Ethiopia Stands Out as Leading Trade, Investment Destination in Africa

Addis Ababa, May 22, 2026 —Ethiopia is emerging as one of the most promising  trade and investment destinations in Africa, fueled by sweeping economic reforms, Amha Hailegiorgis, Deputy Director General for Middle East, Asia and Pacific Countries Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Addressing the Dubai-Ethiopia Business Forum held in Addis Ababa today, he said Ethiopia offers, opportunities aligned with its ambitions for sustainable development and industrialization.

He noted that relations between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates have strengthened considerably since 2018, evolving into a dynamic and multifaceted partnership grounded in shared economic interests.

According to Amha, Ethiopia’s leadership remains committed to improving the business climate and creating favorable conditions for both domestic and international investors.

 

He emphasized that the country is increasingly being recognized as one of the continent’s most attractive investment destinations.

The UAE has emerged as one of Ethiopia’s key development and trade partners, with Ethiopian exports to the Gulf nation steadily increasing in recent years.

At the same time, several UAE-based companies have expanded investments across major sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and construction.

Ethiopia’s ongoing reform agenda is already delivering measurable outcomes.

Data from the Ethiopian Investment Commission indicates that the country attracted approximately 18.6 billion USD in foreign direct investment over the past five years, ranking second in Africa for FDI inflows.

Amha further encouraged investors from the UAE to capitalize on opportunities in high-growth sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, tourism, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, mining, and digital services.

For his part, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, described Ethiopia as a strategic gateway to Africa and an increasingly important destination for companies seeking regional expansion.

 

He said Dubai-based businesses see strong potential for cooperation in logistics, trade, agriculture, and food production.

 He also cited Ethiopia’s large market, strategic geographic location, and growing infrastructure network.

During the forum, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the UAE, Jemal Beker, stated that the country has made significant progress through wide-ranging reforms implemented over the past eight years in areas including economic policy and diplomacy.

 

He added that Ethiopia is emerging as a center of gravity in Africa’s geopolitical and economic landscape, supported by market-oriented reforms, expanding infrastructure, favorable investment policies, and its strategic location connecting Africa, the Middle East and global markets.

With continued reforms and growing international partnerships, Ethiopia is increasingly positioning itself as a leading destination for investment and economic cooperation on the African continent, it was indicated.