The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Nairobi, Kenya, in collaboration with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), conducted a breakfast meeting entitled “Business and Investment Opportunities in Ethiopia” at the embassy premises on Wednesday (August 6). Erick Ruto, President of KNCCI, CEOs, Regional Directors, and representatives of 150 companies from different sectors attended the forum.
Ambassador Demeke Atnafu, Deputy Head of Mission, made a presentation on business and investment opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, ICT, tourism, trade, energy, transport and logistics, and health care. He highlighted the macroeconomic reforms being implemented and progress achieved by the government of Ethiopia in the telecom sector, the market-based forex regime, and the opening of the banking, import/export trade, and financial sectors to foreign investors.
Demeke further elaborated on reasons to invest and do business in Ethiopia, including its strategic location, strong and resilient economy, dynamic policy environment, and committed government, as well as competitive production factors, extensive fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and favorable market conditions. He stated that the enduring Ethio-Kenya partnership enhances cooperation in trade, investment, training and capacity building, energy, infrastructure development, and peace and stability in the region. He particularly referenced Ethiopia’s supply of 200 MW of electricity to Kenya worth USD 86.3 million in 2024, as well as Ethiopia’s use of Lamu Port.
Following the presentation, an interactive session was held with participants mainly from priority and emerging sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, ICT, tourism, trade, energy, transport and logistics, and health care.
Fatma Bashir, Department Head of Trade at KNCCI, briefed participants during her remarks on the status of both import and export between the two countries, emphasizing specific sectors where Kenyan businesses could thrive. She stated that in 2024, trade between the two countries totaled USD 200 million, with Kenya enjoying a USD 12 million surplus. Kenya exports medicines, pesticides, cleaning products, and fertilizers to Ethiopia, while Ethiopia exports electricity, dried legumes, vehicles, and machinery to Kenya. She further noted that Ethiopia accounts for only 1.3% of Kenya’s exports, and Kenya for just 2.9% of Ethiopia’s exports, highlighting enormous untapped potential.
Erick Ruto, President of KNCCI, in his remarks appreciated the measures taken by the Ethiopian government to open up its economy. He singled out KNCCI’s commitment, inter alia, to facilitate regular business delegations and sector-specific roundtables, to champion joint trade desks, MOUs, and follow-up missions that deliver contracts, not just conversations. He invited Ethiopian investors to Kenya’s strategic corridors and encouraged Kenyan enterprises to explore Ethiopia’s fast-growing sectors.
In closing his call to action, the President stated, “Let this breakfast be a starting point for measurable outcomes and shared prosperity,” and reaffirmed KNCCI’s readiness to walk this journey towards inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable trade. Together, let’s write the next chapter of the Kenya–Ethiopia success story. He also invited participants to a trade and investment mission to Ethiopia in October 2025.
In conclusion, both Ambassador Demeke and President Ruto identified opportunities that must be seized, including simplifying cross-border trade through faster customs and better logistics; empowering SMEs through joint training, technology transfer, and incubation hubs; investing in industrial and special economic zones (such as LAPSSET and Ethiopian Industrial Parks); boosting agriculture and food security using climate-smart farming and agri-tech; and growing tourism and cultural exchange with stronger people-to-people links. The session concluded with a Q&A, allowing attendees to explore further avenues for partnership and meaningful collaboration.