As the world continues to search for untapped, high-potential destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI), Ethiopia — and Oromia State in particular — is making a compelling case to international investors. With a combination of robust economic growth, strategic reforms, and abundant natural and human resources, Ethiopia has emerged as one of the most favorable nations for investment in Africa and beyond.
Oromia State, the country’s largest and most populous regional state, is leading by example. Addis Ababa will host a high-level investment forum organized by the Oromia Investment and Industry Bureau today. The event, which is expected to bring together federal and regional policymakers, prominent business leaders, and international stakeholders, marks a significant milestone in Oromia’s drive to reposition itself as a key destination for investment.
This upcoming forum is far more than a ceremonial gathering. It signals a strategic and coordinated effort to build investor confidence, foster collaboration and present Oromia’s rapidly growing sectors to the global marketplace. With a well-thought-out incentive structure — including multi-year income tax holidays, duty-free import privileges, and accessible land — Oromia is prepared to compete on the international investment stage.
Among the most promising areas for investment are agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, and services. These sectors not only capitalize on Oromia’s natural strengths — such as fertile land, a favorable climate, and a vast labor force — but also align with Ethiopia’s broader goal of economic diversification and industrialization. Oromia’s agricultural capacity, for example, remains underutilized despite its status as one of the nation’s primary food baskets. With the right investment, this potential can be harnessed to drive food security, exports and rural development.
Manufacturing is another growth engine. The state’s commitment to industrial parks and value-added production offers a unique opportunity for investors to tap into both domestic and international markets. The government’s investor-friendly policies, paired with improved infrastructure and logistics networks, further strengthen Oromia’s appeal.
Perhaps most importantly, the forum is designed to foster trust and transparency — key components for sustainable investment. As noted by officials from the Oromia Investment and Industry Bureau, “The upcoming forum is not just about showcasing opportunities. It’s a strategic move to build trust with investors and signal that Oromia is ready for business.”
The broader national context supports this vision. Ethiopia has consistently ranked among the world’s fastest-growing economies over the past decade, driven by strong public investment, infrastructure expansion, and a growing private sector. The country’s commitment to economic reforms, liberalization, and improved governance has created a fertile environment for FDI. As such, Ethiopia is no longer a frontier market waiting to be discovered — it is a rising investment destination with clear pathways for growth.
Investors seeking stability, opportunity, and return on investment will find Oromia — and Ethiopia as a whole — to be a strategic choice. The time is ripe. With an open-door policy, vibrant demographics, and a bold vision for inclusive development, the state is ready to partner with investors who share its goals of transformation and prosperity.
This moment — and this forum — offer an open invitation to visionary investors around the world. Whether you’re seeking greenfield opportunities, public-private partnerships, or expansion into new markets, Oromia stands ready with the policies, people, and potential to turn ambition into achievement.
Today’s investment forum is not just an event; it is a turning point. It reflects a bold, forward-looking vision that positions Oromia and Ethiopia as emerging powerhouses in the global investment arena. Stakeholders who engage now will not only benefit from first-mover advantages but also contribute to a development journey grounded in shared prosperity and inclusive growth.
To global investors: Ethiopia is a rising star — and Oromia is leading the way. The spotlight is on. The opportunity is real. Now is the time to invest.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 31 MAY 2025
