News Think tank looks to streamline Chinese investment in Ethiopia
By Sisay Sahlu
September 28, 2024
This week saw the launch of the Africa-China Investment and Trade Facility center in Addis Ababa, as Ethiopian and Chinese scholars partner to establish an advisory think-tank that they hope will serve to enhance trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The think-tank will serve as a bridge for investors from China to Ethiopia, with a particular focus on providing guidance and consultancy services, said Guan Zue, an investor and founding member of ACTIF.
“With this initiative, Chinese investors will come to Africa, particularly Ethiopia. We want to be the bridge that links Chinese investors with Ethiopian businesses,” said Zue.
The team behind ACTIF is composed of academicians from both China and Ethiopia who hope that sharing experiences and fostering discussions on policy papers and industrialization strategies will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of trade and investment between Ethiopia and China.
“The think tank group will be tasked with providing policy advice and guidance to both existing investors and those looking to enter the Ethiopian market. This is such an important initiative that will help leverage Ethiopia’s business potential through professional advisory services,” said Zue.
Adela Oda, a member of Parliament and chair of the ACTIF board, expressed hopes that the platform would help ensure the profitability and sustainability of businesses operating in Ethiopia.
“Through proper policy advice and recommendations, businesses will be able to compete effectively. The team will also unlock new avenues for trade opportunities and cooperation,” he said during the inauguration ceremony.
A Chinese diplomat called the platform a “positive step toward facilitating trade cooperation between China and Ethiopia.”
He hopes to see the think-tank work to ease investor concerns, particularly those related to migration to neighboring countries, and complaints regarding service quality and regulatory obstacles, which have been among the reasons some investors choose to leave Ethiopia.
“The formation of this think tank group will be a milestone in shaping policies that have a direct and indirect impact on investors, helping them navigate Ethiopia’s business environment more efficiently,” said the diplomat.
Mengistu Ketema (Prof.), head of the Ethiopian Economics Association, foresees the platform will create a more favorable investment environment and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
“This scholars’ team will not only help attract FDI by becoming a bridge between government and investors but will also ensure that Ethiopia benefits from such investments in a sustainable and meaningful way,” he said.
In addition to strategic advice, the platform will provide access to valuable connections and resources, expert-led training sessions, and guidance on regulatory compliance.