Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Berlin, Germany

Welcome to the official website of the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in the Federal Republic of Germany. We Provide Consular Service, and official information

Business and Investment Information

Welcome to the Business and Investment Information page of the Embassy of Ethiopia.

The Embassy of Ethiopia in Berlin, accredited to Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, promotes trade and investment
between Ethiopia and its partner countries. The Embassy provides information to companies, facilitates business linkages, supports commercial relations, and assists in addressing
business-related concerns.

Companies seeking information on trade, customs tariffs, and investment opportunities in Ethiopia are invited to contact the Trade, Investment and Tourism Section of the Embassy.

Ethiopia’s economy continues to offer significant opportunities for investors and businesses. The country exports a wide range of products, including coffee, oilseeds, pulses, leather and leather
products, textiles and garments, meat and meat products, flowers, fruits and vegetables, live animals, and gold. Ethiopia also imports raw materials, fuel, capital goods, and consumer goods.

For further background information, please visit the Ethiopian Investment Commission:
invest-et.com

Contact Information

If you are interested in doing business in Ethiopia or would like further information, please contact:

Embassy of Ethiopia
Economic and Business Section
Boothstrasse 20A
12207 Berlin, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 30 772060
Email: berlin.embassy@mfa.gov.et

Why Invest in Ethiopia?

1. Political and Social Stability

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s oldest independent states and remains an important country in the region. The country has maintained strong public institutions and a stable social environment, supported by low crime rates and reliable public services.

Ethiopia has also made efforts to strengthen governance, public administration, and investor confidence.

Ethiopia has been one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies over the past decade. Sound fiscal and monetary policies, combined with continued public investment, have supported strong economic performance.

The country’s medium-term growth outlook remains promising, making Ethiopia an attractive destination for long-term investment.

Ethiopia’s diverse geography and climate make it suitable for the production of a wide variety of agricultural products, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, coffee, tobacco, sugarcane, tea, and spices.

The country’s highland climate is moderate and favorable for both agriculture and human settlement. Ethiopia is internationally recognized as the birthplace of coffee and is among the world’s leading producers of Arabica coffee. It is also one of Africa’s leading exporters of cut flowers.

Private property is protected under the Constitution and investment laws of Ethiopia.

Foreign investors are entitled to remit profits, dividends, principal, and interest payments in convertible foreign currency in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Ethiopia is a member of international institutions such as the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The country has also concluded numerous bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements with countries around the world.

With a large and young population, Ethiopia offers investors access to an abundant labor force. Labor costs remain competitive compared to many other markets, particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.

Ethiopia’s labor laws are aligned with international standards and provide a framework for balanced employer-employee relations.

With a large population and a growing consumer base, Ethiopia offers access to a significant domestic market. It also serves as a gateway to regional markets through its membership in COMESA and other trade arrangements.

Addis Ababa is a major diplomatic and commercial hub in Africa and hosts important international institutions, including the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

Ethiopia also benefits from preferential market access to major global markets under various trade arrangements.

Ethiopia has made substantial investments in infrastructure, including power generation, transport, telecommunications, and water supply.

The country has significant renewable energy potential, especially in hydropower, and continues to expand electricity generation and transmission capacity. Major railway and road projects have improved connectivity within the country and access to the Port of Djibouti, which is vital for international trade.

Ethiopia offers a range of incentives for investors, particularly in priority sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, agriculture, and industrial park development.

These incentives may include:

  • customs duty exemptions on capital goods, construction materials, and eligible spare parts;
  • income tax exemptions for specified periods depending on the sector and location of investment;
  • loss carry-forward provisions;
  • export incentive schemes; and
  • guarantees for the remittance of profits, dividends, loan repayments, and other eligible payments.

Land may also be made available on competitive lease terms in accordance with the law.