EU – Ethiopia Business Forum 2026 Unlocks Global Gateway Potential
From 20 to 22 April 2026, the EU – Ethiopia Business Forum took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Forum returns after several years upon the full resumption of EU – Ethiopia cooperation following sweeping macroeconomic reforms by the Ethiopian side. The IMF predicts a remarkable 9.2% GDP growth for Ethiopia in 2026.
The Forum managed to attract some 500 delegates, made up mainly of high officials from the European Commission and the Ethiopian Government. Public and private investors were also invited. As usual, the EU branded its star lineup as ‘Team Europe.’
The key sectors that the Forum focused on are as follows:
- Energy Transition
- Digital Transformation
- Health Systems
- Agri-food Value Chains
As a gesture of goodwill to mark the resumption of cooperation, the EU provided EUR 140 million as budgetary support. The funds will go to improve #ElectricityAccess in rural areas, extend healthcare delivery, and enhance digital infrastructure. Actually, the EU is extending a Digital Economy Package worth EUR 150 million to accelerate digital transformation and adoption.
In addition, the European Investment Bank is providing a loan of EUR 130 million to support the agribusiness sector, targeting smallholders and women-led businesses. In the energy sector, the EU is providing EUR 260 million to support the modernization of the electricity infrastructure under the RISE program. Projects identified to benefit from the funding include the upgrade of the Ashegoda Wind Farm and the deployment of 2,500 kilometers of fiber optic cable.
French supermarket chain Carrefour announced its entry in the Ethiopian market, reflecting growing investor confidence and the effectiveness of the reforms. Ethiopia is building Africa’s largest airport in Bishoftu and has ordered several Airbus planes to beef up its fleet in preparation.
It is also worth noting that the AfCFTA Secretariat and the EU concluded a strategic partnership MoU on the sidelines of the Forum. The agreement aims to boost trade and investment across the African continent under the EU’s #GlobalGateway.