Ethiopia attracted $4.32 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year (FY 2025/26), marking an 8% increase compared to the previous fiscal year, according to the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC).
The figures were presented during the Commission’s annual performance evaluation meeting, where EIC Commissioner Dr. Zeleke Temesgen reviewed the institution’s achievements and priorities with senior directors.
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Speaking at the evaluation, the Commissioner described FDI performance as one of the Commission’s major successes during the fiscal year. He noted that the $4.32 billion figure excludes investments pledged during the fourth Invest in Ethiopia 2026 Forum that have recently secured investment licenses. According to the Commissioner, the Commission is working closely with investors to ensure pledged projects move into operation as quickly as possible.
The Commission also reported issuing 528 new investment licenses during the fiscal year, fully meeting its annual target and achieving more than 100% of its planned performance.
Export performance from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) also showed strong growth. Products worth $225 million were supplied to international markets from SEZs during the fiscal year, meeting the Commission’s target and representing an 80% increase compared to the previous year.
Dr. Zeleke attributed part of the strong performance to projects launched following agreements signed at the third Invest in Ethiopia 2025 Forum, particularly in the renewable energy sector. He emphasized that Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms played the most significant role in improving the investment environment and attracting capital.
The Commission further reported that more than 260 investment projects moved into the implementation phase during the fiscal year, surpassing planned targets.
Other achievements highlighted during the review included progress in transitioning licensed projects into operation, job creation, public-private dialogue initiatives, investment incentive administration, stakeholder coordination, digitalization of investment services, project monitoring and evaluation, grievance resolution, and efforts to strengthen investor confidence in Ethiopia.
Concluding the evaluation, Dr. Zeleke thanked the Commission’s management and staff for their performance while stressing the need to build on the momentum. He stated that the Commission will prioritize improving the predictability of Ethiopia’s investment climate, attracting higher-quality investments, and strengthening institutional coordination in the coming fiscal year.
