Background

Historical Background of Abay Printing & Paper Packaging PLC

 According to the Ethiopian Charities and Societies Proclamation, charitable organizations and societies are permitted to engage in income-generating activities to support their development objectives. In line with this legal provision, the Amhara Development Association (ADA), which depends on donor funding and membership fees, identified an opportunity to establish a modern printing and packaging enterprise to sustain its developmental initiatives.

The establishment of Abay Printing & Paper Packaging PLC (APPP) was driven by the need to address the significant market gap for high-quality printing and paper packaging services not only in Ethiopia but also across the broader African region. The primary objective of the project is to generate sustainable income to support ADA’s development programs while simultaneously building local capacity in the printing and packaging industry.

The Amhara Development Association has been actively involved in various development projects, particularly in the education and health sectors, that often require printing and publishing services. These include the production of educational materials such as textbooks and reference books aimed at improving access to quality education. By launching APPP, ADA sought to meet these internal needs more efficiently while also serving external clients and contributing to national development.

Abay Printing & Paper Packaging PLC was established on June 22, 2012, in Bahir Dar City through collaboration between the Amhara Development Association and the Amhara Forest Enterprise, a regional government-owned development company.

At the time of its establishment, the company’s initial asset base was 558 million Birr, of which 322.5 Million Birr was financed through bank loans. Today, APPP has grown significantly, with total assets exceeding 1.1 Billion Birr, a clear reflection of its strong financial foundation and operational success. 

Abay Printing & Paper Packaging PLC (APPP) is Ethiopia’s premier full-service printing and packaging enterprise, based in Bahir Dar with an operational branch in Addis Ababa. Specializing in commercial printing, book production, paper packaging, and security printing, APPP delivers high-quality, innovative, and sustainable solutions to a wide range of local and international clients.

Management

 APPP is led by a strong and experienced management team and board of directors committed to responsible leadership and operational excellence. From inception to full scale operation Abays dedicated management team has been instrumental in the company’s success.

They oversaw the setup of operations, including staff training and system integration, and continue to plan for future expansions. As a publicly-owned enterprise, APPP emphasizes ethical governance and the responsible use of public resources, reinvesting profits into community development and growth initiatives.