ADDIS ABABA- Ireland aims to strengthen economic and investment ties with Ethiopia by leveraging opportunities from the country’s ongoing reform program, according to Ambassador Olivia Leslie, Ireland’s envoy to Ethiopia and AU.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Ambassador Olivia noted that Ethiopia’s economic transformation presents promising opportunities for Irish businesses and investors. She stated that Ireland has been closely following Ethiopia’s reform agenda, particularly the liberalization of key sectors and the growing focus on private sector participation.
“The economic reform program underway in Ethiopia is a fantastic development. It opens new doors for cooperation and mutual benefit between our two countries,” she said.
Ambassador Olivia underscored her role in promoting business-to-business links and facilitating market entry for Irish companies. “As the ambassador, I am committed to helping more Irish firms understand the Ethiopian market, identify viable areas for investment, and create favorable conditions for trade,” she explained.
According to her, Ireland is particularly interested in sectors such as agri-tech, education, information technology, and renewable energy-areas where Irish companies have global expertise. She noted that efforts are underway to improve the ease of doing business and to provide support to Irish companies already operating in Ethiopia.
“Our focus is not only on attracting new entrants but also on helping existing Irish investors grow and thrive within Ethiopia,” she said.
Ambassador Olivia expressed optimism
that the growing economic partnership between the two nations would contribute to broader development goals, enhance trade volume, and generate employment opportunities in both countries.
Ireland and Ethiopia have enjoyed cordial bilateral relations for decades, with cooperation expanding steadily in areas of development, education, and more recently, trade and investment. The Irish government continues to engage with Ethiopian institutions and the private sector to further strengthen these ties.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2025
