Ethiopia to Publish Nationwide Industry Census Results Within a Month

Mintesinot Niggusie

Ethiopia has completed a nationwide census of industrial establishments, with results expected to be released within one month, the Ministry of Industry said.

The survey covered industrial enterprises ranging from small-scale operators to large manufacturing plants and is intended to establish a commercial information database that can strengthen production and input linkages among industries.

Speaking to Ahadu Radio, industry Minister Melaku Alebel said preliminary information obtained from the Ethiopian Statistics Service indicates the census findings are “encouraging.”

According to the minister, the study shows Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector has expanded significantly in terms of the number of industries, production capacity, diversity and geographical distribution compared with previous assessments.

The ministry said the census also examined factors limiting industrial productivity. Shortages of electricity and finance, alongside management-related challenges, were identified as the main constraints affecting production capacity.

Officials said councils established under the “Ethiopia Tamirt” manufacturing movement have been working with relevant institutions to identify and address these bottlenecks since the initiative was launched.

Melaku said efforts to resolve operational constraints in the industrial sector have helped raise average production capacity utilisation to 67 percent. The government is targeting an increase to 85 percent in the coming years. The total number of industrial establishments will be disclosed once the full census results are officially published.