The World Bank plans to launch a project to support the eco-friendly initiatives of Ethiopia’s rapidly growing textile industry. The bank is seeking contractors to improve efficiency in textile mills around Ethiopia as well as lowering production costs and minimising environmental impacts. Industrial parks will be a key focus as they are the main tool being used by the government to develop the textile and footwear industries.

The project will support efficiency improving interventions which will lower the production cost and minimise environmental impacts that will consequently attract and retain investment. At a broader level, the project will decrease greenhouse gas emissions through the removal of regulatory barriers to the implementation of energy efficiency and water efficiency investments in the private and public sectors. By providing support to the government and relevant industries on sector specific interventions, the project will ensure that the textile and footwear sector remain competitive while the growth of the sectors is environmentally sustainable.