Export Recovery Gains Ground, Industry Still Lags Potential

Aug 3 , 2025


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The Ministry of Industry (MoI) has reported a modest rebound in Ethiopia’s manufacturing exports, with revenues climbing eight percent in the 2025 fiscal year to reach 318 million dollars. Minister Melaku Alebel attributed the growth to a gradual sectoral recovery but acknowledged the figures remain well below the country’s industrial potential. Speaking at a forum held with 60 top-performing manufacturers, Melaku said the ministry is working to unlock bottlenecks and improve coordination. The meeting sought input from exporters on how to boost performance across key subsectors. Zerihun Abebe, executive director for Export Competitiveness at the Ministry, disclosed that monthly earnings peaked at 28 million dollars, with Asia, the US, and African countries emerging as the sector’s largest markets.


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