Ethiopia Deep Dive

Strategically located on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is recognised as having the fastest growth rate in the region. Their aim to reach lower-middle income status by 2025 is reliant on foreign direct investment to make its growth sustainable, meaning UK businesses are prized with the opportunity to invest in one of Africa’s largest economies. Join BEI on 27th May to hear from DIT Country Director, Mark Dittmer-Odell and his team, on the latest opportunities for UK businesses, how best to access and navigate the procurement process and have your questions answered.

In the last ten years, Ethiopia has had an annual growth rate of between 7% and 8% making it the fastest growing economy in the region. This rapid growth is expected to continue in the coming years, providing blossoming opportunities for UK exporters to a market of over 112 million people with rising incomes and an established regional aviation hub. While Ethiopia is landlocked, following a recent peace agreement with bordering Eritrea, they are set to resume accessing Eritrean ports.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a substantial economic and social impact on Ethiopia. The economic shocks has also been coupled with a devastating locust invasion, which has slowed economic growth, food security and development goals. This has led to the Ethiopian government to accelerate the involvement of the private sector on certain projects and is attempting to recapture the strong economic trajectory the country was on prior to the pandemic. As the government looks to develop the role of the private sector through foreign investment, members will be presented with a comprehensive overview of some of these upcoming opportunities and the key insights into doing business in the country.

Aid Funded Business, the energy sector, oil and gas, construction and education are sectors of particular consideration for UK businesses. Mark Dittmer-Odell is the Director of Trade and Investment at the UK's Embassy in Ethiopia, having formerly led the Department's Outward Direct Investment work in Africa and the Department of International Trade's Europe team. He will be joined by colleagues from Education and Infrastructure at the DIT and FCDO who will provide details about opportunities for UK businesses in these sectors and more.

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