A high-profile South African business delegation has arrived in Addis Ababa to explore and unlock trade and investment opportunities with Ethiopian counterparts. South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, is currently Ethiopia’s fifth-largest export partner, primarily in minerals and manufactured goods.
Organized by Addis Chamber, the delegation is hosted by South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition and led by WESGRO, the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for South Africa’s Western Cape. WESGRO collaborates with government, business, and community organizations to drive initiatives, support market expansion, and provide entrepreneurial resources. The agency has been working with the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce to enhance bilateral trade and investment.
Hosted at Marriott & Executive Apartments Hotel, the forum features 11 South African companies from sectors including information technology, agro-processing, food industries, renewable energy, and services, all seeking partnerships with local Ethiopian businesses.
In her keynote address, H.E. Yasmin Wohabrebbi, State Minister of the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MOTRI), emphasized the long-term strategic partnership between the two nations. She highlighted their shared goal of ensuring economic transformation and unlocking investment potential, noting the establishment of a Joint Ministerial Commission in 2008 to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
H.E. Nonceba Losi, South African Ambassador to Ethiopia, welcomed participants, stating that the forum presents an exceptional opportunity to engage in manufacturing, infrastructure, and engineering. She underscored that such platforms are vital for enhancing regional business ties and attracting investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to both countries.
Representing the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Zekarias Assefa, Secretary General, outlined the role of Business Membership Organizations (BMOs) in bridging the private sector and government. He mentioned about an improved business environment and highlighted current investment opportunities in Ethiopia, alongside the government’s ongoing economic reforms designed to attract business and investment.
The Ethio-South Africa Business Forum serves as a key platform to highlight investment opportunities, clarify national business laws, and address strategic issues to further attract FDI and build business linkages between the two nations.
To date, South African investments in Ethiopia total approximately USD 400 million, creating well over 1,400 jobs for local citizens.
