Ethiopia generated more than 18.6 billion US dollars in foreign direct investment inflows during the past five years, according to the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC).

Investment activity accelerated in the current Ethiopian fiscal year, with FDI inflows increasing by 11.6 percent in the first half compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year, Gazette Plus reported. During the same period, the commission issued more than 245 investment permits.

Speaking to Gazette Plus English, EIC Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen (PhD) said that Ethiopia continues to rank among Africa’s leading FDI destinations and remains the top recipient in East Africa.

The commissioner attributed the continued inflows to macroeconomic reform measures, targeted investment promotion efforts, and strengthened coordination between federal and regional government institutions.

He also said the commission is prioritising digitalisation to improve regulatory effectiveness, enhance the investment climate, and expand engagement with investors and other stakeholders.

In the 2024/25 fiscal year, Ethiopia received approximately 4.0 billion US dollars in FDI, with the commission issuing 544 investment permits: 308 to foreign investors, 109 to joint ventures, and 98 to domestic investors.