Ethio-Japan Business Forum Highlights Ethiopia’s Reform Drive, Investment Potential

Addis Ababa, January 13, 2026 (FMC) — The Ethio-Japan Business Forum was held today at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, bringing together 48 business representatives from more than 35 Japanese companies to explore trade and investment opportunities in Ethiopia.

Opening the forum, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe welcomed the Japanese delegation and underscored Ethiopia’s long-standing relations with Japan, dating back to the establishment of diplomatic missions in the 1930s. He noted that bilateral ties have been shaped by mutual respect and shared values, while highlighting recent positive trends in trade and investment between the two countries.

The Minister outlined Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reform agenda, including liberalization measures in the telecommunications, banking, and retail sectors, as well as the country’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He emphasized Ethiopia’s strategic position as a gateway to Africa’s 1.4-billion-strong market and reiterated the government’s determination to accede to the World Trade Organization.

Ethiopian Investment Commission Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen echoed these views, describing Ethiopia as uniquely positioned to serve Japanese companies seeking entry into African markets. He highlighted investment opportunities in manufacturing, information and communication technology, tourism, and mining, and urged participants to focus on transformative, long-term partnerships rather than short-term gains.

Japan’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Ayano expressed appreciation for Ethiopia’s hospitality and praised the collaborative efforts of Ethiopian institutions and the Japanese Embassy in Addis Ababa. She noted that the forum marked the largest Japanese business delegation to Ethiopia since 2014, with participation doubling in size. Ms. Ayano commended Ethiopia’s reform efforts and highlighted Japan’s role as a contributor to global financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. She expressed hope that the forum would pave the way for new ventures by Japanese companies and further strengthen bilateral relations.

Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Director General for Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted Japan’s contributions to Ethiopia through technical assistance and knowledge transfer facilitated by JICA and JETRO. While acknowledging the strength of existing development cooperation, he stressed the importance of expanding direct business-to-business engagement between the two countries.

The forum featured expert presentations from the Ethiopian Investment Commission, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Bank of Ethiopia. Discussions focused on Ethiopia’s reform agenda, the investment climate, and opportunities for collaboration, followed by a question-and-answer session.