Ethiopia’s economic growth attracts rising interest from Pakistani investors: Ambassador

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2025 (FMC) — Pakistan and Ethiopia are strengthening their bilateral relations through expanding cooperation in key sectors including aviation, trade, education, and information technology.

Atif Sharif Mian, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, emphasized his country’s growing interest in Ethiopia’s dynamic and rapidly developing economy.

He underscored the opportunities for enhanced South-South cooperation, noting Pakistan’s ambition to broaden its engagement in health, education, and cultural sectors to foster deeper people-to-people ties.

Ambassador Mian also pointed to mutual diplomatic support in multilateral forums, citing Ethiopia’s endorsement of Pakistan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and Pakistan’s reciprocal backing of Ethiopia’s bid for the UN Human Rights Council.

He reiterated the significance of expanding people-to-people exchanges, which he described as a cornerstone of the evolving relationship.

Describing Ethiopia as “a new frontier for development,” Ambassador Mian highlighted the strategic value of Africa’s youthful and growing population of 1.5 billion, with Ethiopia alone home to an estimated 125 to 130 million people, the majority of whom are youth.
He noted Ethiopia’s considerable agricultural capacity and abundant human resources, underlining the ongoing expansion of economic ties, particularly in trade.

“Ethiopia has undertaken bold and courageous economic reforms, both domestically and internationally, including cooperation with the IMF. The liberalization of the foreign exchange regime has notably narrowed the gap between parallel and official market rates,” he said, adding that these reforms are enhancing Ethiopia’s attractiveness to international investors.

Ambassador Mian further acknowledged the Ethiopian government’s strategy of encouraging exports while curbing unnecessary imports, as well as its recent decision to open the banking and retail sectors to foreign investment — developments he described as significant steps forward.

He also highlighted the Ethiopian government’s decision to permit foreign land ownership, noting that this has bolstered investor confidence by reducing risks and increasing the prospects for long-term success.

Positioning Ethiopia as a strategic gateway to the Horn of Africa and the broader continent, Ambassador Mian emphasized its importance as a substantial and promising market for Pakistani investors.

“In the past two years, around 160 Pakistani businessmen have visited Ethiopia to explore opportunities. Many are planning new ventures, while existing investors are expanding their operations. There is strong momentum,” he noted.

He also referenced the deepening aviation partnership between the two countries, pointing out that Ethiopian Airlines currently operates four flights to Karachi, with further expansion under discussion, as reported by ENA.