Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia Target Industrial and Technology Partnerships in New Trade Talks

Addis Ababa, November 17, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia convened the second round of their Joint Trade Council meeting in Addis Ababa today, reinforcing efforts to expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation with a renewed focus on industrial, technological, and value-adding sectors.

The meeting brought together Ethiopia’s Special Envoy to Saudi Arabia and Ambassador-at-Large, Dr. Muktar Kedir; President of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, Sebseb Abafira; Chair of Ethiopia’s side of the Joint Business Council, Taye Leta; and a high-level Saudi delegation led by Abdullah Al-Ajimi.

Discussions centered on unlocking new investment opportunities, resolving bottlenecks affecting cross-border business, and strengthening sector-based collaboration. Both sides agreed on practical measures to accelerate trade, improve investment facilitation, and promote long-term industrial partnerships. The parties underscored their shared commitment to elevating economic cooperation to a strategic, technology-supported and industrially aligned level.

Following the meeting, the Saudi business delegation visited Bole Lemi Industrial Park, where they toured manufacturing facilities, engaged with park administrators, and received briefings on Ethiopia’s industrial development model, incentives, and export-oriented investment opportunities.

During a separate engagement, Ambassador Muktar held talks with the owner of SPIMACO, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading pharmaceutical firms. The discussions addressed plans to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Ethiopia, technology transfer prospects, and collaboration options through Ethiopia’s dedicated industrial parks. The investor was also invited to visit Kilinto Industrial Park, a hub for pharmaceutical and life-science manufacturing.

The Saudi delegation will remain in Ethiopia through November 19  with additional programs scheduled, including participation in the Ethio–Saudi Investment Forum, B2B platforms, and visits to tourism destinations.