Brazil has opened a permanent office of its Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, ApexBrasil, in Addis Ababa as the two countries seek to deepen trade, investment and business ties.
The office, ApexBrasil’s first in Africa, is expected to support Brazilian companies seeking opportunities in Ethiopia while strengthening business to business links between the two countries and expanding Brazil’s commercial engagement across the continent.
Ethiopian Investment Commission Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen said the office would help address information gaps facing investors, provide market intelligence and connect businesses in Ethiopia and Brazil.
He identified agriculture as a major area of potential cooperation, particularly by combining Brazil’s technology driven agricultural expertise with Ethiopia’s resources and production potential in coffee, improved seeds, livestock and modern agribusiness.
Brazilian Ambassador to Ethiopia Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos said the opening represented a new chapter in bilateral economic relations.
The office will help Brazilian companies understand the Ethiopian market, identify local partners and develop trade and investment opportunities, he said.
Agriculture and agribusiness, aviation, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and renewable energy were identified among sectors with significant potential for cooperation.
Officials also highlighted the two countries’ shared membership in BRICS as an additional platform for expanding trade, investment and joint industrial projects.
ApexBrasil President Laudemir Müller said Ethiopia was selected to host the agency’s first African office because of its large population, economic growth, BRICS membership and strategic location connecting African and Middle Eastern markets.
Ethiopian officials said Addis Ababa’s position as Africa’s diplomatic hub, its direct air connectivity with Brazil and Ethiopia’s potential access to the African Continental Free Trade Area could also help Brazilian companies reach markets beyond Ethiopia.
The opening comes as Ethiopia and Brazil mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. The Ethiopian government said it would support the effective operation of the new office.
Source (including image): Ethiopian News Agency
