Construction transformation initiative set to boost national competitiveness, says Minister

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025 (FMC) – Minister of Urban Development and Infrastructure, Chaltu Sani, said the newly launched Construction Industry Transformation Initiative will significantly enhance Ethiopia’s national competitiveness by modernizing the construction sector.

Speaking at the launch event, Minister Chaltu noted that the construction industry’s growth has not yet reached the expected level due to various challenges. She said the initiative is of great importance in addressing these issues.

She highlighted the sector’s heavy reliance on imported materials as a key challenge and emphasized that finding sustainable solutions to reduce this dependency is a major focus of the initiative.

Minister Chaltu also explained that facilitating human resource development and creating job opportunities through coordinated efforts are among the goals of the initiative.

Regarding quality assurance, she said consultants and contractors will be formally registered and given ratings to ensure accountability. She pledged that the ministry will provide necessary support to enable Ethiopian contractors and consultants to expand their operations into neighboring countries.

She stressed that the initiative will elevate the construction sector to a new stage of performance and competitiveness, both nationally and regionally.