The Ethiopia-Israel Business Forum took place last week at the Hyatt Regency Addis Abeba, bringing together Ethiopian government officials and investors from Israel. Officials presented a range of investment opportunities, while Israeli investors expressed interest in entering the market. The forum opened with remarks from the foreign ministers. Gedion Timotheos, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, used his address to extend a formal invitation to the Israeli business community, stressing the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships. He began by outlining opportunities in agriculture, calling for collaboration to improve agri-tech, precision farming, and irrigation systems in the country. He also shared the goal set to becoming a regional pharmaceutical hub, inviting Israeli firms to invest in manufacturing, research, and healthcare innovation. He went on to note the potential for Israeli participation in the exploration and processing mineral resources. His counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, said investors from Israel are enthusiastic about the range of business opportunities and are ready to invest and launch enterprises. The exchange signalled a promising outlook for economic cooperation between the two countries. Following the speeches, representatives from key institutions—including the National Bank Ethiopia (NBE), the Investment Commission, and Ethiopian Investment Holdings—gave presentations showcasing priority areas for trade and investment, planned towards strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Gedion had previously visited Tel Aviv in March, where he discussed bilateral matters with his Israeli counterpart whom in turn, arrived May 5, 2025, accompanied by a delegation of investors. He also met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his visit.
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