Ethiopia, ICSID discuss membership to bolster investor confidence and legal certainty

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia is moving closer to joining the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a key step aimed at strengthening investor confidence and aligning the country’s investment framework with international standards.

During a meeting held on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., Finance Minister Ahmed Shide met with ICSID Secretary-General Martina Polasek to discuss progress on Ethiopia’s accession and ratification process.

Ahmed said Ethiopia’s engagement with ICSID reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a transparent, predictable, and rules-based investment environment. He underscored that joining ICSID would enhance legal certainty for investors and further integrate Ethiopia into the global investment community.

He also noted that membership would reinforce the country’s ongoing reform agenda focused on improving the ease of doing business, encouraging private-sector–led growth, and attracting quality foreign investment.

Polasek welcomed Ethiopia’s initiative and expressed ICSID’s readiness to provide technical support and guidance throughout the membership process. She noted that joining the organization would signal Ethiopia’s adherence to international best practices in investment protection and dispute resolution.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to advance Ethiopia’s membership process and organize a technical workshop in Addis Ababa to support implementation efforts.