The Dubai Chamber of Commerce has successfully concluded its recent trade mission to Ghana and Ethiopia, achieving a remarkable milestone by organizing 510 business meetings in Addis Ababa. This initiative aimed to explore collaborative opportunities and establish new partnerships across various priority sectors. The achievement marks the highest number recorded since the launch of the “Broad Horizons for External Expansion” initiative in 2023, which supports Dubai companies in their efforts to expand into global markets. This underscores the global business community’s confidence in Dubai’s business ecosystem and the increasing desire among international companies to strengthen economic ties with the emirate’s business community.
Strengthening Economic Relationships
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce organized the Dubai-Ethiopia Business Forum as part of the trade mission, in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, and the Ethiopian Investment Authority. The forum attracted 669 high-level officials, business leaders, and local company representatives, all gathered to explore collaboration and partnership opportunities between Dubai’s delegation members and the Ethiopian business community.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by prominent figures, including His Excellency Mohammed Ali Rashid Lootah, Director General of Dubai Chambers, and His Excellency Amha Hailegiorgis, Deputy Director General for Middle Eastern, Asia, and Pacific Affairs at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additional speeches were offered by His Excellency Jamal Bakr, Ethiopian Ambassador to the UAE, and other key Ethiopian business leaders, reinforcing the spirit of partnership and cooperation during the event.
Commitment to Business Expansion
His Excellency Mohammed Ali Rashid Lootah expressed the Dubai Chamber’s commitment to enhancing economic ties with Ethiopia, emphasizing the importance of building productive collaboration bridges that can open new avenues for private sector companies. He further stated that this trade mission provides a significant opportunity for direct dialogue between businesses and helps uncover the promising potential of the Ethiopian market, thus supporting Dubai companies’ external expansion plans.
Notably, the non-oil trade value between Dubai and Ethiopia reached 22.3 billion dirhams in 2025, showcasing a staggering annual growth rate of 236.6%. In addition, 91 new companies joined the Dubai Chamber’s membership during the first quarter of this year, raising the total number of registered Ethiopian companies in the chamber to 1,676 by the end of Q1 2026.
Showcasing Business Opportunities
During the forum, the Dubai Chamber presented an extensive introduction that highlighted Dubai’s dynamic business environment and the competitive advantages available to Ethiopian companies in various sectors. This showcased the opportunities for Ethiopian businesses to leverage Dubai as a launchpad to regional and global markets.
Laalyz Getachew, Investment Promotion Advisor at the Ethiopian Investment Commission, also delivered an informative presentation on Ethiopia’s growing trade and investment landscape, discussing market entry pathways and the available opportunities for foreign businesses and investors.
The Dubai trade mission saw participation from representatives of 21 companies operating in Dubai across diverse sectors, including automotive, construction materials, electronics, engineering, fast-moving consumer goods, food and beverages, interior design, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, printing, packaging, textiles, and ready-made clothing. This diverse representation further exemplifies the commitment to fostering meaningful business connections and expanding economic ties.