The absence of a comprehensive legal framework in Ethiopia made it difficult for joint venture partnerships to mushroom. There are a few instances of joint venture operations in Ethiopia. However, the references to joint venture in the Ethiopian commercial code proclamation is unlike the one expressed in the discussion or the practice in other countries. The discussion took place at Hilton Addis on July 4, 2016.
Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations organized the discussion to look into how much the legal framework allows operation in joint venture and the potential in joint venture for Ethiopia. There was a presentation titled prospects and challenges of pursuing business on joint venture arrangement with foreign partners.
The lack of sufficient legal protection for the partners of joint venture as well as the secrecy and limitations in legal recognition prevented joint venture from being a tool of business and an instrument of attraction business, it was indicated.