Ireland is stepping up efforts to deepen trade and investment relations with Ethiopia as the East African country accelerates economic reforms to attract foreign partners.
Speaking in an interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Ireland’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Olivia Leslie, said the government of Ireland is closely following Ethiopia’s liberalisation programme and sees growing opportunities for Irish businesses, especially in sectors aligned with Ireland’s global expertise.
“The economic reform program underway in Ethiopia is a fantastic development. It opens new doors for cooperation and mutual benefit between our two countries,” Ambassador Leslie stated.
With Ethiopia opening up key industries and placing a stronger focus on private sector engagement, Irish companies are eyeing potential investments in agri-tech, education, information technology, and renewable energy. These sectors have been flagged as high-impact areas where Ireland can contribute significantly through innovation and partnerships.
As part of her mandate, Ambassador Leslie is working to strengthen business-to-business linkages, provide market intelligence, and support Irish companies entering or expanding within the Ethiopian market. “Our focus is not only on attracting new entrants but also on helping existing Irish investors grow and thrive within Ethiopia,” she noted.
Ireland’s interest in Ethiopia builds on decades of bilateral cooperation, traditionally anchored in development and education. The relationship is now evolving to encompass more robust trade and commercial collaboration. The Ambassador expressed optimism that expanding economic ties would advance broader development goals and generate jobs in both countries.
As Ethiopia continues to modernize its economy and improve the ease of doing business, Ireland is positioning itself as a long-term strategic partner—bringing not only capital, but also technical expertise and a commitment to inclusive growth.
