Ethiopia issues a request for proposal for privatization of 8 state-owned sugar enterprises 

Addis Ababa, May 23, 2023 (FBC) – The Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), on behalf of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (GoE), have announced the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the privatization of eight state-owned sugar enterprises.

The RFP marks a critical milestone in the government’s efforts to transition to a competitive market structure and strengthen private sector growth in the sugar sector. The eight (8) sugar enterprises available for privatization are Arjo Dedessa, Kessem, Omo Kuraz 1, Omo Kuraz 2, Omo Kuraz 3, Omo Kuraz 5, Tana Beles, and Tendaho, it is noted.

It is stated that following the issuance of an invitation to submit an expression of interest in August 2022, more than twenty (20) local and international parties expressed their interest in the tender.

“The Government of Ethiopia engaged with these interested parties to receive early feedback for consideration on the envisaged policy reforms and has now issued a comprehensive RFP that outlines the bid submission process. The RFP provides detailed information on the transaction, including the scope of the privatization, the requirements for bidders, the evaluation criteria, and the timeline for the process, the Ministry of Finance underscored.

It is noted that the RFP is available to investors who have signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement and paid participation fee. More details on the RFP and the transaction process can be obtained by sending a written request to sugarbid@mofed.gov.et and project.sikuar@ke.ey.com starting from May 23, 2023.

“The GoE thanks all interested parties for their interest in the privatization process and looks forward to their continued participation in the tender. The successful privatization of these sugar enterprises will contribute to the growth and development of Ethiopia’s economy and promote private-sector investment in the country.”

In the statement issued on social media today, the Ministry has also introduced other official contact emails for interested bidders who wish to acquire further information or clarifications on the process.