The Fifth Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition took place at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa from October 16–18. Organized by the Federal Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistani Embassy in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event brought together key business and government stakeholders from both countries.
The conference attracted 115 leading Pakistani companies, over 300 Pakistani investors, and 114 African investors from Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. It provided a platform to explore Ethiopia’s foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities, particularly in pharmaceuticals, hygiene products, cosmetics, textiles, and agricultural products.
Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime addressed attendees, highlighting the country’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms and efforts to create a stable, business-friendly environment. He noted improvements in narrowing the gap between parallel and official foreign exchange markets and emphasized the government’s commitment to ease of doing business.
State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration Abdulhakim Mulu invited Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in priority sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, ICT, tourism, construction, and logistics. He underscored Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth and pointed out that the current limited trade volume between the two countries reflects untapped potential.
Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister of Commerce of Pakistan, described the conference as a symbol of Pakistan’s strategic “Look Africa Policy Initiative.” He said many Pakistani companies were exploring African markets for the first time, creating opportunities for Ethiopia to attract investment while building enduring diplomatic bridges.
Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Director General for Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Countries Affairs at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, elaborated on the country’s investment incentives and opportunities, reinforcing Ethiopia as a strategic gateway to the continent.
By hosting the conference for the first time in Ethiopia, following previous editions in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt, the country strengthened its position in regional economic diplomacy and expanded its role in attracting African-focused foreign investment.