Italy Plans Huge Investment in Ethiopia, Says Italian Trade Commissioner Pasqualucci

Addis Ababa, November 15, 2025 (ENA) - Italy has a huge investment plan to invest in Ethiopia where the Government of Ethiopia is creating a friendly investment environment, Italy's Trade Commissioner at the Embassy in Addis Ababa told ENA.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Italian Trade Commissioner Claudio Pasqualucci said the bilateral trade between Italy and Ethiopia is very low even if they are two big countries with long lasting traditions and very close relations.

“As we speak now, in November, 2025, the bilateral trade is very low, considering the opportunities and the potential within the two countries,” he stated.

However, “our goal is to increase our volume of export and also increase certain strategic imports from Ethiopia to Italy.”

Stating that coffee and other critical materials within the mining industry are among the priorities, the Commissioner said the bilateral goal is to increase commercial and trade relationships.

“I think we are on a good path, but again, it doesn't happen tomorrow. We need to take some time. But I think that we are really going very well.”

Citing that discussions have been held with the Ethiopian authorities to boost Italian investments here, Pasqualucci affirmed that Italy has a huge investment plan in Ethiopia.

According to Trade Commissioner, Ethiopia is the first country in Italy's huge investment plan  and endeavors are already being carried out to develop some industrial parks, to have the possibility for Italian companies to enter and produce in joint ventures with local partners.

For example, “there is a big project on social housing. They (the investors) were discussing where Italian companies can work with local companies. So, I think it is a path. But it started very well.”

Regarding the future prospects of the two countries, Pasqualucci said the prospects of the two countries are very good, but there is a need to improve the bilateral trade relations.

By undertaking a comprehensive and bold Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda with the view to transforming its economy, Ethiopia has become one of Africa's largest and fastest-growing economies.

Significant achievements of its recent macroeconomic reforms include increased economic growth, record export revenues, and declining inflation.

The reform has resulted in several tangible achievements, including strong GDP growth, significant job creation, and improved foreign exchange earnings, among others.