Ministry encourages Swedish investors to take advantage of Ethiopia’s investment potential

Addis Ababa, April 7, 2021 (FBC) -The Swedish Embassy in Addis Ababa organized a virtual webinar to provide updates on measures being taken to transform Ethiopia’s economy and what to expect from future reforms.

Dr. Eyob Tekalign, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance, Hans Henric Lundquist, Ambassador of Sweden to Ethiopia and the African Union as well as Swedish companies attended the meeting.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Eyob elaborated about the series of economic reform measures and policies that Ethiopia is undertaking to create structural transformation and enhance the participation of the private sector in the economy.

He explained how the reforms have been significant in avoiding a full-fledged financial crisis that was looming because of the development model the previous government was following which relied heavily on borrowing money for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and projects that was also used inefficiently.

He said that economic reform measures have helped to remove regulatory obstacles, which in the past used to hamper investment.

He also said the reform measures taken so far have brought about significant improvements in investment laws and enhancements in the business climate.

In terms of priority, Dr. Eyob explained reforms in the agricultural sector as the country moves towards mechanization, improved manufacturing, and growth in the export sector of the country.

The Minister also elaborated about the SOE reforms, tax reforms, debt management plans, and the measures being taken to liberalize the telecom sector and privatize the telecoms industry.

With regards to financial sector reforms, he explained the steps taken in terms of foreign exchange management, measures to control inflation as part of the preparations to establish a capital market, and strengthening the treasury bill market as well as modernizing the monetary policy framework.

The Minister said Ethiopia possesses a vast array of resources that can offer a huge potential for investment in the area of agriculture, agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, and other sectors and encouraged Swedish investors to continue looking into the untapped investment potential and incentives in the country.

Representatives of over 25 companies such as Ericsson, Hennes, and Mauritz (H&M), Volvo Trucks, and AstraZeneca attended the meeting, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.