Oman Launches Kafa’a for Industrial Transformation: What It Means for Investors and Business Growth in Oman
MUSCAT, JUNE 7 — The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), through its Directorate General of Industry, inaugurated the first phase of the “Kafa’a” National Manufacturing Programme on Sunday, June 7, coinciding with Oman Industry Day 2026. This landmark initiative aims to elevate the industrial sector by preparing it for smart manufacturing and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It focuses on boosting operational and production efficiency while enhancing the competitiveness of Omani industries in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the national industrial strategy.
The launch event featured Eng. Ghalib bin Saeed al Maamari, Under-Secretary for Commerce and Industry, alongside representatives from government and private sectors.
The programme represents a strategic collaboration between MoCIIP, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). Its central objective is to enable national factories to implement global best practices in operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
At the launch, nine factories signed project documents committing to the programme: Voltamp Energy, Oman Fiber Optic Company, Oman Cables Industry, Oman Cement Company, Al Waqia Shoes, Modern Dairy Factory “Al Khamayil,” Reem Batteries and Alternative Energy, Muna Noor Trading and Manufacturing, and Intaj Suhar for Advanced Manufacturing.
Each participating factory is tasked with executing a practical project based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology. Completing this project is a prerequisite for attending the qualifying workshop and achieving Green Belt certification. The programme targets waste reduction, operational cost minimization, and product quality enhancement by streamlining production lines and reducing delays and errors. It also aims to develop national expertise, empower continuous improvement skills, and strengthen local value through optimized supply chains and localized manufacturing.
A presentation outlined the programme’s goals, focusing on eligible factories in promising industrial sectors. Projects under Kafa’a are projected to generate annual savings exceeding RO 350,000, driven by targeted improvement initiatives guided by certified experts.
Eng. Khalid bin Salim al Qasabi, Director General of Industry, highlighted that “Kafa’a” serves as a foundation for Oman’s transition to smart manufacturing under Vision 2040. He emphasized the programme’s use of Lean Six Sigma to eliminate waste, improve workflows, and eradicate non-value-added activities. Beyond operational enhancements, the programme fosters a culture of continuous industrial innovation and equips national talent to meet future industrial demands.
Khalid bin Salah al Salhi, Director General of Marketing and Commercial Affairs and spokesperson for Madayn, affirmed that the programme bolsters Madayn’s commitment to empowering Oman’s industrial sector by embracing global best practices for operational efficiency and continuous improvement, thereby elevating the competitiveness and growth potential of national factories.
Madayn continues to cultivate an attractive and sustainable industrial environment by delivering infrastructure, launching quality initiatives, and forging strategic partnerships that elevate industrial performance, reduce waste, and amplify productivity through recognized Lean and Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
Ahmed bin Abdullah al Salami, PDO Head of Change and Continuous Improvement, remarked that PDO’s participation underscores its dedication to supporting Oman Vision 2040 by developing national capabilities and transferring global lean management expertise to Omani factories.
Fatima bint Issa al Ajimi, Kafa’a Programme Manager at the Ministry, described the initiative as a key step toward advancing Oman’s manufacturing landscape—focusing on waste reduction, process enhancement, and resource optimization.
The programme’s first phase will involve expert-supervised improvements in targeted factories, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and preparing these factories to integrate advanced technologies. The collaboration between the implementing bodies and participating factories exemplifies integrated teamwork, enhancing factory efficiency, supporting sustainable lean manufacturing transformation, and advancing a technological roadmap that promotes automation, smart manufacturing, and the overall competitiveness of Oman’s industrial sector.
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The launch of the “Kafa’a” National Manufacturing Programme marks a strategic leap towards smart manufacturing and industrial efficiency in Oman, aligned with Vision 2040. Businesses should seize the opportunities to enhance operational excellence, reduce costs, and boost competitiveness through Lean Six Sigma practices, while investors must consider the long-term value in sectors embracing digital transformation and continuous improvement. This initiative also signals a reduced risk environment for manufacturers who adopt these global best practices, fostering sustainable growth and innovation in Oman’s industrial landscape.
