UNIDO committed towards supporting sustainable, inclusive industrial dev’t in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, November 21, 2023 (FBC) – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) reaffirmed commitment towards supporting sustainable and inclusive industrial development in Ethiopia.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), representative of Ethiopia and partners, celebrated the Africa Industrial Day today.
This year’s Africa Industrial Day, celebrated under the theme of “Accelerating Africa’s industrialization through the empowerment of African women in processing for an integrated market.”
The theme, according to ENA, focuses on the critical role of women-led enterprises in driving Africa’s industrialization through processing and value addition, as well as the integration of African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
With intra-African trade dominated with manufactured products, there is huge potential for women to take up more roles in manufacturing as a pathway to the continent’s structural transformation, economic inclusion as well as job creation, it was indicated.
UNIDO Regional Hub in Ethiopia, Aurelia Patrizia Calabrò recalled the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) for Ethiopia, among others, that focuses on three light manufacturing sectors; agro-food processing, textiles and apparel, and leather and leather products.
She said these sectors were chosen due to their prospects for job creation, strong linkages to the agricultural sector, high export potential and capacities to attract private sector investment.
They will act as a springboard for the transformation of Ethiopia’s economy from agriculture based to one driven primarily by light industries, Calabrò noted.
“With the technical assistance of UNIDO, we are progressing well to establish a leather industrial district to create a competitive industry, mitigate pollution and facilitate Foreign Direct Investment,” she added.
She reiterated that continued strong commitment of the UNIDO’s to support Africa’s, particularly Ethiopia’s industry development and the building of inclusive, resilient and prosperous societies for all.
UNIDO also handed over slaughterhouse machines and tools to abattoirs in Ethiopia that worth 430,000 Euros.
She stated that the support will enable the production of quality hides and skins-the key inputs along the leather value chain for quality leather and leather products.
Africa Industrialization Day is celebrated every year on the 20th of November bringing together member states and trade partners to discuss initiatives and opportunities that can advance industrialization efforts across the continent.
It is an occasion that helps draw worldwide attention to the challenges of industrialization in Africa and highlights possible ways to help bolster further economic development.
On this Africa Industrialization Day, the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have called upon governments, development partners, academia, the private sector and civil society to enhance collaboration in creating an enabling environment for the emergence and spread of women in processing industries across Africa.