United Arab Emirates Businesses Urged to Invest in Long-term Ventures

Addis Ababa, October 20, 2026 (ENA) — Industry State Minister Hassan Mohammed has urged UAE businesses to consider long-term ventures involving local production, technology transfer and job creation beyond importing and distributing goods.

Opening the Ethiopia-UAE Business and Investment Forum held in Addis Ababa today, he said Ethiopia’s natural resources, workforce, strategic location and ongoing economic reforms offer a foundation for expanded investment.

 

The state minister identified agro-processing, food and beverage production, textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, metals, construction materials, packaging and agricultural machinery as areas with potential for cooperation.

The government is ready to provide investment information, connect investors with relevant institutions and help address challenges in accordance with Ethiopian laws, Hassan added.

Trade and Regional Integration Ministry representative, Bereket Meseret, said bilateral trade between Ethiopia and the UAE totaled 5.6 billion USD from 2021 to 2025, the former exporting 1.2 billion dollars’ worth of goods and importing 4.4 billion USD during the period.

Coffee is Ethiopia’s leading export to the UAE, followed by sesame seeds, meat products, cut flowers and fresh produce, Bereket noted, adding that petroleum products accounted for the largest share of Ethiopian imports from the UAE, followed by urea fertilizer.

He added that Ethiopia has been pursuing reforms to attract foreign investment, improve trade and logistics, and strengthen export base, highlighting the African Continental Free Trade Area as an opportunity to expand regional trade and build value chains.

Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dewano Kedir urged the UAE business delegation to learn about the Ethiopian market and consider developing business relationships from trade into manufacturing and investment.

 

For his part, Sharjah City (UAE) Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Abdulla Sultan Al Owais said the forum could open a new chapter in cooperation and support mutual development.

According to him, the delegation has interest in exploring opportunities in trade, investment, industry, agribusiness and tourism sectors.

The Chairman pointed out that the city chamber will continue to boost business engagement and future trade missions.

 

Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations Secretary-General, Zekarias Assefa, highlighted the importance of the forum’s business-to-business sessions to pursue concrete partnerships, joint ventures and trade agreements.

He emphasized that Ethiopia and the UAE have complementary economies, indicating opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, energy, information and communications technology, and tourism sectors.

The Secretary-General pointed out that Ethiopia’s natural resources and strategic location, combined with the UAE’s investment capacity, technology, logistics and access to global markets, could create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

 

The forum under the theme “Fostering New Partnerships and Driving the Future Together” brought together senior government officials, ambassadors, business representatives from both Sharjah and Addis Ababa cities.