Addis Ababa, November 14, 2025 (FMC) – Strategic Chinese investments are contributing to Ethiopia’s industrial growth, job creation, and broader economic transformation, according to Chinese Embassy Charge d’Affaires in Addis Ababa, Mr. Sun Mingxi.
In a recent interview with Fana Media Corporation, Mr. Sun highlighted China’s role as Ethiopia’s largest trading and investment partner, noting that its support has helped the country advance industrialization, agriculture, infrastructure, and the digital economy.
“Chinese investments have contributed to Ethiopia’s urbanization, industrialization, and digitalization, supporting the country’s economic development,” Mr. Sun said.
He emphasized Ethiopia’s industrial sector, noting that Chinese firms are active in metal production, building materials, food processing, pharmaceuticals, automobile assembly, and industrial parks, including the country’s first special economic zone. “These initiatives have helped Ethiopia increase tax revenue, foreign exchange earnings, import substitution, and industrial upgrading,” he added.
In agriculture, Ethiopia has benefited from preferential trade policies, including zero tariffs for coffee and soybean meal exports, alongside access to fertilizers, machinery, and technical expertise. “This support has boosted farmer incomes, increased productivity, and enhanced foreign exchange earnings,” Mr. Sun said.
He also highlighted Ethiopia’s digital transformation, with investments in telecommunications infrastructure enabling the transition from 2G to 5G, and initiatives in e-commerce, smart cities, artificial intelligence, and e-governance. “These efforts promote digital adoption across industries and support Ethiopia’s modernization goals,” he noted.
On employment and skills, Mr. Sun explained, “Projects have created around 25,000 local jobs directly, with additional opportunities in upstream and downstream industries. Initiatives such as the Adam Wind Power project and Ethiopian Airlines headquarters have employed thousands more, while skill transfer and vocational training continue to build local capacity.”
He emphasized technology transfer through platforms like Addis Future City, CCCC workshops, and Benmore Academy by Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd, which help Ethiopian professionals gain expertise in industrial processes, green construction, and electric vehicle assembly.
“Ethiopia is leveraging these partnerships to strengthen industrial sectors, expand agriculture, boost digital infrastructure, and create employment,” Mr. Sun said, stressing the country’s focus on sustainable and inclusive development.
The Charge d’Affaires also highlighted Ethiopia’s growing role in regional and global platforms, including BRICS, the United Nations, and the African Union, noting that strategic investments are enabling the country to enhance trade, innovation, and multilateral influence across Africa.