Ethiopia and UAE Host Investment Forum in Addis Ababa
Officials gather to promote new partnerships and transition trade into long-term manufacturing ventures.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in International Trade
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Is transitioning from importing goods to domestic manufacturing generally better for a nation's economy?
The Ethiopia-UAE Business and Investment Forum took place in Addis Ababa to discuss future economic ties. The event focused on moving bilateral business relationships from simple trade into local production and joint investment projects.
Why it matters
The forum aims to capitalize on Ethiopia's natural resources and the UAE's investment capacity to boost industrial development. By shifting from importing goods to local manufacturing, officials hope to create more sustainable, long-term economic growth for both nations.
Bilateral trade reached 5.6 billion USD between 2021 and 2025, with Ethiopia importing 4.4 billion USD in goods while exporting 1.2 billion USD. Coffee remains the primary Ethiopian export, while petroleum products dominate imports from the UAE.
The players
Hassan Mohammed
He is the Industry State Minister of Ethiopia who led calls for foreign investors to focus on local manufacturing.
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce
This is a UAE-based organization that represents business interests and has pledged to continue future trade missions.
The details
Industry State Minister Hassan Mohammed urged UAE businesses to establish local production ventures during the forum themed Fostering New Partnerships and Driving the Future Together. The event utilized business-to-business sessions to help investors connect with local institutions.
Timeline
The bilateral trade period spanned from 2021 to 2025.
The Ethiopia-UAE Business and Investment Forum occurred on October 20, 2026.
Market Dynamics
This forum follows a pattern set by the documented trend toward local industrialization and manufacturing in emerging African markets by seeking to convert raw trade into local value-added production. It positions the UAE as a key partner in Ethiopia's industrial shift.
This shift toward local production in Ethiopia may change the landscape for international investors seeking to participate in joint ventures rather than direct imports. Participants now have access to government-provided information to connect with domestic institutions.
The takeaway
The move from import-based trade to local manufacturing is a strategic effort to maximize the value of natural resources. Investors looking at the region should focus on infrastructure and production-focused sectors rather than traditional import-export models.
What happens next
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce has expressed plans to conduct future trade missions to continue the work initiated at this forum.
Further reading
For broader economic context, read more in our International Trade section.
Live Poll
Is transitioning from importing goods to domestic manufacturing generally better for a nation's economy?
