The trade relationship between Ethiopia and Kenya remains underdeveloped, with Ethiopia’s exports to Kenya in 2023 reaching only $58 million, far below the $112.4 million that Kenya exported to Ethiopia. The total annual trade volume between the two countries has yet to surpass $200 million, as reported by Sheger 102.1.

At the second Ethiopia-Kenya Trade Forum held in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Yohannes Fanta, Director General of Political Economy and Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the slow trade growth between the two countries. He noted that Ethiopia primarily exports coffee, spices, leather products, and electrical inputs to Kenya, while Kenya supplies industrial goods to Ethiopia. Despite the potential for stronger economic collaboration, trade figures remain modest.

Kenyan Ambassador to Ethiopia, George Orina, emphasized that trade volumes do not reflect the strong relationship between the two nations. He pointed out Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms aimed at improving the business climate and encouraged Kenyan investors, particularly young entrepreneurs, to explore opportunities in Ethiopia.

Zekarias Assefa, Secretary of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the need to shift from a historically diplomatic relationship to a more dynamic economic partnership.