ADDIS ABABA–The Chemical Industry Corporation’s Awash Melkassa Chemical Factory (CICAMCF) announced its commitment to meeting domestic chemical industry demands through a research-based, quality-focused approach.
The factory hosted a half-day workshop yesterday, engaging stakeholders to showcase its progress and emphasize joint efforts in bridging gaps within Ethiopia’s chemical sector.
In his opening address, Chemical and Construction Inputs Research and Development Center Manager Habtamu Aragie highlighted numerous ongoing activities aimed at fulfilling local demand in the chemical industry. The Manufacturing Industry Development Institute Deputy Director General Hadigu Hailkirose (PhD) added that as Ethiopia undertakes reforms to achieve comprehensive growth, the chemical industry plays a crucial role in the country’s development aspirations.
Hadigu detailed the factory’s production of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), aluminum sulfate (Al2 (SO4)3), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), emphasizing the global reliance on the chemical industry, which supplies 95% of worldwide demand. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2060, demand for chemical products is expected to soar, reinforcing the sector’s importance.
CICAMCF’s contributions as an import substitute are pivotal, providing inputs for 14 different industries while supporting Ethiopia’s goals of import substitution, foreign currency conservation, and export growth. “Expanding production, fostering innovation, boosting exports, and ensuring sustainable manufacturing are priority areas for realizing Ethiopia’s vision for the chemical industry,” Hadigu stated.
CICAMCF’s Manager Ahmed Motuma noted that despite challenges from unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic, the factory has maintained chemical production for over two decades. CICAMCF currently conducts biannual surveys and annual workshops to address gaps, enhance quality, and meet client demands. While the factory has the capacity to meet domestic demand and even extend to neighboring markets, limited promotional outreach remains a barrier.
The workshop gathered manufacturers, government officials, and industry experts to discuss opportunities, challenges, and collaborative strategies for advancing Ethiopia’s chemical industry, underscoring the sector’s potential to drive economic progress.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2024
