Addis Ababa, November 27, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has emphasized the importance of regional integration in driving private investment and accelerating Africa’s economic transformation, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said at the 2025 Africa Investment Forum.
Speaking at the Ministerial Dialogue on “Accelerating Private Investment Through Conducive Enabling Environments,” he stressed that scale, connectivity, and market access are critical factors shaping investor confidence across the continent.
The Minister underscored that regional integration is a political and economic priority for Ethiopia and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to aligning domestic reforms with continental frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
“Regional integration is the most powerful accelerator of private investment in Africa today,” the Minister said. “When we harmonize policies, connect our markets, and build cross-border infrastructure, we create scale—and scale is what global capital responds to.”
He outlined four areas where Ethiopia is advancing reforms to strengthen cross-border investment:
Regulatory harmonization to streamline investment laws and standards.
Integrated logistics corridors, including upgraded customs and digital trade systems along the Ethiopia–Djibouti route.
Regional energy and digital connectivity, supported by partnerships with institutions such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group.
Development of regional value chains in agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics, and services.
The Minister concluded by calling for deeper collaboration among African governments, development finance institutions, and private sector partners to unlock regional projects, reduce trade barriers, and position Africa as a unified, competitive investment destination.