The Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) has issued 40 new investment permits to foreign companies in the export, import, retail, and wholesale sectors, marking a major step in the country’s economic liberalization efforts.
Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen (PhD) announced the move during the “Invest in Ethiopia 2025: High-Level Business Forum,” press briefing highlighting that the permits were issued following five months of work to develop new directives and regulatory frameworks. While the names of the companies were not disclosed, Zeleke described the development as a “significant leap forward” in opening previously restricted sectors to international investors.
The newly approved directive allows foreign businesses to engage in the export of products such as raw coffee, khat, oilseeds, pulses, hides and skins, forest products, poultry, and livestock. In terms of imports, all sectors are now open to foreign investors except for fertilizer and
RELATED POSTS
petroleum, which remain off-limits.
Among the permitted businesses are firms operating in electric vehicles, edible oil, livestock production, khat, and paraffin oil. However, the EIC did not provide details on the size or origin of these investments. Foreign investors without prior procurement experience in Ethiopia must now present a purchase order contract worth at least USD 500,000 to qualify.
Addressing concerns around investment risks, Zeleke acknowledged the impact of security challenges but emphasized ongoing government efforts to restore peace and correct misperceptions. He also noted that investment predictability is being strengthened through an overhaul of over 85 outdated laws, many of which date back to the 1970s and 80s, as part of efforts to improve Ethiopia’s business environment.
