Addis ababa: Ethiopia and the United States have stepped up efforts to strengthen commercial diplomacy and make the investment climate more conducive, as senior government officials and American business leaders held a high-level dialogue. The dialogue focused on removing barriers to investment and translating policy commitments into concrete business opportunities.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Public-Private Dialogue (PPD), held in Addis Ababa on July 23, brought together senior Ethiopian government officials, U.S. diplomats, American investors, and representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia to discuss market access, regulatory challenges, and the conditions needed to expand private-sector investment. The forum was jointly convened by the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian-American Chamber of Commerce under the leadership of Ambassador Girma Birru, Chairperson of the Ethiopian Investment Board.
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga co-chaired the dialogue with EIC Commissioner Dr. Zeleke Temesgen and Chief Macroeconomic Advisor to the Prime Minister Ambassador Girma Birru. The discussions centered on advancing commercial diplomacy, expanding market access, and ensuring a more open, transparent, and level playing field for U.S. companies operating in Ethiopia.
Speaking at the opening session, Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen emphasized the importance of sustained, transparent dialogue between policymakers and the private sector to identify investment barriers, develop practical solutions, and build investor confidence. He noted that the Ethiopian Investment Commission has been actively engaging with investment associations and other stakeholders through Public-Private Dialogue platforms over the past two years to foster a more conducive investment environment.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the contribution of U.S. companies to Ethiopia's economy through capital investment, job creation, technology transfer, and the expansion of foreign trade. He called on more American companies to explore investment opportunities in the country.
Ambassador Massinga reaffirmed the strategic importance of Ethiopia to the United States and stressed Washington's commitment to deepening economic ties between the two countries. He highlighted the importance of an open, transparent, and predictable business environment in attracting U.S. investment and supporting private-sector-led economic growth.
Ambassador Girma Birru, who chaired the dialogue, emphasized the role of such platforms in improving the investment environment and confirmed that similar forums would continue to be strengthened and held regularly. Senior officials from various Ethiopian government ministries and more than 50 members of the American Chamber of Commerce attended the forum, reflecting the growing efforts by Ethiopia and the United States to deepen economic engagement.