Italy Aims to Double Trade with Ethiopia by End of Next Year: Trade Promotion Commissioner Pasqualucci

Addis Ababa, April 25, 2026 (ENA) —Italy targets to double its planned 600-million Euros trade with Ethiopia for 2026 as the economic relations, driven by high-level diplomatic engagement, have been growing, according to Claudio Pasqualucci, Trade Promotion Commissioner at the Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa.

Ethio-Italy relations are experiencing a strong resurgence focused on economic growth, investment, and infrastructure.

The rapid growth and deepening strategic partnership between the two countries is driven by strong high-level diplomatic engagement between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Pasqualucci said Italy and Ethiopia have enjoyed long-standing relationships in various spheres as their economic relationship is growing. 

The bilateral trade between Ethiopia and Italy is growing both in import and export sectors, he stated, adding that the bilateral trade targeted to reach about 600 million Euros by the end of 2026 will double by the end of next year.

“Our intent is to double (trade) at least for next year. We want to double our exports to Ethiopia and also to facilitate Ethiopian exports to Italy, especially in those materials that are very important for our economy.”

Commenting on the comprehensive economy of Ethiopia, the Trade Commissioner commended Ethiopia’s massive transformation in the financial, trade, and economic landscapes within a short period of time.

 

Many reforms have been carried out and many others are underway, Pasqualucci noted, highlighting the financial reform, including the macroeconomic reform, which is a huge boost for foreign investors and opening of the economy for foreign companies. 

Regarding the engagement of Italian companies in Ethiopia and the readiness to increase their presence, the Trade Commissioner said: “We have 150 Italian companies that are constantly trading with Ethiopia, but we want to do more.”

According to Pasqualucci, Italian companies currently look at Ethiopia as a very important destination for doing business.

He also praised the Ethiopian government for facilitating the business environment, which is crucial, and gives a very important message to companies.

On the strong people-to-people ties, he said many Italians live here, many Ethiopians live in Italy. This demonstrates that the two countries' strong relations is based on solid foundations.

Highlighting the promising future prospects of Ethiopia and Italy, the Trade Commissioner affirmed Italy's readiness to further deepen relations with Ethiopia in various spheres.

Ethiopia is also doing its part, including creating a conducive business environment driven by a comprehensive reform, he added. 

Ethiopia and Italy are deepening their longstanding strong ties, moving beyond traditional diplomacy into intensified economic, infrastructure, and investment cooperation.