Manufacturers press federal authorities to speed up the transformation of industrial parks into special economic zones (SEZs), a shift they see as vital to their survival during mounting economic pressures. A lobby group of 18 investors operating in the Hawassa Industrial Park (HIP) recently penned a letter conveying the desperation of companies struggling under a foreign exchange retention policy that allows them to keep only 50pc of their earnings.

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) recently issued a directive freeing SEZs from retention rules, permitting them to retain 100pc of foreign exchange earned. Non-SEZ exporters are required to surrender half of their forex earnings to banks at the current exchange rate, with the remaining half held for a brief 30 days. Manufacturers within Hawassa Park argue that the delay in designating the Park as a special economic zone is causing them loss.

Special economic zones (SEZs) offer numerous advantages, including tax-related preferential treatment, simplified bureaucratic procedures, relatively organised infrastructure, and diversified operations. They can range from export-oriented zones to technology and logistics hubs.

Hibret Lemma, president of the HIP Investors Association, fears companies will suffer huge losses. According to the President, a binding governmental decision has not been forthcoming despite Hawassa Park meeting all the criteria for a special zone status.

Tariku Adugna, chief of staff at the Industrial Park Development Corporation (IPDC), attributed potential designation to procedures that "need to be carried out." He disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the NBE to temporarily allow all industrial parks to retain their foreign exchange fully. However, the measure is seen as a temporary solution while the designation of these parks as special zones is being processed. According to Tariku, a rigorous process is involved, noting that the IPDC is conducting a study to determine which parks will transition to SEZs under the proclamation.

The decision to designate special economic zones rests with the Ethiopian Investment Board, chaired by the Prime Minister. The board comprises Central Bank Governor Mamo Mihretu, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, Planning & Development Minister Fitsum Asfaw (PhD), and Hanna Arayaselassie, commissioner of the Investment Commission.

The Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone (DDFTZ), 445Km east of Addis Ababa, is believed to have met the criteria.

It is slated to begin operations as a special economic zone in a month, with a plan to expand it to 288hct from its current 150hct, housing seven companies in 15 sheds. The five-year-old zone generated seven million dollars from manufacturing in 2023. Due to its proximity to ports in Djibouti and suitability for multimodal transport and logistics, Dire Dawa has attracted investors' interest. Over 300 domestic and international companies have submitted proposals to operate in the zone, with 10 being selected.

In the words of Tariku, "Investments are expected to proliferate."

Other companies in the Bole Lemi Industrial Park (BLIP) have also shown interest in becoming special economic zones.

"Transitions are still in the pipeline," said manager Tinsae Amare.

Discussions with the Investment Commission authorities have been held in recent weeks about the transition requirements, with an eye on 100pc forex retention. According to Ministry of Industry data, exports from the Park, totalling 460 million dollars, decreased from last year.

"Other countries, with more efficient and integrated systems, are outbidding us," Hibret told Fortune.

Low demand in the international market, limited export orders, and logistics disruptions caused by regional conflicts on the Red Sea exacerbate the manufacturers' plight. The suspension of Ethiopia from the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA) in early 2022 due to the civil war in the Tigray and neighbouring regional states dealt a consequential blow. Companies that previously relied almost exclusively on the U.S. market have struggled to redirect to European markets, making rerouting difficult.