Environmental Accounting in Ethiopian Manufacturing Industries: Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Development

Abstract Environmental accounting is a strategic tool for sustainable development in developing economies like Ethiopia, where manufacturing and mining pressure natural resources. This study, using data from 2025, assessed the awareness, opportunities, challenges, and governmental roles in promoting environmental accounting within the MIDROC Investment Group. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 347 employees from manufacturing and mining units, yielding 316 valid responses (91.07% response rate). Data from a structured questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed a high awareness of environmental accounting (Mean > 3.80). Respondents strongly agreed it delivers significant benefits: cost savings (M=4.62), improved regulatory compliance (M=4.57), enhanced corporate image (M=4.59), and better risk management (M=4.40). Key challenges were managerial difficulties (M=4.17) and a lack of standardized frameworks (M=3.99). Governmental roles were deemed essential, with strong support for mandatory environmental reporting (M=4.41), financial incentives (M=4.06), and support for empirical research (M=4.30). The study concludes that environmental accounting holds high strategic value for firms like MIDROC and underscores the urgent need for stronger institutional frameworks and government mandates to support its effective implementation.