JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia plan to boost economic cooperation in key sectors — including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism — as officials from both nations met at a forum in Riyadh.
The event, organized by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, brought together more than 150 representatives from the public and private sectors of both countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported, and marked the first major gathering since the establishment of the Saudi-Ethiopian Business Council last year.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to strengthen economic ties with African nations and explore new investment opportunities and markets, recognizing Ethiopia’s potential as a favorable investment environment, a key trade gateway to the continent.
Ethiopia’s State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration Abdulhakim Mulu invited Saudi investors to explore opportunities in key sectors including agriculture, food industries, and tourism, as well as hospitality and manufacturing.
He emphasized Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth and the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and fostering a favorable investment climate.
Federation of Saudi Chambers Chairman Hassan Al-Huwaizi stated that Saudi Arabia is actively working to strengthen its relations with African countries, particularly Ethiopia, which serves as a strategic gateway for Saudi exports to the continent.
“He noted Ethiopia’s natural resources and potential in agriculture, food industries, and mining, adding that the limited trade volume, which is merely SR1.3 billion ($347.1 million), indicates untapped investment opportunities,” SPA reported.
The Saudi-Ethiopian Business Council was formally approved by the Saudi General Authority for Foreign Trade last year to enhance bilateral trade and investment. Its formation followed agreements reached during a prior forum held on June 5 in Addis Ababa.
As both nations seek to deepen their economic engagement, the council is expected to play a pivotal role in unlocking new opportunities, boosting bilateral trade, and fostering a more integrated economic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia.
According to a 2024 World Bank report, Ethiopia — home to 126.5 million people as of 2023 — is the second most populous nation in Africa and one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies, recording a 7.2 percent growth rate in the 2022/2023 fiscal year.
Despite this progress, Ethiopia remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with a gross national income per capita of $1,020. The country aims to achieve lower-middle-income status by 2025, building on years of infrastructure-driven growth that have helped reduce poverty and improve access to essential services.
