UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, jointly with the Embassy of Ethiopia in Japan, organized the “Ethiopia Investment Seminar” on June 27, 2023 at the United Nations University. The seminar provided the latest information on the investment environment and investment opportunities in Ethiopia, as well as private sector businesses in Ethiopia. The seminar was attended by 88 participants from Japanese companies with high interest in Ethiopia. 

At the beginning of the seminar, H.E. Mr. Daba Debele Hunde, Ambassador-Designate, Embassy of Ethiopia in Japan, and H.E. Mr. Belete Molla, Minister of Innovation and Technology of F.D.R. of Ethiopia, gave opening remarks, calling on the participants to actively engage in business and invest in Ethiopia. 　  

Mr. Henock Ahmed, CEO, IT Park Corporation and Strategic Advisor to the Minister, then introduced Ethiopia’s remarkable economic growth, population of over 100 million, large young generation, and market access advantages, and highlighted sectors with high investment needs, such as manufacturing (textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, etc.), agriculture, ICT, steel and tourism. Additionally, Mr. Tinsae Yimam, General manager, Bole Lemi Industrial Park, introduced the development of the industrial park, which is actively attracting foreign companies to the country. 

Following that, private companies introduced their businesses in Ethiopia, and Mr. Steven Cui, CEO of WODA INDUSTRIAL PARK PLC (Ethiopia) / Representative of ALPHA CO., LTD (Japan), stated that the company is developing a new industrial park in Ethiopia and plans to attract companies related to electricity, electric vehicles, home appliances, tires, and other industries. Ms. Satoka Amari, Smart Infrastructure Business Dept. No.2, Sumitomo Corporation, introducing the company’s telecommunications project in Ethiopia, said, “In Ethiopia, where there are many young people, we would like to contribute to nation building by creating jobs, promoting investment, and improving education through the telecommunications business”.  

Mr. Takuya Fukui, Global Business Strategy Division, New Business Planning Dept., SoftBank Corp, introduced the company’s “blended learning” education project in Rwanda, which combines the advantages of online and offline learning. He stated that “we would like to expand the project to other African countries, including Ethiopia, so that African children can have equal access to quality education”. 

Mr. Tadesse Dadi Segni, Advisor in Ethiopia, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, introduced the Africa Advisor programme and its case studies, and Ms. Fumio Adachi, Head, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, concluded the seminar with closing remarks. Afterwards, the Embassy of Ethiopia in Japan hosted an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, where many participants enjoyed coffee and lively exchanges. 

Outline  

Date/Time:     27 June 2023 (Tuesday)　Seminar:15:00 – 16:40 Networking:  16:40 – 17:00
Venue:           Elizabeth Rose Conference Hall, 5F United Nations University HQs Bldg.          
Organized by: UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, Embassy of Ethiopia in Japan
Supported by: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Language:      English/Japanese with simultaneous translation

Programme 

15:00 – 15:05     Opening Remarks
                          H.E. Mr. Daba Debele Hunde, Ambassador-Designate,
                          Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

15:05　　　　　　Guest Speech
　　　　　　　　　H.E. Mr. Belete Molla, 
　　　　　　　　　Minister of Innovation and Technology of F.D.R. of Ethiopia

　　　　　　　　　”Ethiopia – New horizon of Hope”
　　　　　　　　　Mr. Henock Ahmed, CEO, IT Park Corporation and Strategic Advisor to the Minister

　　　　　　　　　”Overview of the Industrial Parks Development in Ethiopia”
　　　　　　　　　Mr. Tinsae Yimam, General mangaer, Bole Lemi Industrial Park

　　　　　　　　　”WODA Industrial Park to the next scenery together with you”
　　　　　　　　　Mr. Steven Cui
　　　　　　　　　CEO of WODA INDUSTRIAL PARK PLC (Ethiopia) / Representative of ALPHA CO., LTD (Japan) 　　

　　　　　　　　　”Our Telecommunication Project in Ethiopia”
　　　　　　　　　Ms. Satoka Amari, Smart Infrastucture Business Dept. No.2, Sumitomo Corporation

　　　　　　　　　”Transforming Africa with NTN x Edtech”
　　　　　　　　　Mr. Takuya Fukui, Global Business Strategy Division, New Business Planning Dept., SoftBank Corp

　　　　　　　　　UNIDO ITPO Tokyo’s Advisor Programme in Ethiopia
                          Mr. Tadesse Dadi Segni, Advisor in Ethiopia, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo

16:20 – 16:35       Q & A

16:35 – 16:40      Closing Remarks
                           Ms. Fumio Adachi, Head, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo

16:40 – 17:00      Networking (Coffee ceremony by the Embassy)