Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has paid a visit to Toyo Solar in the Hawassa Special Economic Zone (SEZ), where he toured the company’s solar panel production lines, according to a statement released Friday by the Ministry of Industry.
During the visit, Abiy observed the manufacturing process and praised the factory’s ability to produce high-quality solar panels using modern technology. He voiced confidence that Toyo Solar would not only serve domestic needs but also expand Ethiopia’s foreign trade footprint by exporting renewable energy products to global markets.
The Ministry of Industry disclosed that Toyo Solar has invested approximately $110 million in two phases in the Hawassa SEZ, which is operated by the Industrial Parks Development Corporation. The project has already generated employment for more than 1,000 Ethiopians, the ministry noted.
Abiy’s visit highlights the government’s emphasis on industrial diversification and green technology investment at a time when Ethiopia is still recovering from its suspension from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2022. The suspension, linked to allegations of human rights abuses during the Tigray conflict, prompted the withdrawal of several foreign investors and significantly reduced industrial park revenues.
Officials argue that Toyo Solar’s continued investment signals renewed investor confidence and a gradual rebound for Ethiopia’s industrial parks. The government has framed such projects as critical to rebuilding the country’s export capacity and advancing its renewable energy ambitions.
