Developing the construction industries in developing countries to enhance performance: the case of Ethiopia

Abstract Ethiopia has produced a national construction industry policy. In 2017, the Construction Industry Transformation Council was set up. Thus, the country has established some of the building blocks of the "institution building" component of construction industry development. This should enable the industry to take advantage of the continuing high volume of construction demand to develop the local industry. This workshop seeks to consider recent trends in the construction industry globally, with the view to enhancing the performance of the industry in Ethiopia in a sustainable way. It is appropriate to examine the nation's programme for developing the construction industry and compare it with good international practice. The objectives of the study are to present a synthesis of construction industry development and the historical development of the subject; to explore the plans and policies of Ethiopia for developing its construction industry; to consider good practice around the world and precautions to take; and to discuss what Ethiopia should do. The paper is based on a review of the literature, with a reliance on government’s policy documents and reports. It is suggested that Ethiopia has put together a construction industry development programme which is similar to what pertains in other countries. There is scope for the country to learn from good practice elsewhere. However, in the end, only a truly Ethiopian construction industry development programme will work.