Agendas

Wake up call!  Morning run with Ethiopia’s top athletes at 6:00am!

 

Day 1 of the Ethiopia Investment Forum will provide a clear picture of the upcoming policy shifts.

The office of H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed issued a one-page document clearly outlining the results it wishes to accomplish within two years.  Underpinning this list of actions is an economic policy shift looking to increase the role of private investors in sustaining Ethiopia’s development.  H.E will articulate his vision for the continued economic growth and transformation of Ethiopia.

 

Panel I:  Stating the Case for Investing in Ethiopia

 

Ethiopia is reforming and growing rapidly.  Behind this progress is a slew of natural advantages and strategic investments that have turned the country into a competitive place for global business.  In recent years, the Government’s investment in industrial parks has crowded in major FDI investors into the country.  H.E Ato Fitsum Arega will share his perspective on why Ethiopia has become a preferred place to do business and how the Government of Ethiopia plans on enhancing this position through continued reforms.  Representatives from major global firms currently doing business in Ethiopia will also share their perspectives.

 

Panel II:  Investment opportunities in Ethiopia’s Priority Sectors

 

Ethiopia’s economic strategy clearly identifies priority sector in which Ethiopia is believed to hold comparative advantages.  Over the past two decades, the Government has been building the country’s competitive advantage through concerted building of appropriate infrastructure and technical capacity.  This includes the building of thousands of kilometers of paved roads and railways; air passenger and cargo capacity unrivaled anywhere in the continent of Africa; built for purpose & state of the art industry parks, logistics centers, etc.  In addition, the country continues to provide aggressive incentives to investors in the identified priorities.  This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges of investing in Ethiopia’s emerging global industries.

 

Panel III:  Ethiopia’s Economic Reform Agenda

 

Ethiopia is amidst fundamental policy changes that are reshaping its business and economic environment.  With the aim to sustain rapid growth and create jobs for its burgeoning youth, the country will increasingly seek private capital.  Accordingly, privatization and liberalization of strategic sectors like telecommunications are expected to take place in the coming two years.  This is expected to unlock significant business opportunities.  Based on the policy directions articulated by H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, this panel will discuss the nuts and bolts of reform to expect in the coming two years.

 

 

Panel IV: Ethiopia & The connected region:

 

Ethiopia is driving regional integration within the horn of africa through both policy measures and the building of hard infrastructure.  The Government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has successfully initiated peaceful relations with Eritrea and is working to improve relations between states in the region.  To sustain the peace and grow the economic opportunity for citizens, the Government of Ethiopia is pushing for regional economic integration.  Ethiopia has accordingly come to agreement with Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan and Somalia to jointly build and operate seaports.  Businesses are also starting to see the opportunities of an integrated horn with a population of more than 200 million, sitting next to the busiest shipping lanes in the world and an ideal entry point into the African hinterland.  This plenary will discuss the integration of the East Africa/horn region.

 

Day 2  of the Ethiopia Investment Forum will provide a clear guideline on the liberalization / privatization timetables and expectations

Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation will present the valuation process of the enterprises slated for privatization.  The presentation will provide clarity on timeline, eligibility and the best deals the government is looking to make and will discuss lessons learned from other countries, highlighting pitfalls it will avoid.

 

Sector Specific Roundtables with relevant Ministers or CEOs

Agriculture

Tourism

ICT

Manufacturing