Ethiopia Showcases Economic Reforms, Green Legacy, and Investment Opportunities at the 20th CII–India Africa Conclave 2025

"At this year’s Conclave, Ethiopia presents a compelling story of transformation driven by bold economic reforms and ambitious environmental initiatives." mentions Fesseha Shawel Gebre,  Ethiopian Ambassador to India in his message ahead of India Africa Conclave 2025.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Ministry of External Affairs of India, and all other partners for organizing this vital platform, which continues to serve as a valuable bridge between Africa and India.

Ethiopia, as the second most populous country and the fifth-largest economy in Africa, holds immense potential for business and investment. At this year’s Conclave, Ethiopia presents a compelling story of transformation driven by bold economic reforms and ambitious environmental initiatives.

Since 2018, Ethiopia has been implementing a comprehensive Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda aimed at stabilizing the macro-economy and attracting increased private investment. Key reforms include floating the national currency and liberalizing the foreign exchange system measures that played a critical role in securing a $3.4 billion agreement with the IMF. A historic milestone was reached with the launch of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), the country’s first stock market since the imperial era in the 1960’s. Additionally, the banking sector has been opened to foreign investors, allowing up to 40% ownership. These efforts are already bearing fruit: during the Invest in Ethiopia Forums held in 2025, $1.6 billion in investment deals was secured.

Beyond financial reforms, Ethiopia is undertaking several major infrastructure and development projects. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), with a capacity of over 5,000 MW, is Africa’s largest hydropower project and a key pillar in Ethiopia’s strategy to expand its energy capacity. The government is also prioritizing growth in key sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, ICT, and agriculture, with targeted investments and policies to support sustainable development and job creation.

What truly sets Ethiopia apart is its balanced approach to development striving for economic progress while prioritizing environmental sustainability. The Green Legacy Initiative is a national campaign launched in 2019 with the aim to restore degraded land and combat climate change through mass tree planting. Initially aimed at planting 20 billion seedlings within four years, the initiative exceeded expectations by reaching 40 billion by 2025. The initiative has created over 767,000 jobs and is widely recognized as a model for large-scale, climate-focused development in Africa.

Ethiopia is becoming and working to become a leading business and investment destination. In addition to the above mentioned reforms and projects its strategic geographic location, within an 8-hour flight from three continents, competitive production costs, and well-equipped industrial parks offering one-stop shop services make it highly attractive to investors as well as young, educated labor force further strengthens this advantage. Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines, with connectivity to over 134 global destinations, ensures seamless access for exports and international business, worth to note that Ethiopian Airline inaugurated its fifth destination to India flying to Hyderabad since July 2025.

And most importantly the long-standing cultural ties, historical diplomatic relations, and deepening cooperation between Ethiopia and India, including through platforms like BRICS, make Ethiopia a natural and promising destination for Indian investors. As the 20th CII-India Africa Conclave progresses, Embassy of Ethiopia remains actively engaged in highlighting Ethiopia’s vast investment opportunities and strengthening economic ties between our two nations.

I invite and encourage Indian investors to visit Ethiopia and experience firsthand the potential and opportunities that awaits.