May 16 , 2025
Ethiopia concluded its Invest in Ethiopia 2025 High-Level Business Forum on a confident note, securing over $1.6 billion USD in investment commitments during a landmark two-day event held in the capital. The forum, hosted this week from May 12–13, marks a significant milestone in the country’s ambitious economic reform agenda and growing drive to attract foreign direct investment.
The high-level gathering, jointly organized by the Ministry of Finance, the Ethiopian Investment Commission, and key development partners, brought together more than 750 participants from 59 countries. Attendees included government officials, global investors, private sector leaders, and policymakers, all convening to assess and engage with Ethiopia’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.
The forum resulted in the signing of five major investment agreements, valued at over $1.6 billion, a tangible outcome that reflects increasing confidence in Ethiopia’s reform momentum. Notably, the event emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to building an inclusive and open economy — one grounded in transparency, sustainability, and investor confidence.
During the occasion, President Taye Atske-Selassie echoed this vision in his remarks, highlighting Ethiopia’s strategic location, youthful population, and robust reform record. He pointed to Ethiopia’s integration into regional markets via the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and major efforts to liberalize sectors such as finance and telecommunications.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos expanded on Ethiopia’s strategic advantages, citing access to affordable energy, a large domestic market, and ongoing liberalization efforts. He referenced high-profile investments such as Safaricom’s $2.5 billion entry into Ethiopia’s telecom sector as evidence of investor confidence and reform dividends.
In his keynote address, Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, reaffirmed the government’s resolute commitment to macroeconomic stability and private sector-driven growth. “There has never been a more opportune moment to invest in our nation,” he declared, underscoring Ethiopia’s readiness for strategic investment partnerships. Minister Shide emphasized the importance of Ethiopia’s recently launched Macro Reform Program in shaping a cohesive and resilient economic environment. He also urged investors to explore the high-potential sectors outlined in the official “deal book,” which was prepared to spotlight key areas for engagement.
The forum’s second day featured parallel panel discussions focused on a series of priority sectors, including manufacturing, services, ICT, and agriculture. These sessions were particularly dynamic, providing an interactive space for dialogue on public-private partnerships, regulatory frameworks, and sector-specific strategies. With robust attendance from both new and existing investors, these panels underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening investor engagement through consultation and policy responsiveness. The support of Ethiopia’s development partners and private sector champions further reinforced the country’s growing appeal as an investment destination. With over $10 billion in investment opportunities showcased since 2018, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a compelling player in Africa’s economic future, balancing reform ambition with pragmatic policy design.