Ethiopia to Host Int'l Investment Forum Aimed at Securing Over 2.4 Billion USD Investment Agreements

Addis Ababa, March 2, 2026 (ENA) – Ethiopia will host the 4th "Invest in Ethiopia" International Investment Forum from March 26 to 27, 2026, aimed at securing over 2.4 billion US Dollar agreements.

Briefing journalists today, Ethiopian Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen said that Ethiopian Investment Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Development Partners, will host the forum.

 

 

The forum, themed "Ethiopia is ready for investment," will take place at the skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa.

According to the commissioner, over 800 international investors, business leaders, policymakers, and development partners are expected to attend the forum.

The two-day forum will feature high level policy and investment discussion panels; business to business networking programs; networking sessions and investment exhibitions, among others.

Zeleke said the forum aims to extensively showcase Ethiopia's favorable investment environment and highlight the significant opportunities arising from recent macroeconomic reforms, he noted.

He noted that at last year's forum, five companies in the mining and solar sectors signed agreements valued at 1.6 billion USD.

These companies are now operational and exporting their products internationally. The goal for this year's forum is to secure over 2.4 billion USD investment agreements, he noted.

Finance State Minister Semereta Sewasew said that the government's macroeconomic reforms are creating an enabling environment for investors.

She highlighted the forum as a crucial platform to showcase Ethiopia's vast potential across various sectors, including agriculture, mining, digitalization, and energy.

On her part, World Bank Division Director for Ethiopia, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Sudan, Maryam Salim emphasized the significance of the forum particularly at a pivotal moment for Ethiopia.

She said, “Ethiopia is at a turning point. The country has good momentum of reforms, macroeconomic stabilization, opening up sectors that were previously off limits to private sector. This year’s forum is particularly timely.”

Both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have affirmed that Ethiopia possesses the potential for broad-based, double-digit inclusive growth, she noted, stressing that sustained macroeconomic reforms improved competitiveness and revitalized investor confidence are key ingredients for renewed growth and acceleration.

Salim noted that significant reforms, including a market-determined exchange rate and customs reforms aligned with WTO standards, are already in place, making a tangible shift towards a more market-driven economy.

In this respect, Ethiopia is ready for business and committed to reform, she underscored, encouraging investors to tap investment opportunities in the country.

"Our message to local and international investors is clear—Ethiopia has remarkable potential, and now is the time to engage," Salim elaborated, inviting them to look at the evidence-a young and growing population, a strategic location, strong agricultural foundations and an expanding industrial base.