The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by the Sharjah Export Development Centre, is set to lead a trade mission to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, from 19 to 22 October 2026. Headed by Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Chamber, this mission will involve representatives from the private sector in Sharjah. The primary aim is to enhance trade exchanges, explore investment opportunities, and expand the presence of national products in African markets.
Strengthening Commercial Ties
This trade mission is designed to open new horizons for commercial and investment cooperation between Sharjah and Ethiopia, promoting strategic partnerships within the business communities. Furthermore, it seeks to bolster the competitiveness of local companies and diversify their export markets.
Business Forum and Networking Opportunities
A highlight of the mission will be the Sharjah–Ethiopia Business Forum on 20 October, which is expected to attract government officials, representatives from chambers of commerce, economic institutions, and companies from both regions. The forum will focus on discussing opportunities for cooperation in trade, industry, and agriculture, while facilitating access for UAE products to the Ethiopian market. It will also aim to explore investment prospects in manufacturing, food production, agriculture, packaging, construction materials, and logistics services.
Direct Engagement with Ethiopian Authorities
In addition to the forum, the program will feature meetings with key ministries, including Trade, Regional Integration, Industry, Agriculture, and the Ethiopian Investment Commission. Meetings will also occur with the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and various sectoral associations to discuss joint investment opportunities, gain insights into business regulations, and develop institutional cooperation mechanisms that simplify direct communication between companies.
Renewing Partnerships for Future Collaboration
The Chamber is also exploring the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce in 2001. This renewal would strengthen the collaboration between the two institutions through the exchange of information, trade delegations, and joint economic events.
A Promising Market for Investment
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais stated that this mission aligns with the strategy of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance the competitiveness of the private sector, diversify export markets, and expand the network of trade and investment partnerships for enterprises operating in the emirate. He noted that Ethiopia presents a promising market with diverse economic and investment potentials, expressing the Chamber’s eagerness to foster collaboration between business communities and open new channels for trade and investment, thereby supporting the growth of Sharjah’s exports and solidifying the presence of national companies in African markets.
Exploratory Visits to Local Enterprises
The program will also include field visits to industrial facilities and economic institutions in Ethiopia, allowing participants to assess production capacities, investment opportunities, and market needs. These visits will be instrumental in discussing the potential for establishing trade and industrial partnerships between the participating companies and their local counterparts.
Commitment to Sustainable Economic Development
This trade mission forms part of the efforts by the Sharjah Export Development Centre to broaden the targeted market base, bolster national exports, and encourage companies to leverage economic opportunities in Africa, which will contribute to economic diversification and sustainable development in the emirate.