Ethiopia has declared itself “more open for business than ever” as it hosted the Invest in Ethiopia 2025 High-Level Business Forum on May 12-13, 2025. The event, co-organized by the Ministry of Finance, the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), and the Development Partners Group, brought together government leaders, global investors, and private sector stakeholders to showcase the country’s economic reforms, strategic advantages, and lucrative investment opportunities.
A Bold Vision for Economic Transformation
His Excellency President of The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Taye Atske-Sellassie Amde opened the forum, outlining Ethiopia’s ambitious economic reforms over the past six years, designed to sustain growth, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and drive structural transformation. Key reforms include:
Sector Liberalization: Opening previously restricted sectors such as finance, banking, and telecom to foreign investment.
Macroeconomic Stability: Strengthening fiscal policies to ensure long-term financial resilience.
Infrastructure Development: Expanding special economic zones, industrial parks, and transport networks to enhance global value chain integration.
With a population of 130 million, Ethiopia is Africa’s second-most populous nation and a gateway to continental and global markets, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The President emphasized Ethiopia’s goal of becoming a top African economy by 2030, urging investors to engage in long-term partnerships.
Reforms, Incentives, and Investor Confidence
Finance Minister of Ethiopia Ahmed Shide highlighted Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda, launched in 2018, which has spurred consistent GDP growth, increased exports, and doubled foreign exchange reserves. Key investor-friendly measures include:
Tax holidays and duty-free incentives for priority sectors.
Streamlined investment processes via digital one-stop-shop platforms.
Public-private dialogues to address investor concerns on taxation, customs, and legal protections.
The government also unveiled a $10 billion portfolio of investment opportunities across sectors like agro-processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, and ICT.
Strategic Advantages and Sector-Specific Opportunities
Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timothewoes underscored Ethiopia’s geopolitical significance as a hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, alongside its young, dynamic workforce. Commissioner Dr. Zeleke Temesgen of the EIC highlighted:
Abundant renewable energy resources including hydropower and solar.
Expanding digital economy with telecom liberalization attracting giants like Safaricom, which has invested $2.5 billion in Ethiopia.
Development Partners and Investor Testimonials
Representatives from international development agencies noted Ethiopia’s FDI surge to $3.9 billion in 2024 crediting reforms and public-private collaboration. Safaricom Ethiopia’s CEO, Wim Vanhelleputte praised the government’s commitment to a competitive telecom sector signaling strong investor confidence.
Emebet Asefa , Correspondent Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
