Addis Chamber, Sharjah Chamber Sign Deal to Expand Ethiopia-UAE Trade

October 22, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations has signed a cooperation agreement with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate trade and investment opportunities for businesses in Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The agreement was signed by Zahara Mohammed, president of Addis Chamber, and Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, chairman of Sharjah Chamber, during an Ethiopia-UAE business and investment forum organised in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two chambers said the agreement would support their members, promote mutually beneficial business relationships and improve access to markets in both countries.

The forum brought together Ethiopian government officials, business representatives and investors from the UAE to discuss investment opportunities in Ethiopia, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, information and communications technology and tourism.

Hassen Mohammed, state minister of industry, said the UAE was an important economic partner for Ethiopia, citing its capabilities in trade, logistics, finance, technology and investment.

Bereket Meseret, a representative of the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, said Ethiopia had undertaken economic reforms aimed at expanding markets and improving conditions for investors. He identified the UAE as a strategic partner and said coffee was Ethiopia’s leading export to the country over the past five years, followed by sesame and meat.

Zekarias Assefa, secretary-general of Addis Chamber, who spoke on behalf of its president, said the forum offered businesses an opportunity to establish commercial relationships and develop economic partnerships.

He said Ethiopia’s agricultural, mining, manufacturing, ICT and tourism sectors offered opportunities for cooperation with UAE businesses, whose strengths in logistics, technology and investment could support commercial activity.

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais presented investment opportunities in Sharjah, while the Ethiopian Investment Commission outlined investment prospects in Ethiopia. A panel discussion also examined the country's investment framework, government incentives and priority sectors.

Source: FSX Business News