Africa is gearing up for industrialisation with tremendous regional economic growth and business opportunities on the horizon. This projection is creating an environment where governments and the private sector are increasingly seeking ways to collaborate with each other in order to accelerate the rate of development across the continent. Under this new reality, it is even more important for the private sector to voice into policies that impact cross border trade and investment.

The signing of a MoU between the African Union’s Department of Economic Affairs and the NBF in December 2014 and the opening of a NBF Ethiopia office in August 2015 presents new opportunities for private sector participation on continental policy discussions. The NBF will also will be able to provide support to companies wanting further information on how to access this market, by providing local insight and knowledge, access and linkages. At the moment the Ethiopian government is slowly opening up its economy with a strategic focus on agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure. 

For more information regarding the opportunities in Ethiopia, kindly contact Michael Hiruy, country manager, NBF Ethiopia on email: michael.hiruy@thenbf.co.za.