Wednesday 6th August, the Ethiopian Embassy, in collaboration with KNCCI, hosted a high-level Investment & Trade Breakfast Meeting that brought together KNCCI members from strategic sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, energy, and pharmaceuticals. The engagement provided a platform to unpack Ethiopia’s evolving trade and investment landscape, while reinforcing bilateral commitments under the AfCFTA framework.

In his address, H.E. Ambassador Demeke Atnafu reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Kenya, highlighting ongoing reforms, WTO accession efforts, and the importance of activating the Kenya–Ethiopia Special Status Agreement.

KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized the need to unlock the trade potential between the two nations, noting that despite 2024 bilateral trade hitting USD 200 million, the figures remain far below potential, with opportunities in SME collaboration, industrial zones, agriculture, and tourism.

A detailed presentation outlined Ethiopia’s robust economic growth—7.1% in 2022/23—and projected GDP of USD 117 billion in 2025. Key insights included Ethiopia’s leading imports (aircraft, turbines, medicaments), and exports (coffee, nuts, electricity), as well as Kenya’s high potential to export products such as medicaments, iron & steel bars, and vegetable oils.

The recently signed MoU on a simplified trade regime at the Moyale border was highlighted as a game-changer for cross-border commerce.

The breakfast closed with a call to translate this momentum into tangible trade deals, investment ventures, and sector-focused partnerships.