EuroCham contributes to high-level discussions, presents the Invest in Ethiopia Deal Book, and engages with EU leadership as the Forum advances trade, investment, and reform priorities.

The EU–Ethiopia Business Forum took place from April 20 to 22, 2026 in Addis Abeba, convening over 500 participants from government, business, and development partners to advance investment and trade cooperation. The European Chamber in Ethiopia participated in the Forum, contributing to high-level dialogue on Ethiopia’s evolving business environment.

On the sidelines, EuroCham Board members met with European Commissioner for International Partnerships, H.E. Jozef Síkela, to discuss ongoing reforms and practical steps to improve investment conditions. The Chamber also joined panel discussions on trade facilitation and business climate efficiency, reinforcing the role of structured public–private dialogue in addressing operational bottlenecks. In collaboration with the Ethiopian Investment Commission and Grant Thornton Ethiopia, EuroCham presented the Invest in Ethiopia Deal Book 2026, highlighting concrete, investor-ready opportunities.
The Forum delivered significant policy and investment milestones. A $1.4 billion partnership was formalized between the European Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, aimed at advancing African economic integration through over 80 projects supporting trade implementation and regional industrialisation. The initiative forms part of the Team Europe approach and introduces targeted technical support to accelerate the operationalisation of the continental trade framework.

In parallel, the EU and Germany launched a new project to modernize tax administration and customs management in Ethiopia. Implemented by GIZ, the programme will run until 2029 and focuses on improving transparency, efficiency, and alignment with international standards. The reform is expected to strengthen the business environment, support private sector growth, and facilitate Ethiopia’s integration into regional and global value chains, including its accession process to the World Trade Organization.

The Forum was focused on converting business interest into transactions, with dedicated matchmaking sessions, access to development finance institutions, and exposure to bankable projects under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Priority sectors included digital infrastructure, clean energy, healthcare, and sustainable agri-food value chains, reflecting where investment is already being mobilised. With around 300 European companies already active in the market, the Forum positioned Ethiopia as a frontier market and an investment environment with defined entry points and financing pathways.