Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Arjo Didesa castor seed processing factory, stating that Midroc Investment Group's project enables significant local substitution of revenue-generating products. The factory has a production capacity of 200 tons per hour and substitutes up to 2.3 million tons of imports. It supports industrial development in cement, paper, and construction sectors using local resources.
On Ketit 11, 2018 (Fana BC), the Arjo Didesa castor seed processing factory in western Oromia was inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, Oromia Regional President Shumelis Abdisa, and Mines Minister Habtamu Tegene (PhD), among other officials.
Midroc Investment Group CEO Jemal Ahmed stated that government support for the mining sector has enabled local production of revenue-generating products. Previously imported castor seed oil is now produced domestically, using only local natural resources without imported raw materials or chemicals. The factory has a capacity of 200 tons per hour and has signed agreements to supply products to paper and cement factories.
Mines Minister Habtamu Tegene (PhD) said up to 2.3 million tons of castor seed production has been substituted locally. This reduces supply shortages for cement, brick, and other factories and provides reliable inputs for the construction industry. Shumelis Abdisa noted that western Oromia has high investment absorption capacity in the mining sector due to its natural endowments.
Prime Minister Abiy stated the factory plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia's industrial development and, alongside the Arjo Didesa irrigation project, will transform agriculture. Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh said many successes have been achieved through unity, and urged the community to protect the factory. The project creates jobs in the area and reduces foreign exchange expenditures.
