flagship industrial development programmes as the country seeks to build a stronger manufacturing base, reduce import dependency and increase export earnings.
Economists note that the programme aligns with Ethiopia's broader ambitions of becoming a manufacturing hub in East Africa while creating employment opportunities for its rapidly growing population.
With industrial parks expanding, local production increasing and investment promotion efforts intensifying, officials believe the Made in Ethiopia campaign will continue to play a central role in driving economic transformation and strengthening the country's industrial competitiveness in the years ahead.