Addis Ababa, November 12, 2025 (FMC) – Debre Berhan, the capital of North Shewa Zone in the Amhara region, is emerging as a growing center for industrial development, Deputy Prime Minister [Name] said Tuesday during a visit to several factories in the city.
Deputy PM Temesgen described Debre Berhan as a “center of gravity for industry,” highlighting the city’s role in Ethiopia’s ongoing structural transition from an agriculture-based economy to a manufacturing-led one.
Among the sites visited was the newly inaugurated Brown Foods maize processing factory, which began operations on the same day. The factory is designed to strengthen linkages between maize-producing farmers and the industrial sector, substitute imported products with locally manufactured goods, and create employment opportunities for youth.
“The industrial development I witnessed today demonstrates that we are firmly grasping the tail of the structural transition from agriculture to industry,” the Deputy PM said. “This factory is a clear example of that journey. It connects farmers to manufacturing, provides jobs for our youth, and strengthens Ethiopia’s capacity to produce what we consume.”
The maize products from the factory are fortified with vitamins and minerals, providing access to balanced nutrition and placing Ethiopia among the few African countries producing such enriched foods domestically.
The Deputy PM emphasized the broader significance of industrial facilities that rely on domestic agricultural products. “Our factories, which extensively utilize local raw materials, are the tools through which our journey to safeguard comprehensive sovereignty will succeed,” he said.
During the visit, the Deputy PM toured multiple industrial facilities across Debre-Berhan, underscoring the city’s growing importance as a hub for manufacturing and economic diversification in the region.