Ethiopia is setting its sights on becoming a regional construction powerhouse, unveiling an ambitious plan to increase the share of domestic contractors capable of competing for international projects from 33% to 80% over the next decade.
The initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen local capacity, reduce reliance on foreign firms, and position Ethiopian companies to capture opportunities in Africa's rapidly expanding infrastructure market.
According to officials from the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, only about one-third of Ethiopia's licensed contractors and consultants currently possess the technical, financial, and operational capabilities required to successfully bid for international tenders.
Authorities aim to raise that figure to 55% in the medium term before reaching the 80% target.
The move comes at a time when African countries are expected to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in roads, railways, energy projects, housing developments, and industrial infrastructure over the coming decades.
