IMG-LOGO

Promoting Ethiopia to India -the biggest Potential in Africa

by H.E. Fesseha Shawel - 13 February, 2025, 12:00 341 Views 0 Comment

Ethiopia, a parliamentary democracy located in the Horn of Africa with a population of over 130 million, is led by H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and Head of State H.E. Taye Atske Selassie.

Ethiopia, a nation of more than 3,000-year-old civilization, is one of the cradles of humanity. Home to a vibrant tapestry of ethnicities and religions, this diverse nation unites 130 million plus people. As the largest country in East Africa by population, territory, and economy, Ethiopia stands as a beacon of potential.

The capital, Addis Ababa, is the third-largest diplomatic hub globally, following New York and Geneva, and hosts prestigious organizations such as the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa among other international agencies.

Currently, Ethiopia is experiencing significant political and economic transformation. The political landscape of Ethiopia is characterized by a federal and parliamentary republic, comprising 12 regional states and two city administrations. The current ruling party is the Prosperity Party.

The government has overseen a series of macroeconomic reforms aimed at fostering growth and stability. These reforms, which emphasize financial sector modernization and privatization, have created an environment ripe for investment. The government has made significant strides in attracting foreign investors, offering a range of incentives that facilitate entry into various sectors, particularly in manufacturing and agro-industry. Attracting foreign direct investment is a priority, and Ethiopia offers a favourable climate for investors across various industries. With 29 industrial parks and numerous economic zones, the agricultural sector, especially agro-industry, is rapidly growing, alongside rising demands in manufacturing.

In line with its ambition to be an African manufacturing hub, Ethiopia is enhancing private sector involvement, particularly in textiles, apparel, IT, mining, leather, and tourism. Recent policy reform, such as the groundbreaking investment legislation of 2020, have opened the transport and logistics sector to foreign investment. The government plans to invest over USD 70 billion in infrastructure in the coming decade, further integrating Ethiopia into global trade networks.

Moreover, recent reforms in the banking sector have further bolstered Ethiopia’s investment climate. The National Bank of Ethiopia has revised longstanding policies, now permitting international banks to operate without restrictions. This financial liberalization is crucial for fostering an ecosystem conducive to business growth, as it allows for easier access to capital and financial services for both domestic and foreign enterprise.

Ethiopian Airlines proudly leads in aviation, connecting Africa with major international destinations. It operates daily flights from Addis Ababa to New Delhi (twice), Mumbai (once), and other Indian cities like Chennai and Bengaluru.

As the “Land of Origins,” Ethiopia is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, boasting 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Welcoming over 800,000 visitors annually, the country presents vast opportunities for tourism development. Known as the birthplace of humanity, coffee, and the Blue Nile, Ethiopia offers breathtaking landscapes, ranging from towering mountains to the stunning Danakil Depression and the active volcano at Erta Ale.

Whether you seek adventure, natural beauty, or historical exploration, Ethiopia has much to offer. Ethiopia extends a warm invitation to investors from India and beyond, encouraging participation in its growth story across all sectors.

 “Let’s build a prosperous future together”!

H.E. Fesseha Shawel
Author is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to India
Tags:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *