The Dubai Chamber of Commerce has recently concluded its trade mission to Ghana and Ethiopia, highlighting its commitment to fostering international business collaborations. During this mission, the chamber successfully organized 510 meetings between companies from Dubai and Ethiopia. These initiatives are part of the Dubai Chamber’s strategy to explore new opportunities for cooperation and forge partnerships across priority sectors. This remarkable achievement underscores the growing interest in establishing strong economic ties between Dubai and Ethiopia.
Record-Breaking Meetings in Addis Ababa
In Addis Ababa, the Dubai Chamber set a record by facilitating 510 bilateral meetings, the highest number since the launch of the “Broad Horizons for External Expansion” initiative in 2023. This initiative aims to support Dubai companies seeking to expand into international markets. The success of the trade mission is a clear indication of the increasing confidence that global businesses have in Dubai’s economic ecosystem and the desire from foreign companies to strengthen their economic partnerships with the Dubai business community.
Forum for Business Opportunities
As part of the trade mission, the Dubai Chamber organized the “Dubai-Ethiopia Business Forum” in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, the Addis Ababa Chamber, and the Ethiopian Investment Commission. This forum brought together 669 high-ranking officials and business leaders to explore collaboration and partnership opportunities between the Dubai delegation and the Ethiopian business community.
Commitment to Strengthening Economic Ties
Mohammed Ali Rashid Lootah, the Director General of the Dubai Chambers, emphasized the chamber’s dedication to enhancing economic relations between Dubai and Ethiopia. He stated, “We are committed to expanding the horizons of economic relations between Dubai and Ethiopia, focusing on building fruitful collaboration bridges that can open new partnerships among private sector companies.” This trade mission serves as an important platform for direct dialogue, allowing businesses to explore the promising potential of the Ethiopian market, which supports the external expansion plans of Dubai companies.
Diverse Sectors Represented
The trade mission included representatives from 21 companies operating in various sectors, such as automotive, construction materials, electronics, engineering, fast-moving consumer goods, food and beverages, interior design, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, printing and packaging, as well as textiles and ready-made garments. This eclectic mix demonstrates the varied interests of Dubai businesses in furthering their presence in Ethiopia.
Growing Trade Relations
Looking at the figures, non-oil trade between Dubai and Ethiopia is projected to reach 22.3 billion dirhams by 2025, reflecting an impressive annual growth rate of 236.6%. Furthermore, 91 new companies joined the Dubai Chamber’s membership in the first quarter of 2026, bringing the total number of Ethiopian companies registered with the chamber to 1,676 by the end of the first quarter of 2026.