Ethiopia Emerges as Prime Destination for Investment, Says Commissioner

Addis Ababa, February 6, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia is poised to unlock vast investment potential, fueled by comprehensive economic reforms and its strategic position as a gateway to Africa, Ethiopian Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen stated.

Speaking at the Ethiopia-Brazil Economic Cooperation Forum in Addis Ababa, the commissioner outlined promising prospects across sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, energy, and tourism.

“We believe that Brazilian investors renowned for their expertise in technology, manufacturing, logistics and sustainable development, as well as vertical value chain integration are uniquely positioned to seize the compelling investment opportunities that Ethiopia presents,” he emphasized.

Stating that the timing of the forum is particularly significant as Ethiopia has undergone a remarkable journey of reform over the past seven to eight years, he said the government has implemented far-reaching changes to create an open, dynamic and industrial friendly environment.

For the commissioner, Ethiopia stands out as a compelling strategic investment destination driven by the liberalization of key sectors which are previously close to foreign investment.

“Today, international investors are welcomed into our telecom, banking, import-export trade and wholesale and retail sectors.”

Regulatory improvements and digitalization efforts are  making it easier than ever to invest and operate in Ethiopia, he noted.

Ethiopia generates one of Africa's largest renewable energy supplies, offering investors reliable and affordable electricity and essential advantages for manufacturing and agro-processing sectors, according to the commissioner.

Zeleke further highlighted that Ethiopia and foreign investors have also built modern special economic zones, which are built for the purpose of providing efficient services.

Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, investors in Ethiopia can also access the 1.4 billion consumer market, he said, adding combined with Ethiopian airlines connectivity, Ethiopia serves as a natural gateway to the content of Africa.

Ethiopia also offers generous cooperative income tax incentives, customs duty exemptions, incentive in investment guarantees and the comprehensive one-stop service at Ethiopia Investment Commission, among others.

Noting that the investment opportunities in Ethiopia are quite diverse, he stated agriculture and agro-processing remain a priority sector for the nation’s economy, alongside tourism, ICT and mining.

“We strongly believe that there is a lot that Brazil can offer to the rest of the world. Brazil's agri-business and food processing sector is one of the most competitive globally, in a way few countries can match.”

This makes Brazil a benchmark model for emerging economies seeking to move from primary agriculture towards global competitive, value-added agro-food industries, he affirmed.