Ethiopia Wins 2026 UN Investment Promotion Award for Digital Economy

October 27, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

Ethiopia’s investment promotion agency has won a United Nations award for attracting investment into the digital economy, placing it among five recipients recognised at the 9th World Investment Forum in Doha.

The Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) received the 2026 UN Investment Promotion Award for its performance in attracting investment to the digital economy sector, according to an announcement by the commission.

The award recognises the commission’s role in facilitating investment in digital connectivity and financial inclusion, particularly through Safaricom Ethiopia and the expansion of M-PESA, the mobile financial services platform, according to UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

As of March 31, 2026, Safaricom Ethiopia had 13.6 million active subscribers, while M-PESA had 5.2 million customers. The operator had 3,504 network sites, with 4G coverage reaching 59 percent of the population, UNCTAD said.

The investments support the expansion of digital payments and connectivity, which can enable the development of e-commerce, financial technology and other digital services.

The award was selected from 48 entries representing 40 countries, with four other organisations also named recipients: the Caribbean Export Development Agency, Invest KOREA, Invest Qatar and Morocco’s Tanger Med Zones.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency was recognised for regional investment promotion through the Caribbean Investment Forum, while Invest KOREA received recognition for attracting foreign investment into semiconductor materials, components and equipment. Invest Qatar was recognised for its Startup Qatar initiative, and Tanger Med Zones for investment in digital services, including the ALTEN Delivery Center Maroc.

UNCTAD has presented the Investment Promotion Awards annually since 2002 to recognise investment promotion agencies and special economic zones for their work in attracting investment and supporting sustainable development. The 2026 awards focused on investment promotion in the digital economy.

The recognition comes as Ethiopia seeks to attract investment into technology-driven sectors and develop an investment environment that supports innovation and economic growth.

Source: FSX Business News