MOJO, ETHIOPIA – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that Ethiopia will completely substitute ceramic imports with domestic production starting next year. The declaration was made during the official inauguration of the newly built Grandeur Ceramic Factory in Mojo city, East Shewa Zone.
The mega-project, which was remarkably completed from planning to full operation in just nine months, marks a massive step forward in Ethiopia’s aggressive push for import substitution and saving valuable foreign currency.
A Strategic Shift in Construction Materials
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the government is heavily focusing on eliminating foreign currency expenditures on construction finishing materials, including ceramics, marble, and granite.
“With factories like Grandeur coming online, alongside another high-capacity facility set to open soon in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia will completely halt ceramic imports starting next year,” the Prime Minister stated.
The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to boost domestic manufacturing capacity. PM Abiy highlighted parallel fast-tracked projects in the cement and steel sectors, noting that the Lemi Cement Factory has already significantly bridged market gaps, while an upcoming expansion at the Dangote Cement Factory is expected to fully stabilize national demand.
Inside the Grandeur Ceramic Factory
The Grandeur facility stands out not just for its rapid nine-month construction timeline, but also for its localized ecosystem and high-production standards.
Key Highlights of the Facility:
- Massive Footprint & Investment: The factory sits on 300,000 square meters of land and represents an investment of over 2 billion Ethiopian Birr.
- Localized Supply Chain: Impressively, 80% of the raw materials required for production are sourced within a 100-kilometer radius of the factory, creating a highly integrated supply chain that directly benefits the local community.
- Product Line and Standards: The factory has already launched mass production of standard 60×60 cm ceramic tiles. Within the next two months, it will expand its lineup to include larger dimensions (80×80, 60×120, 70×140, and 80×160 cm) and will supply European-standard quality porcelain products to the market.
Production Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Current Output | 60×60 cm ceramic tiles |
| Upcoming Dimensions (2 Months) | 80×80, 60×120, 70×140, 80×160 cm |
| Quality Tier | European Standard Porcelain |
| Total Investment | Over 2 Billion ETB |
| Raw Material Proximity | 80% within 100 km radius |
