The Federal Housing Corporation (FHC) has entered into a partnership with Austria’s Baumit Group to introduce 3D concrete printing technology to Ethiopia’s housing sector.

The agreement was formalised following discussions between FHC chief executive Reshad Kemal and senior Baumit executives in Austria. The partnership was further solidified through a visit to the International Exhibition of Construction Machinery and Technology in Munich, Germany.

This initiative marks the third modern construction method adopted by the FHC, following the implementation of aluminium formwork systems from South Korea and precast construction technology from Italy.

The 3D printing technology is expected to reduce construction costs by over 50% compared to traditional methods. It allows for the rapid construction of complex architectural designs and makes use of 98% locally sourced materials. The first pilot houses are scheduled to commence construction shortly after the technology's installation in Ethiopia.

Baumit plans to collaborate with the FHC to construct multiple houses within a year, following an initial site assessment.