On February 25, 2025, Ethiopia’s Adwa Memorial Museum hosted the Jiangsu-Ethiopia Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference, bringing together key government officials, business leaders, and industry experts. The event reinforced Jiangsu’s growing role in Ethiopia’s economic transformation, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The conference gathered key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, trade experts, and investors from both Ethiopia and Jiangsu. Representatives from the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC), and Jiangsu Provincial Department of Commerce discussed new trade models, industrial cooperation, and investment facilitation. Their insights and commitments underscored the potential for long-term collaboration that drives mutual economic growth.

Key Highlights:

-Strategic Partnerships: Ambassador Nigus Kebede emphasized the importance of deepening Ethiopia’s trade and investment ties with China, particularly Jiangsu Province.

-Jiangsu’s Investment Impact: With $1.4 billion in investments and 77 projects across Africa, Jiangsu has emerged as a crucial economic partner. Ethiopia exports coffee, avocados, and flowers, while Jiangsu provides high-end manufacturing and industrial equipment.

-Future Cooperation Areas:

1. New Trade Models: Leveraging Ethiopia’s workforce and Jiangsu’s industrial expertise.

2. BRI Alignment: Expanding infrastructure projects and trade facilitation.

3. Green & Digital Economy: Investing in renewable energy, low-carbon industries, and tech-driven development.

4. Business Environment Optimization: Strengthening policy exchanges, investment facilitation, and industrial collaboration.

Ethiopia’s Investment Potential:

Deputy Investment Commissioner Zinabu Yirga highlighted Ethiopia as a top African destination for FDI, citing over 300,000 jobs created through Chinese cooperation. With a 54 million-strong workforce and access to a COMESA market of 560 million people, Ethiopia offers vast trade and investment opportunities.

China-Africa Economic Transformation:

Jiangsu’s role in Ethiopia signals a broader China-Africa alliance, blending economic, cultural, and technological cooperation. Initiatives like the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum and Jiangsu Center in Addis Ababa showcase China’s long-term commitment to regional growth, fostering mutual prosperity and strategic collaboration.