Ethiopia Attracts Czech Investors with Promising Business Reforms, Says Czech Foreign Ministry State Secretary

Addis Ababa, April 24, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s effort to open the business environment through macroeconomic reforms is encouraging Czech investors to explore opportunities in various sectors, Radek Rubeš, State Secretary of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the State Secretary pointed out that Czech companies have an interest in doing business in Ethiopia in water and sanitation, irrigation, waste management, and transport, among others.

Rubeš stated that Ethiopia’s government is “really trying to open up” to foreign investment in order to create a business-oriented environment, and “we would also like to be part of the international community coming to Ethiopia.”

He added that recent discussions with Ethiopian partners indicated that the investment climate is improving and “there are really lots of opportunities.”

The State Secretary highlighted sectors where Czech firms have particular strengths, including water distribution, sanitation, and irrigation.

He also cited waste management as an area where Czech companies could expand their involvement and further revealed a transport-related initiative in which three Czech companies are working together on plans to build small regional airports.

According to him, the projects could benefit both Ethiopian travelers and tourists seeking to visit different regions of Ethiopia.

He further mentioned that Czech expertise also extends to healthcare and mining, noting that Czech firms are already active in health-related businesses and have specialized academic expertise in mining.

Moreover, the State Secretary said that the Czech government is working with Ethiopia toward an economic agreement between the two governments, including plans to establish a joint economic commission that provides a framework for cross-border business and stability for companies operating in either country.

Rubeš recalled 2023 as a strong period of cooperation, including visits by both countries’ prime ministers and a major exhibition in Prague featuring Ethiopian arts and culture.

After the election in the Czech Republic, the new government has reaffirmed that Africa remains a major priority in Czech foreign policy, with Ethiopia among its top interests in the region, the State Secretary stated.

Diplomatic and economic ties between Ethiopia and the Czech Republic date back to 1918, and there is a long tradition of cooperation in various areas, including business collaboration.