Ethiopia has secured investment agreements worth about USD 13 billion at the Invest in Ethiopia 2026 forum in Addis Ababa, according to the Ethiopian Investment Commission and other official statements issued after the event. 

The forum concluded on March 27, with deals spanning manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, energy, construction, mining, and other strategic sectors. The event formed part of Ethiopia’s broader effort to attract foreign direct investment, particularly into productive sectors that can support industrial growth and job creation. Reuters noted that this push comes as other African economies, including Kenya, are also competing to draw new capital.

Among the announced projects, Sun King committed USD 150 million to roll out off-grid solar systems for households and businesses over the next five years. China’s Liaoning Fangda Group agreed to invest more than USD 500 million in steel and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants. The largest share of the commitments came from Ming Yang Smart Energy Group, which signed projects valued at more than USD 10 billion in renewable energy, hydrogen, and green ammonia development.

The investment announcements come as Ethiopia continues implementing wide-ranging economic reforms introduced since 2024. These include currency liberalization, changes to foreign exchange controls, and the opening of key sectors such as financial services, banking, and telecom. Officials say these reforms, together with the expansion of Special Economic Zones and improved regional market access, are intended to make Ethiopia more competitive as an investment destination.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency and Reuters