IMPORTS

In 2022, Ethiopia imported $4.6M in Glass Fibers, becoming the 101st largest importer of Glass Fibers in the
world. At the same year, Glass Fibers was the 289th most imported product in Ethiopia. Ethiopia imports Glass
Fibers primarily from: China ($2.01M), United States ($1.26M), United Arab
Emirates ($987k), Mexico ($122k), and United Kingdom ($61.2k).

The fastest growing import markets in Glass Fibers for Ethiopia between 2021 and 2022 were United
States ($1M), United Arab Emirates ($138k), and Mexico ($122k).

LIST OF FIBER GLASS PRODUCTS

MANUFACTURERS IN ETHIOPIA

1. Tana Fiber Glass

2. Techno Fiberglass & Waterproofing Works PLC
3. Alem General Fiber Works
4. Novel Fiberglass
5. Sun Fiberglass
6. Ruby Fiberglass Products Manufacturing
7. Fine Fiberglass Manufacturing Private Enterprise
8. Fibertech Fiberglass Products Manufacturing Industry
9. Fine Fiberglass Technology Ethiopia

The Lucrative Business Taking Workplace Aesthetics to New Heights

Fiberglass has become nearly ubiquitous over the past century as the strong,
lightweight material finds use in the manufacture of everything from boats to
buildings and pipes. Though a bit late to the scene, businesses in Addis Ababa
are catching on to the profitability and demand involved with fiberglass. From
importers and processors to schools that teach their students how to fashion
versatile material into marketable products, there is a new wave of activity in the
fiberglass line of business. In addition to the lucrative profit margins, fiberglass
offers fresh aesthetics to homes and offices, writes EBR’s Eden Teshome.
There was a great deal of research done in the 1930s on the development of fiber-
reinforced plastic for industrial use. The aviation industry, in particular, was keen to see
the development of a lightweight but durable material that could be used to build or
replace heavier parts of airplanes. A researcher at Owens-Illinois stumbled upon such a
material in 1932, when he accidentally fired a jet of compressed air into a stream of
flowing molten glass, causing fibers to develop.
Several years of research later, fiberglass, as we know it today, was given birth. It was
first used to replace the molded plywood used in aircraft radomes during World War II.
The use of fiberglass in the construction of sports cars and boats following the end of
the war marked the start of its civilian application.
Fiberglass has since found uses in everything from telecommunications and transport to
sports equipment and MRI scanners. It is commonly used in protective equipment, such
as helmets, due to its strength and lightweight nature.
Local businesses have also taken heed of fiberglass adaptability. Cherinet Tilahun is
the founder and CEO of Antenna Manufacturing & Business Consultancy Plc. The
company is involved in the manufacture and import of machinery, such as those used to
produce detergents, juice, and grinded salt, as well as printing machines. Cherinet and
his colleagues base their operations near the Saris area, across from Dama Hotel of
Akaki Kality District. The firm also supplies raw fiberglass materials as well as finished
products, all the while offering training and consultation services to individuals who want
to get into the fiberglass market.
A drive to present new and unique business ideas, areas of application, and goods were
behind Cherinet’s decision to start his fiberglass production and training business.
“Having conducted some market research on the demand, how to access the materials
used for manufacturing, and how easy it is to produce the items, I decided to join the
business thinking also about the many job opportunities I could create,” Cherinet told
EBR.
The fiberglass is imported from overseas markets (often China). Cherinet started off
with ETB 20,000 budget to fashion small items such as flower vases, shower trays, and
hand basins from fiberglass. The market has been kind to him and he is making efforts
to broaden the company’s product portfolio.
“It’s safe to say that demand in Addis Ababa is high and supply does not match it,” said
a hopeful Cherinet.
He is not the only one in high spirits.
Nahom Eskindir, a former digital marketer at Synergy Professional, completed the
training course offered by Antenna Manufacturing before embarking on his own
fiberglass production business. He has been running the business with his brother for
around four months now, fashioning fiberglass products on a piece of land they
inherited from their parents. The products they offer include shower trays and flower
pots, while most of their clients are building supply retailers.
Nahom and his brother offer a shower tray for around ETB 900, while the price range for
flower pots can swing between ETB 3,200 and ETB 5,000 depending on the design.
“They might be a little more expensive than regular clay pots and plastic pots, but they
are preferable for their strength and their resistance to rust. If you have the creativity to
create unique designs, there are clients who are eager to spend,” said Nahom.
Getachew Muluye is another Antenna Manufacturing trainee with high hopes for the
future of fiberglass. He graduated with a marketing degree from Axum University in
2009 and has since found stable employment with Berhan Bank. He learned about
Antenna’s training program through a friend who had already enrolled. He decided to
give it a go, paying ETB 5,000 for a three-day session. It worked out, and Getachew
began working part-time to produce fiberglass flower pots after getting off his shift at the
bank. His clients, too, are building supplies retailers.
“I only work at the bank because I need the loans that the bank offers to its employees.
Eventually, I intend to devote all of my resources to the fiberglass business because it is
so lucrative,” Getachew told EBR.
Fiberglass is unique in several aspects, among them is the fact that it is corrosion-
resistant and both strong and light. In the event of a break or accident, it may also be
quickly repaired. Perhaps its best attribute is its adaptability to intricate shaping. This
explains why fiberglass is utilized so commonly in products such as bathtubs, yachts,
aircraft, roofing, and other items. The worldwide glass fiber market has bright potential
in a number of end-use sectors, including wind energy, consumer products, pipe and
tanks, construction, aerospace, marine, transportation, and electrical and electronics.
Global demand for fiberglass was over USD 7.86 billion in 2018; by 2027, it is expected
to reach USD 11.92 billion. Since fiberglass is lightweight and improves fuel efficiency,
the automotive industry has a high need for it. This desire is anticipated to fuel
expansion in the fiberglass market over the course of the projected period. The size of
the global fiberglass market is anticipated to cross 7,800 Kilo Tons by 2027. The market
for carbon fiber, a viable fiberglass substitute, is anticipated to have an impact on
fiberglass market growth in the next few years. The automotive industry dominated the
usage of fiberglass internationally with more than 25 Pct of the total consumption,
including pipes and tanks, wind energy, aerospace and military, sports and recreation,
and marine.
Fiberglass is commonly employed in the interior, exterior, and powertrain segments of
the automotive industry in elements such as exhaust systems, fenders, floor panels,
and headliners. Fiberglass is utilized in the construction industry in many different
products, including mesh fabrics that stop internal wall gaps, self-adhesive drywall
tapes, floor covering, and waterproofing frit. Recent years have seen a significant
increase in modern architecture, which has led to the development of modern materials
that improve art without compromising the stability and strength of the built structures.
“Although their selling prices vary depending on the products, we always make a profit
of 30–40 Pct, regardless of the price of the raw materials required to make the
products,” said Cherinet.EBR