B2B E-Commerce Platform “E-Tamirt” Launched in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has taken another significant step toward accelerating digitalization in its manufacturing sector. The new B2B e-commerce platform E-Tamirt, developed in collaboration between the Ethiopian Ministry of Industry and Ethio Telecom, aims to enable manufacturers to connect directly with one another, speed up input procurement processes, and increase industrial efficiency.

The E-Tamirt platform not only provides a channel for trade but also seeks to reduce supply chain disruptions that have long hindered the country’s manufacturing sector. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Minister of Industry Melaku Alebel described E-Tamirt as “a critical infrastructure for strengthening Ethiopia’s manufacturing capacity.”

“There Is No Competing Without Modern Marketing and Digital Solutions”

Melaku Alebel emphasized that Ethiopia’s manufacturing industry must be supported with digital tools in order to remain competitive in global markets. He noted that the platform will increase access to cost-effective products in both the local market and intra-African trade, thereby directly enhancing the competitiveness of manufacturers.

The Minister also highlighted the crucial role of e-commerce in Ethiopia’s transition from a consumption-based economic model to a production-based one, stating: “Digitalization will not only accelerate our manufacturing sector; it will strengthen our culture of innovation and enhance Ethiopia’s sustainable competitive advantage.”

Digital Economy Expands Across Africa

According to the African Union’s 2024 Digital Trade Report, the continent’s digital trade volume is growing by an average of 15% annually. Ethiopia aims to become one of East Africa’s most e-commerce-friendly countries by accelerating its infrastructure investments. Experts believe that platforms like E-Tamirt could open new market opportunities for export-oriented manufacturers, especially with the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Another independent analysis reveals that 40% of Ethiopian manufacturers face challenges in securing consistent access to raw materials, and that the platform could lower costs by increasing transparency and speed in procurement processes.

Manufacturers Welcome E-Tamirt: A Long-Awaited Step for the Sector

Leading industry associations in the country have welcomed the launch of E-Tamirt. According to industry representatives, the platform will reduce supply chain bottlenecks, lower production costs, and strengthen local manufacturing in competition with imported products. It will also diversify sales channels for small and medium-sized enterprises. SMEs especially emphasize that E-Tamirt will “create equal opportunities by reducing market entry costs.”

Digitalization Supports Ethiopia’s Production-Focused Economic Vision

Under the 2025–2030 Digital Industry Strategy, Ethiopia aims to double the use of digital trade tools in the manufacturing sector. E-Tamirt is seen as the first major step in this transformation. According to experts, if the platform succeeds, the share of e-export could increase rapidly, transparency in product procurement and pricing could improve, and a data-driven decision-making culture could develop within the industrial sector.

With the launch of E-Tamirt, Ethiopia has joined the ranks of countries strengthening their manufacturing industries through digital infrastructure. The platform is expected to both facilitate manufacturers’ operations and reinforce Ethiopia’s position in intra-African trade.