ABOUT ETHIOPIA:

With a growth rate of over 9% during the last decade, Ethiopia is one of the fastest-developing nations on the African continent. The Ethiopian economy grew from $30B in 2010 to $96B in 2019. Though COVID-19 has put a damper on the Ethiopian story of economic growth, the country is still poised to be one of the fastest-growing African nations with an expected GDP of $100B in 2020. Strategically located in the Horn of Africa with a stable government and a young, enterprising population in a business conducive environment, Ethiopia is well-suited for businesses to invest and develop their footprint in the African market.

Ambassador’s Message

New investments are guided under the New Investment Proclamation, 2020

Ethiopia is open for investments in key industries including shipping, domestic air travel, advertisement and marketing, accounting, trading, construction.

Investment in National grid system for electricity transmission is now open through PPP.

Capital: Addis Ababa

Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Population: 2.3 million (July 2020 est.)

Population Growth: 1.48% (2020 est.)

Language: Oromo 30.8% (working language in State of Oromiya), Amharic (official national language) 29.3%, Somali (working language in State of Sumale) 6.2%, Tirigna (working language in State of Tigray) 5.9%, Sidamo, Wolayatta 2.2%, Gurage 2%, Afar (working language in State of Afar) 1.7%, English (taught in school), Arabic. (2007 est.)

Government Type: Federal Parliamentary Republic

Economic Overview: planned economy controlled by a one-party state, over 70% of the country’s population is employed in agriculture, though services act as the largest export product. Economic growth of 8-11% between 2006 and 2016 driven by investments in infrastructure

Access & Logistics: Ethiopia is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Somalia and Djibouti to the east, Kenya to the south, and Sudan and South Sudan to the west. Whilst the country is landlocked, Ethiopia engages in cargo operations through ports in Djibouti and Somalia.

Embassy Contact Details:

AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY IN ETHIOPIA:

Telephone: +251 (0) 967 941 377

Email: consular.addisababa@dfat.gov.au

This page is supported by the Ethiopian Embassy in Australia.