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Addis Ababa Inaugurates Major Cold Storage Facility to Cut Post Harvest Losses
Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie says a newly inaugurated cold storage facility in the Akaki Qaliti Sub City will play a key role in reducing post harvest losses, stabilizing markets, and improving the quality and competitiveness of agricultural products.
The modern vegetable, fruit, and animal products cold storage facility officially began operations following an inauguration ceremony attended by Mayor Adanech, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime, and other senior government officials.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor said the facility, which covers more than 11,400 square meters, is the largest of its kind in Ethiopia and is expected to significantly reduce waste and environmental pollution that occur after agricultural production.
She noted that the project will help preserve the natural quality of agricultural products, ensuring stable and reliable supply to domestic markets while also supporting export readiness. According to the Mayor, improved storage capacity will contribute to market stability and help consumers access fresh products at fair prices.
Mayor Adanech added that the facility will also protect farmers’ interests by shortening the market chain and improving efficiency across the supply system. She reaffirmed the city administration’s commitment to supporting similar projects by providing the necessary facilities and institutional backing to strengthen agricultural competitiveness.
She further commended the institutions, technical experts, and leaders involved in the project, describing the facility as one of national importance for Ethiopia’s agricultural and trade development.
The cold storage complex and its accompanying multipurpose building were constructed by the Ethiopian Trading Business Corporation at an estimated cost of 1.7 billion birr. In addition to the cold storage units, the project includes a ten story multipurpose service building designed to support integrated trade and logistics operations.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe said Ethiopia’s ongoing trade sector reforms, combined with investments in modern logistics infrastructure, are transforming the country’s market landscape.
He described the newly inaugurated facility as a critical component of broader efforts to modernize the trade ecosystem, strengthen supply chains, and improve efficiency in storage, distribution, and logistics services.
According to the Minister, the facility has the capacity to store more than 20,000 quintals of vegetables and fruits and up to 10,000 quintals of animal products at a time. He said this capacity will help reduce post harvest losses while improving product quality and market reliability.
Minister Kassahun said the government is prioritizing reforms aimed at ensuring access to essential goods at reasonable prices, strengthening market linkages, expanding modern logistics infrastructure, and building a more transparent and competitive trade system.
He also highlighted the role of the Ethiopian Trading Business Corporation in supporting national economic growth, including its contributions to export performance such as wheat exports. He described the corporation’s recent performance as encouraging and called for sustained efforts aligned with Ethiopia’s broader reform agenda.
Source፡FBC
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