Hawassa to get 1.7bn birr edible oil plant

Addis Ababa, December 27, 2020 (FBC) –A cornerstone has been laid for an edible oil plant to be built at a cost of 1.7 billion birr in Hawassa city, Sidama regional state.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the factory to be constructed by Ama business group took place today and was attended by high level federal and regional governments’ officials.

Chief Administrator of Sidama regional state, Desta Ledamo, said the regional state has favourable investment climate and is ready to welcome investors who want to invest in the region.

Melaku Alebel, Minister of Trade and Industry (MoTI) said the country spends 48 million birr in a month for edible oil.

Local factories cover only 12% of Ethiopia’s demand for oil, he said, adding the construction of the plant by Ama would contribute its share to address the problem.

Deputy Mayor of Hawassa city, Assistant Professor Tsegaye Tukie, said such types of projects have significant roles towards reducing unemployment rate.

Andinet Getachew, owner of Ama business group, said the factory will create employment opportunities for more than 2,000 people.