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The European Union-Ethiopia Business Forum - Unlocking the Global Gateway Potential

07.04.2026
Addis Ababa
EU Delegation to ETHIOPIA

The European Union-Ethiopia Business Forum, taking place in Addis Ababa from 20 to 22 April, will further strengthen EU-Ethiopia relations and pave the way for new investments supporting Ethiopia’s sustainable economic growth and long-term development.

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Deepening a strong partnership

Ethiopia’s strong economic fundamentals continue to attract European businesses, and Global Gateway is helping turn this potential into concrete, bankable opportunities. Under the theme of Unlocking the Global Gateway Potential, the Forum will highlight how EU investment is translating into tangible projects, fostering partnerships between European and Ethiopian companies, and supporting a more favourable environment for investment.

This momentum is also reflected at the political level. Highlighting the EU’s commitment to Ethiopia’s economic transformation, Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia, Sofie From‑Emmesberger underlined:

‘The European Union and its Member States are committed to supporting Ethiopia’s economic transformation by promoting business and investment across a wide range of sectors. The EU–Ethiopia Business Forum on 20-22 April will bring together over 500 European and Ethiopian companies to explore concrete opportunities, build partnerships, and advance fair and sustainable business practices. It reflects a shared ambition to turn Ethiopia’s reform momentum into tangible investment and job creation.’

Investing in Ethiopia’s sustainable future

The EU and Ethiopia will sign three investment packages on the first day of the Forum in the presence of high-level representatives of the Ethiopian government. The flagship agreement, the Digital Economy Package under Global Gateway, will strengthen cooperation on digital connectivity, governance, and regulatory reform.

The Forum will feature two days of panel discussions and stakeholder networking, followed by field visits of projects around Addis Ababa. These activities will bring together policy makers and business leaders.

The Forum will serve as a platform to connect investments with opportunities on the ground. It will bring together European and Ethiopian investors to explore concrete partnerships across key sectors, including:

  • digital transformation
  • clean energy transition
  • health systems
  • sustainable agrifood value chains

Bringing together high-level public and private actors

The EU-Ethiopia Business Forum will welcome more than 500 participants, including:

  • Government and public institutions, including high-level officials

  • Development finance institutions and investors

  • Business organisations, companies, and chambers of commerce

Global Gateway is an EU initiative to narrow the global investment gap and meet global infrastructure development needs. Its over 90 key projects worldwide boost smart, clean and secure development in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, while also strengthening health, education, and research systems.