Holeta Polytechnic College is construction state-of-the art facilities that will transform the college into a Regional Centre of Excellence in Agro-processing.  With funding from the World Bank and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia through the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), the college has directed approximately 85% of the USD 21.85 million total allocation, toward to modernise its learning environment and expand technical training capacity.

“Infrastructure is the backbone of quality education. The improvements we are witnessing will directly impact student outcomes and reduce dropout rates,” said Tilahun Lemmi, the Project Coordinator for EASTRIP at the Institute.

The new infrastructure projects, ranging from academic and residential facilities to state-of-the-art teaching factories, are designed to support the institution’s mission of equipping students with practical and industry-relevant skills.

One of the flagship projects is a G+5 classroom block covering 1,500 m², currently 78% complete as of April 15, 2025. The facility includes lecture halls, laboratories, smart classrooms, student lounges, and preparation rooms with the capacity to serve 800 students. The construction, estimated at ETB 188.2 million (excluding VAT), will significantly enhance the teaching and learning experience.

A new student dormitory building, spanning 1,435.85 m² with SB+G+4 floors, is also taking shape. Designed to house 800 students, it will feature a TV room, game zone, drawing and reading room, and green spaces, promoting holistic student well-being. The project is valued at ETB 168.3 million (excluding VAT).

In line with EASTRIP’s goal to align education with industry needs, Holeta Polytechnic College is constructing two state-of-the-art teaching factories that will provide students with practical, industry-based learning experiences. The Fruit and Vegetable Processing Factory, with an investment of ETB 138.9 million (approximately USD 1,017,107), spans 3,428.18 m² and is designed to produce a variety of products including tomato sauce, mango juice, avocado juice, and potato chips. The facility will house a laboratory, cafeteria, chemical store, quality testing rooms, and other essential training areas. Complementing this is the Dairy Processing Factory, covering 2,075 m² and built at a cost of ETB 115.7 million (approximately USD 847,223), which will focus on milk pasteurisation and dairy product development. It features raw milk and cold storage areas, contextual learning classrooms, and processing zones, all aimed at equipping students with hands-on skills that are directly applicable in the food processing industry.

“These factories provide students with real-world production experience, preparing them for seamless entry into the workforce,” noted the Head of Industrial Training at the College.

The College is also prioritising investment in critical utilities to support its expanding infrastructure. A dedicated Power House, occupying 374.4 m², has been constructed to house essential facilities including a generator room, transformer room, and pump room, with an estimated cost of ETB 6.98 million (approximately USD 511,116). In addition, the campus is benefitting from comprehensive site infrastructure upgrades, featuring a 1.2 km compound road, street scaping, and sanitary systems, at a cost of ETB 86.4 million (approximately USD 632,671). These enhancements are vital for ensuring a fully functional and sustainable learning environment that meets the demands of modern technical education.

All infrastructure is being built to ensure sustainability and industry alignment, providing students with a high-quality technical and vocational training environment.

The EASTRIP investments are not only transforming physical infrastructure but also setting a foundation for economic growth and regional skills integration in East Africa. As completion nears, the college anticipates a significant boost in student enrolment, performance, and employability.

By Dawit Tadese, M&E Specialist for EASTRIP at Holeta Polytechnic College