ADDIS ABABA – May 13, 2025 – The Invest in Ethiopia High-Level Business Forum 2025 concluded today in Addis Ababa, marking a significant step in the country's drive to attract foreign investment and foster private sector growth. The two-day event, which gathered global investors and key stakeholders, highlighted Ethiopia's ongoing comprehensive economic reforms and resulted in the signing of five major investment deals totaling over $1.6 billion USD.

Minister of Finance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Shide reaffirmed that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a cohesive environment for private sector growth, ensuring macroeconomic stability, and advancing comprehensive reforms, including the recently launched Macro Reform Program. Minister Ahmed Shide extended a sincere invitation to investors to join Ethiopia on this transformative journey, asserting that "There has never been a more opportune moment to invest in our nation". He emphasized that investment is pivotal to advancing shared goals of resilience, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable development. Investors were urged to take concrete steps by engaging with Ethiopian investment institutions and forging strategic partnerships, exploring high-potential sectors outlined in the prepared "deal book".

H. E. Mr. Ahmed Shide reflected on the success of the forum, highlighting four key achievements. Firstly, he emphasized how the event effectively communicated Ethiopia's policy reforms and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fostering a vibrant private sector. Secondly, the forum successfully showcased a diverse array of investment, trade, and business opportunities, attracting interest from various stakeholders. Thirdly, it served as a vital platform for networking, which led to the securing of significant investment deals, culminating in the signing of agreements worth over $1.6 billion USD in investment capital. Lastly, Minister Shide underscored how the forum reinforced investor confidence in Ethiopia’s ongoing economic transformation, demonstrating the country’s strong dedication to irreversible and forward-looking policy reforms that underpin its development trajectory.

His Excellency Dr. Zeleke, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), in his closing remarks, celebrated the success of the forum, noting it served as a vital bridge connecting global investors with the Ethiopian government, private sector, and development community. Dr. Zeleke emphasized that creating a favorable investment climate is one of the central pillars of the Ethiopian government's Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda. He highlighted the country's immense potential across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. Acknowledging that challenges persist, he reaffirmed the commitment of the EIC, in collaboration with stakeholders, to addressing and resolving concerns raised by investors, with a key priority being improved intergovernmental coordination.

Adding to the positive outlook, His Excellency Ahmed Shide stated his hope that the forum surpassed expectations, delivering comprehensive insights into Ethiopia's investment landscape and fostering meaningful connections, fresh perspectives, and opportunities for impactful collaboration. Minister Shide firmly believes the forum powerfully underscored Ethiopia's vast potential and clearly reflected the government's strong commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that embraces innovation, nurtures entrepreneurship, and advances sustainable growth.

Minister Ahmed Shide announced that the Invest in Ethiopia High-Level Business Forum is set to become a key annual event, serving as a cornerstone of the national investment promotion strategy, supported by strong public-private dialogue mechanisms. He concluded by reiterating the strong commitment to fostering a vibrant and competitive private sector, offering targeted incentives, and proactively addressing investor concerns.