Dubai trade mission to Ethiopia delivers record 510 bilateral meetings in Addis Ababa
Dubai trade mission to Ethiopia concluded with a record 510 bilateral meetings in Addis Ababa, boosting ties as non-oil trade reached AED 22.3 billion in 2025.
Strong turnout in Addis Ababa seals mission success
The Dubai trade mission to Ethiopia concluded in Addis Ababa after organisers reported a record 510 bilateral meetings between Dubai and Ethiopian companies. The meetings were held as part of a wider delegation that visited both Ghana and Ethiopia to explore new markets and partnership opportunities. Officials said the scale of engagement demonstrates growing interest from Ethiopian businesses in partnering with Dubai firms.
Record number of one-to-one meetings highlights demand
Dubai Chamber reported that the 510 bilateral sessions are the highest number the organisation has arranged since launching the “Wide Horizons for Overseas Expansion” initiative in 2023. The one-to-one format allowed Dubai and Ethiopian firms to hold focused, commercial discussions aimed at concrete agreements and follow-up plans. Organisers said the intensive schedule was designed to accelerate deal-making and market-entry strategies.
Dubai–Ethiopia Business Forum drew ministers, regulators and industry
The delegation also organised the Dubai–Ethiopia Business Forum in cooperation with the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and sector bodies, the Addis Ababa Chamber, and the Ethiopian Investment Commission. Some 669 senior officials, business leaders and company representatives attended the forum to discuss collaboration in priority sectors. The forum served as a platform for matchmaking, regulatory dialogue and exploring joint ventures.
Delegates represented 21 Dubai companies across priority sectors
Representatives from 21 Dubai-based companies participated in the mission, covering a wide range of industries including automotive, construction materials, electronics and engineering. Other sectors present included fast-moving consumer goods, food and beverage, interior design, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Participants also came from printing, packaging, textiles and ready-made garments, reflecting a broad commercial interest in Ethiopia’s market.
Trade figures and membership growth underline deepening ties
Non-oil trade between Dubai and Ethiopia reached AED 22.3 billion in 2025, marking an annual growth rate of 236.6 percent, according to figures released by the chamber. During the first quarter of 2026, 91 new companies joined Dubai Chamber membership, bringing the total number of Ethiopian-registered companies in the chamber to 1,676 by the end of that quarter. Chamber officials said the membership increase signals sustained commercial confidence and a pipeline of firms planning market activity.
Dubai Chambers stresses strategic, long-term partnership with Ethiopia
Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, director general of Dubai Chambers, said the mission was intended to expand economic links and create durable partnerships between private sector firms. He described the visit as a timely opportunity to deepen direct company-to-company dialogue and to identify practical projects that support Dubai firms’ external expansion plans. Lootah noted that such initiatives are central to the chamber’s strategy to open new corridors for trade and investment.
This trade mission follows a deliberate push by Dubai to strengthen ties with African economies and to support local firms seeking overseas growth. Organisers said follow-up work will include tracking leads generated at the meetings, coordinating regulatory discussions where needed, and encouraging joint investment proposals. The chamber indicated that similar missions will continue as part of its global expansion programme to convert initial meetings into long-term commercial relationships.
