Ethiopia’s SEZs win praise from ILO Regional Conference delegates

Addis Ababa, May 23, 2025 (FMC) — Delegates attending the 20th International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Conference for Labour-Based Practitioners have praised Ethiopia’s industrial parks and development programs, describing them as exemplary models for job creation and inclusive growth.

Representatives from various African nations and international organizations shared their impressions following visits to key development sites in Addis Ababa, including the Bole Lemi Special Economic Zone and the Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation.

Of particular note was the Bole Lemi Industrial Park—Ethiopia’s first industrial park, launched in 2014—which has successfully attracted international investment. Delegates were impressed by several features, including large-scale job creation, worker welfare provisions, housing, schools and kindergartens for employees’ children, environmental initiatives, streamlined investment processes, and strong government support through incentives and subsidies.

Patric Armel Kunda from Cameroon highlighted the value of Ethiopia’s approach to employment generation and worker services. “Now, things have really changed. We came here with nothing, but we’ll return home enriched,” he remarked.

Dorothy Steenkamp of South Africa commended the Ethiopian government for the “absolutely amazing” socio-economic impact of its development initiatives, especially the industrial parks. She lauded the working conditions and noted that Ethiopia serves as a role model for other African countries.

Tanzanian delegate Luwitiko Mwandobo was particularly impressed by the efficient organization of services for investors, the provision of housing and meals for workers, and Ethiopia’s strategic use of subsidies and land allocation to attract investment and plan for future development.

Randrianarivo Bertrand of Madagascar described Ethiopia as “very amazing” and expressed interest in applying the lessons learned from Ethiopia’s development experience in his own country. He specifically praised the construction sector’s efficiency and organization.

Overall, delegates agreed that Ethiopia’s commitment to industrialization and job creation through well-planned development programs provides valuable insights for other African nations pursuing inclusive and sustainable growth, as per POA.

The 20th ILO Regional Conference for Labour-Based Practitioners, currently underway at the African Union Conference Center, aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovative solutions, and develop actionable strategies for employment creation and sustainable development across the continent.