The Industrial Parks Development Corporation of Ethiopia (IPDC) announced that investors with over Birr 2.6 billion in capital are set to begin coffee and tea production in the Jimma Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The announcement followed discussions between IPDC CEO Fesseha Yitagesu and Jimma Zone Administrator Tijani Nasser during a visit to Jimma town. The officials also toured coffee and tea plantations and nurseries in Mana Woreda, which were cultivated through cluster farming.
Mr. Fesseha highlighted that investors focused on coffee processing and export are preparing to establish operations in the SEZ. He underscored that the initiative will create sustainable market linkages for local farmers and attract further investments to the zone.
Mr. Tijani described the SEZ as a “great blessing” for farmers engaged in coffee and tea cultivation. He cited Akshay Jay Oil, an Indian company operating in the zone, as an example. The firm, which extracts avocado oil for the U.S. market, has established market connections with over 10,000 farmers.
The new ventures are expected to create over 2,000 sustainable jobs when fully operational, driving economic growth in the region.
Source: Fana BC
