@Manufacturing – Ethiopian Business Review

Ethiopia is actively courting global investors with bold economic reforms and sectoral liberalization, as it hosts the Invest in Ethiopia – High-Level Business Forum 2025 in Addis Ababa from May 12–13. The event brings together international investors, senior government officials, and development partners to explore opportunities in priority sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, ICT, and manufacturing.

Organized by the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), the Ministry of Finance, and the Development Partners Group, the two-day forum signals Ethiopia’s firm commitment to private sector-led growth. The country’s 8.1% GDP growth in 2024 and recent policy reforms have positioned it as one of Africa’s top destinations for investment.

The Forum features high-level ministerial roundtables, sector panels, networking sessions, and the official launch of a new Investment Deal Book, aimed at enhancing transparency and deal-making for foreign investors.

In his opening remarks, President Taye Atske Selassie emphasized the government’s efforts to improve the investment climate by addressing long-standing challenges in foreign direct investment (FDI). “Reforms have been designed to attract FDI, sustain growth, and drive structural transformation,” he noted, adding that infrastructure development and investor-friendly policies are being prioritized to meet Ethiopia’s goal of becoming Africa’s leading economy by 2030.

“We believe we are on the right track to ensure macro-financial stability,” he added. “Our reforms are fundamentally reimagining Ethiopia’s economic future.”

Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos (PhD) echoed the president’s message, stating that Ethiopia’s young, energetic population, improved logistics, and rapid development of industrial parks make it a natural hub for international investment. He encouraged investors to explore opportunities not just in traditional sectors, but also in mining, energy, and tourism.

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide underlined the importance of macroeconomic stability and structural reforms. “Opening up sectors like telecom, finance, and logistics is already yielding results,” he said. He also highlighted the launch of the Ethiopian capital market as a game-changer in deepening private-sector participation.

EIC Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen Boru (PhD) reported that new investors from 59 countries are participating in the forum—a sign of growing international confidence. He stressed the government’s readiness to provide full support to investors and ensure predictability in policy implementation.

A presentation by Planning and Development Minister Dr. Fitsum Assefa showcased Ethiopia’s natural resources, strategic location, and investment-ready infrastructure, reinforcing the country’s competitive edge in attracting quality investments.

With AfCFTA integration on the horizon, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a regional gateway for investors seeking access to Africa’s fast-growing markets.

Ethiopia has reached a major milestone in its import substitution strategy, producing goods worth USD2.7 billion in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Industry.

State Industry Minister Tarekgne Bululta, speaking to the state-run Ethiopian News Agency, highlighted the remarkable growth in domestic production. Just four years ago, the value of import-substituted goods stood at USD 345 million. This figure surged to USD2.9 billion three years ago and reached USD2.8 billion in the last fiscal year, reflecting a sustained upward trend.

In the first eight months of 2024/2025 alone, Ethiopia has already recorded USD2.7 billion in import substitution, underscoring the momentum of this economic policy. The government is now working closely with stakeholders to push this figure to USD3.9 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

The market share of locally produced substitute goods has also expanded significantly, now surpassing 43%. This indicates growing consumer confidence in Ethiopian-made products and increasing competitiveness in the national market.

Tarekgne attributed this success to the government’s strategic focus on reducing reliance on foreign imports and strengthening domestic production. The initiative not only aims to alleviate foreign currency shortages but also seeks to create substantial job opportunities and improve access to affordable goods.

As part of this strategy, the Ministry of Industry has identified 96 key products for domestic substitution, ensuring a structured and targeted approach to import reduction.

Ethiopia Opens Doors to Global Investors in Energy, ICT, Manufacturing, and Agribusiness

Ethiopia Nears USD3 Billion in Import Substitution