Pres. Taye highlights Ethiopia’s vision for 2030 as a leading investment hub in Africa

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2025 (FMC) – President Taye Atske-Selassie revealed that Ethiopia is actively pursuing policy reforms and strategies to position itself as a key gateway to the global market and a leading destination for investment.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day high-level business forum in Addis Ababa today, President Taye underscored Ethiopia’s vast, largely untapped investment potential, particularly in key sectors such as digital services, telecommunications, agriculture, and manufacturing.

The forum is seen as a platform to explore the growing opportunities created by regional integration and global trade frameworks, especially the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“This forum is a landmark event,” President Taye stated. “It provides a crucial opportunity to fully explore Ethiopia’s significant investment potential and to build partnerships that drive innovation and mutual prosperity.”

He further stressed Ethiopia’s commitment to tailoring its policies to meet investor needs, incorporating valuable feedback from the business community to create a more attractive and enabling environment for investment.

The president also pointed to Ethiopia’s ongoing transformative economic reforms, designed to sustain strong growth, attract increased foreign direct investment (FDI), and drive structural transformation. These reforms include removing regulatory barriers in sectors such as finance, banking, telecommunications, and others.

“These reforms are not just policy adjustments; they are laying the groundwork for a fundamental shift in the country’s economic trajectory,” he asserted.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s position as Africa’s second-most populous country, with a dynamic market of 130 million people, President Taye emphasized the country’s ambition to become a key entry point into the global economy, aligning with its goal of ranking among Africa’s leading economies by 2030.

The president also stressed Ethiopia’s transition from a restrictive regulatory environment to a more open and investor-friendly system, viewing this shift as essential for attracting FDI. He pointed to the development of infrastructure to meet global value chain standards, including the establishment of special economic zones, as a key example.

Additionally, Ethiopia is enhancing its regional and international connectivity through major infrastructure projects, including the expansion of railways, road networks, and air transport services. President Taye noted that Ethiopian Airlines now provides seamless connectivity to over 130 global destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Describing the AfCFTA as a transformative initiative, the president highlighted its potential to reshape Africa’s economic landscape by facilitating the free flow of goods and services across national borders, opening unique opportunities for investors.

President Taye also emphasized the importance of technology transfer, knowledge spillovers, and market linkages for the success of foreign investors, urging potential investors to integrate these factors to ensure long-term, sustainable investment in Ethiopia.