NewsWorkshop highlights challenges and solutions in Ethiopia’s bamboo sector
The event demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to positioning bamboo as a driver of green industry.
The one-day workshop was organized by the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization’s (INBAR) East Africa Regional Office to support the sustainable development of Ethiopia’s bamboo sector by bringing together bamboo enterprises, technical experts, researchers and government institutions.
The workshop aligns with the broader objective of the joint project between INBAR and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) on promoting a bamboo-based circular economy for job creation, economic development and climate change mitigation and adaptation in Ethiopia and Mozambique.
Addressing challenges facing the sector and identifying practical solutions to improve the business environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) working with bamboo were the main focus. In addition, the workshop encouraged stronger collaboration among SMEs, government agencies, research institutions and development partners to promote innovation and improve the competitiveness of bamboo enterprises.
Dr. Teshome Tamirat, Director of the Bamboo Desk at the Ethiopian Forestry Development, delivered the keynote address and emphasized the proactive role that the Ethiopian Bamboo Association should play in coordinating with the government on current issues and supporting the implementation of the Ethiopian Bamboo Strategy.
Mr. Jima Gobena, Rural Development and Climate Change Expert at the AECID Office in Ethiopia, highlighted the strong partnership between AECID and INBAR in promoting bamboo development for livelihood improvement and climate change mitigation. He noted that the current project will further strengthen the capacity of SMEs to address existing challenges and improve business opportunities.
Professor Ghulam Hassan Shah from Arba Minch University underlined that trust, collaboration and confidence among stakeholders are essential for improving the business performance of bamboo SMEs at both regional and national levels.
The participants underscored that strengthening bamboo SMEs can significantly contribute to Ethiopia’s green economy agenda by creating jobs, promoting sustainable construction materials and enhancing value-added processing.
Ethiopia is increasingly positioning bamboo as a strategic resource for furniture production, construction materials, diversified handicrafts and regional skills development initiatives across Africa. This workshop is a testament to these efforts, equipping locals with the skills to work with and profit from bamboo.
