National Mines, Water, Energy and Gio-information science and Technology policy (Original in Amharic, 2nd Draft Translation)

November 1994

Addis Ababa

Introduction

Formulation of detailed sectoral science and technology (S&T) policies is the next fundamental step towards the implementation of the National Science and Technology Policy which was issued recently by the transitional Government of Ethiopia. This sectoral S&T policy has been formulated by merging together the mines, water, energy and geo-information sub-sectors which are interrelated and complementary to each other.

Although the geological conditions of Ethiopia indicate that the country is endowed with vast mineral resources, only very few of them have been exploited. The mining history of the country reveals that most of the mineral development activities undertaken so far have been concentrated on a single mineral - gold. The contribution of the mineral sector to the GDP does not exceed 2% owing to the low level development of the sub-sector. Weak investment capability and S&T base, limited local demand for mineral raw materials and poor quantity and quality of information resources in the sector are among the major reasons for the underdevelopment of the mineral endowments of the country. Exploration works show that minerals which can be used for construction and as raw materials for ceramics, cement, glass and fertilizer production occur in various parts of the country. The presence of a large amount of geothermal energy in the Rift Valley and natural gas in the Ogaden Region has been proved. Studies also indicate the possible occurrence of petroleum in the later region. Although the new economic policy, which encourages private investment, is believed to create a favorable condition for mineral resources development, strengthening the sector's S&T capability is an activity which deserves due attention.

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