Ethiopian Pulp and Paper Company Misses Half-Year Production Target by Nearly 50%

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopian Pulp and Paper Share Company reported a significant shortfall in its half-year performance, achieving only about half of its planned production target, according to local media reports.

The state-owned manufacturer produced substantially below expectations during the first six months of the fiscal year, missing its target by nearly 50%. The underperformance has been attributed to a combination of operational and supply-side challenges affecting the plant’s output.

Among the key issues cited were interruptions in raw material supply and technical inefficiencies within the production process. These constraints limited the company’s ability to operate at full capacity, despite existing demand for paper products in the domestic market.

The company had set higher production goals as part of efforts to reduce Ethiopia’s reliance on imported paper and strengthen local manufacturing capabilities. However, the reported gap underscores ongoing structural and operational difficulties within the sector.

Management indicated that corrective measures are being considered to improve performance in the second half of the fiscal year. These include addressing supply chain bottlenecks and enhancing operational efficiency at the plant.

The Ethiopian Pulp and Paper Share Company plays a central role in the country’s industrial strategy, particularly in import substitution and the development of domestic paper production. The recent shortfall highlights the challenges facing state-run manufacturing enterprises as they attempt to scale output and meet national demand.