In a move toward sustainable industrialization, Ethiopia’s Manufacturing Industry Development Institute (MIDI) has highlighted the importance of improving waste treatment infrastructure to ensure eco-friendly practices across the nation’s manufacturing sector. This key initiative aligns with the government’s vision of building a climate-resilient green economy.
The announcement was made by Milkessa Jagemma, Director General of MIDI, during the inauguration of a new pilot tannery solid waste treatment facility at the Colba Tannery Factory in Modjo town, Oromia Regional State.
The facility was developed in collaboration with the international civil society organization Solidaridad, People in Need (PiN), and the European Union (EU), signaling a combined effort toward environmental preservation.
At the opening ceremony, Milkessa Jagemma emphasized the critical role the manufacturing sector plays in Ethiopia’s economy and encouraged industries, particularly leather processing, to adopt sustainable practices.
“Waste is wealth if managed properly,” Milkessa said, underscoring the importance of recycling and waste management in transforming industrial practices.
He commended the Colba Tannery initiative as a potential model for similar waste management systems nationwide.
This pilot facility, according to Milkessa, can boost pollution prevention, promote technology transfer, and create green jobs, contributing to the national “Made in Ethiopia” program, which seeks to promote the production of diverse local products.
He further noted that improving the environmental standards in the leather industry would enhance the quality of products and ultimately increase foreign currency earnings.
The tannery’s solid waste treatment system, operating at Colba Tannery, will recycle by-products such as protein fillers, organic glue, and compost, which can be used in various industries including small-scale manufacturing enterprises and poultry production.
Kebede Amede, Manager of Colba Tannery, shared insights into how the tannery has committed to eco-friendly practices, ensuring that all imported and exported products meet environmental standards.
The tannery has been recycling a range of by-products from sheep, goat, and bull hides, converting them into valuable products like protein fillers and organic materials.
The facility is capable of producing 400 kg of these recycled products daily.
Kebede also announced that Colba Tannery also showcased its sustainable products at the All China Leather Exhibition (ALCE), signaling their entry into the global market with eco-friendly solutions.
In Conclusion, the launch of the Colba Tannery’s solid waste treatment facility marks a significant leap in Ethiopia’s efforts toward sustainable industrialization. With the support of MIDI, Solidaridad, and international partnerships, Ethiopia is setting a strong example for the region in waste management, pollution prevention, and green technology. The integration of eco-friendly practices in industries like leather processing is a crucial step in reducing environmental damage and aligning with global sustainability goals.
