Addis Ababa:  The general objective of the study tour was to equip the participants with firsthand experience on the overall mode of operation of small enterprises’ cluster
development, including understanding of the role played by different actors and the regulatory & support services offered for the smooth operation of the cluster based businesses.

During the study tour the participants had the opportunity to:

• get a better understanding of the system of functioning of different clusters,
• obtaining actual information on the economic and social benefits of cluster based approaches to small enterprises,
• share experience in resource mobilization and investing & managing common facilities,
• better understand the role played by different actors for the success of the clusters,
• learning how to buy raw materials in bulk (common), brand common marketing products,
• better understand the benefits of working in associations as well as developing trust among members,
• better understand policy level interventions made on the MSME sector.

The participants, who came from Edible Oil associations and Ministry of Industry, appreciated the exposure and believed that theywill apply it to their own work.