Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Drives Nekemte’s Industrial and Agricultural Transformation
January 12, 2018
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has announced the launch of the Busa Gonofa Integrated Food Industry in Nekemte, a modern facility set to transform Ethiopia’s agro-processing sector.
The plant, now under construction, will specialize in maize and soybean flour production, alongside 14 other maize-based products. Upon completion, it will have the capacity to process 2,000 tons of maize and 120 tons of soybeans daily.
The project is expected to create more than 6,500 permanent and contract jobs, while expanding market opportunities for farmers, cooperatives, and private seed producers. The initiative will strengthen the agricultural value chain and stimulate the local economy.
The Prime Minister also underscored Nekemte’s urban renewal efforts, which include pedestrian and cyclist-friendly roads, underground utility systems, and smart traffic management, positioning the city as a model of modern development.
Farmers are central to this transformation. The Gibe Dedesa Farmers’ Cooperative Union, established in 1996, unites 207 primary cooperatives and serves 167,000 farmers.
The union inaugurated a flour mill capable of producing 1,200 quintals of maize flour per day. Built on 2.8 hectares, the facility provides both permanent and temporary employment, further enhancing livelihoods and reinforcing Nekemte’s role in Ethiopia’s growth story.
