Macroeconomic Reforms Boost Export Sector, Open New Market Destinations: Stakeholders

Addis Ababa, Sep 2, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s comprehensive macroeconomic reforms are creating more favorable conditions for the export sector, easing longstanding business constraints and helping investors access new international markets, business owners and industry leaders said.

They said the reforms are generating positive momentum across investment and export activities by addressing structural bottlenecks, improving the business environment and facilitating access to emerging commercial destinations.

Horticulture producer and exporter Tsegaye Abebe said bureaucratic hurdles that previously hampered business operations have been substantially reduced under the current economic framework.

He said the ongoing reforms and improvements in the investment climate are enabling both domestic and foreign investors to operate more efficiently and improve their business performance.

Tsegaye noted that, in addition to established investors from China, India and Europe, capital from Far Eastern countries such as Vietnam is increasingly flowing into various sectors, which he said reflects the growing impact of the reforms.

General Manager of Beeco Agro Industry Tamirat Adugna said his company primarily exports fresh strawberries to markets in the Middle East, Far East, Africa and Europe.

He said government incentives and structural support for export-oriented producers, combined with the macroeconomic reforms, are helping companies expand production and strengthen their competitiveness in international markets.

Tamirat also highlighted improvements in financial and banking services, particularly access to foreign currency and the processing of Letters of Credit.

According to him, streamlined banking procedures have made international transactions easier, facilitating entry into emerging markets and strengthening trade ties with Far Eastern destinations, including Singapore and Thailand.

Export Manager of Shavamo Export PLC Tariku Guteta said Europe has historically been a major destination for Ethiopian coffee exports.

However, he noted that changing trade restrictions and regulatory requirements within the European Union have made market diversification increasingly important for Ethiopian exporters.

Tariku said government efforts to identify and open alternative export destinations are crucial for increasing the country’s overall export volume while reducing dependence on a limited number of markets and trading blocs.

The industry representatives emphasized that sustaining the reform process, improving trade facilitation and expanding access to international markets would be essential to strengthening Ethiopia’s export competitiveness and supporting investment led economic growth.