Addis Ababa: A 14-member Belgian business delegation is currently on a four-day visit to Ethiopia with the aim of exploring investment opportunities in key sectors. The delegation, which includes representatives from 10 companies, is engaging with Ethiopian government officials and industry leaders to identify promising ventures.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the ongoing economic reforms in Ethiopia, including the liberalization of telecommunications and financial services, are creating new pathways for private sector engagement. During the Ethio-Belgium Business Forum, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide emphasized that the economic mission from Belgium comes at an opportune time, aligning with Ethiopia’s growth and development trajectory through opportunities and economic reform facilitation for private investment.
Minister Shide highlighted the robust trade and investment relationship between Belgium and Ethiopia, noting Belgium’s support through multilateral institutions such as the European Union and various United Nations organizations. He pointed out that Ethiopia is the region’s largest economy and one of Africa’s fastest-growing markets, with a significant population base.
Industry State Minister Hassan Mohammed remarked that Ethiopia is seeking long-term partners who share a vision of inclusive, sustainable industrial growth. He stressed that Ethiopia is open for business and ready for transformation with the right partnerships, which aligns with the country’s 10-Year National Development Plan and the Home-Grown Economy Reform Agenda.
Belgium’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Annelies Verstichel, explained the delegation’s interests in sectors such as environment, health, security, solar energy, legal services, food and agriculture, and IT. She asserted that the presence of these companies reflects Belgium’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial economic partnerships with Ethiopia, especially in light of the country’s reforms and industrial park developments.
Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen encouraged the Belgians to invest in Ethiopia, citing a Belgian saying, “If you don’t dare, you don’t win.” He invited the delegation to explore opportunities in sectors prioritized by the Ethiopian government for economic growth, including ICT, cybersecurity, renewable energy, health care, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The Ethio-Belgium Business Forum, organized in collaboration with the Belgium-Luxembourg-Africa-Caribbean-Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlights the growing European interest in Ethiopia’s liberalizing economy.