EU–Ethiopia Business Forum to Unlock Major Investment Deals in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, April 9, 2026 (FMC) — The European Union and Ethiopia are set to convene a major business forum in Addis Ababa from April 20 to 22, 2026, aimed at boosting investment flows and strengthening economic ties between the two partners.

The EU–Ethiopia Business Forum, held under the theme “Unlocking the Global Gateway Potential,” is expected to bring together more than 500 European and Ethiopian companies, alongside senior government officials, investors, and business leaders.

The forum seeks to translate Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms and growth momentum into concrete investment opportunities, while advancing long-term cooperation in key sectors critical to sustainable development.

Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, said the bloc remains committed to supporting Ethiopia’s economic transformation through expanded business and investment engagement.

“The forum will bring together companies to explore concrete opportunities, build partnerships, and advance fair and sustainable business practices,” she noted, emphasizing a shared ambition to convert reform momentum into tangible investment and job creation.

A key highlight of the event will be the signing of three investment packages on the opening day, in the presence of senior Ethiopian government officials. Among them, the flagship Digital Economy Package under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative is expected to enhance cooperation in digital connectivity, governance, and regulatory reform.

The three-day forum will feature panel discussions, business-to-business engagements, and field visits to project sites around Addis Ababa, creating a platform to link investment commitments with opportunities on the ground.

Participants will explore partnership opportunities across priority sectors, including digital transformation, clean energy transition, health systems, and sustainable agrifood value chains.

The event will convene a broad range of stakeholders, including government institutions, development finance organizations, private sector actors, and chambers of commerce.

The Global Gateway initiative, the European Union’s flagship investment strategy, aims to bridge global infrastructure gaps by supporting smart, clean, and secure development across sectors such as digital, energy, transport, health, and education, it has been learned.