AMN Plus-May 15/2026
The Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) has held a consultation forum aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of investment activities carried out in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), identifying challenges observed within the zones, and gathering actionable recommendations to be submitted to the Industrial Council and relevant stakeholders for solution implementation.
Speaking at the opening session of the forum, Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Zinabu Yirga, stated that Special Economic Zones were established as a foundation for accelerating economic growth, creating extensive employment opportunities, facilitating technology transfer, and positioning Ethiopia as a globally competitive manufacturing and export hub.
He stressed the importance of collaboratively identifying operational bottlenecks in the sector and creating a conducive business environment to enable the zones to achieve their intended contribution to the national economy.
The Deputy Commissioner further noted that the consultation forum would help generate practical inputs to address the challenges observed within the Special Economic Zones and facilitate coordinated efforts with relevant institutions to resolve them. He added that the initiative would serve as a starting point for fully operationalizing the zones and creating a more conducive investment environment.
During the discussion, participants stated that the support being provided by the Ethiopian Investment Commission to address challenges in the Special Economic Zones is encouraging. They also called for greater attention to be given to sustainably resolving issues related to fuel supply, transport and logistics, as well as land use.
The consultation forum brought together Special Economic Zone developers, sub-developers, investors operating within the zones, and representatives of investorsโ associations
