Selecta One Relocates Operations from Ethiopia Amid Political Instability

Selecta One, a German horticultural company, is relocating from Ethiopia’s Amhara region to Kenya and Uganda due to ongoing political instability and military tensions. This move will result in over 1,000 job losses and impact approximately 10,000 people in the local area. CEO Ansgar Klemm described the decision as painful, citing employee safety concerns and years of investment at the Kunzila site.

Selecta One, a German horticultural firm, has declared the relocation of its operations from Ethiopia’s Amhara region to Kenya and Uganda, due to the prevailing “unstable political situation and tense military environment.” The company operated in Kunzila, North Achefer district, and the move will lead to the termination of over 1,000 jobs.

The company stated that the closure decision was carefully considered, citing that extensive logistical challenges over the past two years could not be resolved under the current climate. Moreover, Selecta One emphasized that there was no assurance of employee safety, which significantly influenced their choice to relocate.

Ansgar Klemm, Selecta One’s CEO, characterized this decision as a “bitter pill to swallow,” highlighting the pain of closing the Kunzila site after years of development efforts. He expressed that the team had invested significant time and resources into the location, hoping for future stability following the civil war’s conclusion in November 2022.

Klemm noted that the current political instability forms an insurmountable challenge and reiterated that employee safety “cannot be guaranteed” under these conditions. The relocation is expected to affect around 10,000 individuals within the local community, both directly and indirectly.

Reports from August 2023 indicated that the unrest in the Amhara region, particularly between the federal government and the non-state militia Fano, has led to significant job losses and financial damages. The West Gojjam Zone has seen escalating armed conflict, with notable violent incidents occurring in late October 2024 and early 2025, causing casualties and destruction of agricultural resources.

In summary, Selecta One’s decision to exit Ethiopia’s conflict-affected Amhara region is driven by ongoing political and military instability, resulting in significant job losses and community impacts. The lack of safety assurance for employees has necessitated this difficult relocation to Kenya and Uganda. The broader context of conflict in the Amhara region underscores the challenges faced by businesses operating in unstable environments and the significant economic repercussions that follow such decisions.

Original Source: addisstandard.com