Newly-opened Trade Sectors Attract 21 Investment Applications


Newly-opened Trade Sectors Attract 21 Investment Applications

The Ethiopian Investment Commission has received 21 applications for investment licenses from foreign investors looking to tap into newly opened retail and export sectors. The Ethiopian Investment Board recently issued a directive opening nearly all trade sectors to foreign investors. Since its implementation in July, 13 licenses for import and eight for export, primarily coffee, have been applied for. Mesfin Tafesse & Associates (MTA) LLP, a 17-year-old firm, hosted the ‘Ready Business Roadshow’ under the auspices of the African Legal Network (ALN) to explore Ethiopia’s business and investment opportunities. The forum featured prominent government leaders, including Eyob Tekalign (PhD), State Minister for Finance, Brook Taye (PhD), CEO of Ethiopia Investment Holdings, Habtamu Simachew (PhD), Senior Advisor at the Ethiopia Investment Commission, and Ermias Eshetu, former board chairman at Zemen Bank. MTA has been instrumental in advising the government on economic and commercial laws, including the 2021 Commercial Code. Eyob highlighted a significant shift in the government’s attitude towards partnerships over the past six years. Habtamu discussed efforts to transform industrial parks into special economic zones, incorporating essential services and technology to align with government policies. He noted that 80 of 100 reform agendas have been addressed, with 85 legislations introduced or amended. The Ethiopian government’s 10-Year Development Plan prioritizes seven sectors: Agriculture, Manufacturing Industries, Mining, Tourism, Urban Development, Innovation and Technology, and Energy. Habtamu also mentioned that the AfCFTA steering committee is working to align with Ethiopia’s 22 bilateral trade agreements while Brook emphasized that Ethiopia Investment Holdings oversees 33 entities and collaborates with local investors, particularly in the real estate and hospitality sectors.

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

Nib international Bank Faces Heavy Hit from Forex Revaluation, Pays 348 Million Br in Penalties

Nib International Bank S.C. (NIB) has reported a significant loss of 2.9 billion Br, primarily due to extraordinary foreign exchange revaluation losses, this past Saturday, during its annual shareholders meeting at the Millennium Hall on Africa avenue, Airport Road. The bank faced substantial penalties amounting to 348.4 million Br. These penalties included a 251 million Br fine for liquidity shortages and a 97.4 million Br charge for violations related to Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) payme...


Radar

Railway Network Upgrade Positioned as Engine of Economic Transformation

The National Railway Business Summit took place at Skylight Hotel on October 21, 2025, signalling a historic step in modernising its railway network as a foundation for national development and regional connectivity. Government officials, industry leaders, investors, and experts from around the world convened to discuss infrastructure expansion, financing models, and technology adoption. Asma Redi, chief portfolio director at Ethiopian Investment Holdings, noted that the Ethiopian Railways Co...


Radar

Gold Prices Ease After Recent Surge

The price of gold, which surged sharply in recent weeks, has started to decline in the current selling market. Over the past 15 days, 21-carat gold has traded between 24,000 and 25,000 Br per gram for imported products and around 21,000 Br for local gold. Imported 18-carat gold sold for 21,000 Br, while local 18-carat pieces were priced at 19,000 Br. Traders note that the recent increase was twice as high as typical fluctuations, attributing the spike to export patterns from Arab countries. ...