Addis Ababa, February 19, 2026 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday launched the construction of the Busa Gonofa Integrated Food Industry in Nekemte town, East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region, describing the project as a major step toward modernizing food processing and strengthening local agricultural value chains.
The Prime Minister is continuing his two-day tour of the Wollega areas of Oromia Region, observing development initiatives across Qellem, East, and West Wollega Zones. Today’s visit included the groundbreaking of the Busa Gonofa Integrated Food Industry, highlighting the government’s focus on industrialization, rural development, and value-added agriculture.
According to the Prime Minister’s social media post, the Busa Gonofa Integrated Food Industry will process maize and soy bean flour, as well as 14 other maize-based products.
He noted that once completed, the project will have a processing capacity of 2,000 tons of maize and 120 tons of soy bean per day.
PM Abiy emphasized that the industry will create employment opportunities for over 6,500 permanent and contract employees. “The project will also generate a wide market for local farmers, cooperatives, and private seed producers, enhancing the value chain and boosting the local economy,” he added.
The Busa Gonofa Integrated Food Industry is part of broader efforts in East Wollega and the Oromia Region to promote industrialization, strengthen rural livelihoods, and integrate local agricultural production into value-added processing.