The Ethiopian Enterprise Development announced it has provided more than 18 billion birr in working capital loans and equipment to manufacturing enterprises during the past 2017 fiscal year.

Deputy Director-General of the Ethiopian Enterprise Development, Pawlos Berga, stated that the effort is part of a determined push to improve the sector's efficiency, boost production, and ensure quality goods. He noted that the organization is actively working to address challenges enterprises face regarding loan access and securing work premises.

According to Pawlos, over 11.38 billion birr in working capital was distributed to 1,740 small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, 1,462 manufacturing enterprises received equipment valued at over 6.99 billion birr.

Looking ahead, Pawlos stated that the focus for the upcoming year will be on expanding access to loans and manufacturing spaces for enterprises across the country, reported FBC.