Ethiopia emphasises coordination of innovation and industrial policy to strengthen manufacturing sector
Date: 2026-05-05
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
A
high-level panel discussion held in Addis Ababa has underscored the importance
of aligning innovation and industrial policies to enhance the competitiveness
of Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector.
The
discussion took place during the “Ethiopian Miracle Expo 2018,” organised by
the Ministry of Industry Ethiopia, and focused on supporting the country’s
structural economic transition through targeted policy measures aimed at
boosting domestic production and strengthening export performance.
Officials
highlighted the need for improved coordination mechanisms between innovation
and industrial systems, with emphasis on digitalisation as a key driver of
efficiency, competitiveness, and investment confidence in the manufacturing
sector.
Minister
of Innovation and Technology Bete Mola said that integrating and digitalising
coordination systems is essential for positioning the country’s manufacturing
industry within global value chains. He noted that aligning innovation and
industrial strategies would improve the use of technology while fostering a
more predictable investment environment.
He
further stated that digital transformation can reduce production costs through
modernised systems while also strengthening industrial resilience against
global disruptions. He stressed the importance of developing human capital to
support the growth of a sustainable digital economy.
Minister
of Industry Melaku Alebel said the “Ethiopian Miracle” initiative aims to
create a coordinated framework for public and private sector collaboration in
industrial transformation. He noted that challenges such as limited financing
and weak institutional coordination have affected private sector investment,
and that reforms are underway to address these constraints through integrated
digital monitoring and improved governance systems.
Participants
also emphasised that targeted technology transfer and strengthened coordination
between stakeholders will enable manufacturers to produce higher-quality goods
and expand access to competitive international markets.
The
discussions reflected broader national efforts to accelerate industrial
development through innovation-led policies and enhanced digital integration
across key economic sectors.
