@InvestInEthiopia – Ethiopian Business Review

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Three of the country’s state-owned financial institutions—the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), and the Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) have jointly launched the Financial Sector Strengthening Project (FSSP), a USD700 million initiative financed by the World Bank.

The project’s first disbursement, amounting to USD250 million, was transferred today to the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia , signaling the operational kickoff of the reform agenda.

Announced during the Ethiopia Finance Forum, the FSSP is aimed at enhancing the resilience, inclusiveness, and functionality of Ethiopia’s financial sector. It focuses on regulatory reform, institutional capacity building, and expanding access to finance—particularly for underserved communities and high-impact sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.

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The Invest in Ethiopia 2025 High-Level Business Forum, which concluded today in Addis Ababa, has secured USD 1.6 billion in foreign investment, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to foster private sector growth and attract international capital. The two-day event gathered global investors, policymakers, and key stakeholders, highlighting Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms and its growing appeal as an investment destination.

A key moment of the forum was the signing of five major investment agreements, which span diverse sectors with high growth potential. These deals are set to play a pivotal role in driving Ethiopia’s economic transformation and contribute to the creation of jobs and sustainable development.

The forum also hosted a series of productive panel discussions, addressing key issues impacting Ethiopia’s investment landscape. Among the featured discussions were: “A Conducive Environment for Investment in Ethiopia’s Service Sector,” which explored opportunities and challenges in service industries; “Public-Private Partnerships and Joint Investments with Governments,” emphasizing collaboration between the public and private sectors for sustainable development; and “ICT and Other Emerging Sectors – Powering the Digital Frontier,” which delved into Ethiopia’s digital transformation and the growing potential of technology-driven industries.

Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable, investor-friendly environment. He emphasized the critical role of private sector growth in achieving macroeconomic stability and advancing Ethiopia’s ambitious reform agenda, including the newly launched Macro Reform Program.

“There has never been a more opportune moment to invest in our nation,” Minister Shide stated, extending an open invitation to global investors to join Ethiopia on its transformative journey. He stressed that investment is key to advancing shared goals of resilience, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable growth, and encouraged investors to explore the high-potential sectors outlined in the country’s investment “deal book.”

In a landmark event organized by the British Ethiopian Embassy, the Ethiopia-England Business Forum took place in London, drawing significant interest from both Ethiopian and British business leaders. The forum focused on fostering deeper economic ties between the two nations, highlighting Ethiopia’s emerging investment opportunities amidst its ongoing economic transformation.

During the forum, State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Ambassador Mesganu Arga urged British companies to seize the various investment opportunities arising from Ethiopia’s economic reforms. “Ethiopia is open for business, and we are committed to creating an environment that attracts foreign investment,” he stated, emphasizing the nation’s strategic reforms designed to stimulate growth and innovation.

Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK, Biruk Mekonen, also addressed the forum, providing insights into Ethiopia’s evolving business landscape. He, along with key figures such as the Deputy Executive Officer of Ethiopia Investment Holding and the Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, participated virtually to discuss potential investment avenues and the supportive government policies designed to ensure a favorable business environment.

The event attracted a diverse range of British companies, eager to explore the vast opportunities presented by Ethiopia’s expanding market and dynamic economic policies. With a clear focus on strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, the forum highlighted the mutual benefits that can arise from enhanced cooperation between Ethiopia and the UK.

Three State-Owned Banks Unite for USD700M Financial Sector Reform

The Invest in Ethiopia 2025 Forum Draws USD 1.6 Billion in Foreign Investment

Business Forum in London Highlights Ethiopia’s Appeal to British Investors