Ethiopia Strategically Significant for Trade, Investment in Continent, Says Trade Catalyst Africa CEO

Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia is a strategically significant nation for trade and investment in the region and the continent at large, Duncan Onyango, Trade Catalyst Africa CEO, said.

Speaking to ENA, the Trade Catalyst Africa, a financing facility that addresses the challenge of access to finance for trade infrastructure, CEO noted Ethiopia’s large size, youthful population and strong economic potential for sectors including agriculture, health, education, and financial services.

He described the nation whose substantial share of population is young and poised for growth as a huge economy not only within its region but also the continent. 

This demographic advantage positions the country to deliver broader value to African economies through expanded production and services, the CEO added.

"Ethiopia is actually a very significant country, not just in the region but also in the continent. It's a huge economy. It's a large population. A lot of the population is young people who are aspiring for great things." 

According to him, Ethiopia’s ability to extract value from its resources depends on attracting investment capable of supporting development and production.

The CEO pointed to trade routes and logistics as a central focus for investors, arguing that infrastructure investment could reduce the high cost of doing business in key corridors.  

"The world now is talking about critical minerals, and that is an area that can be unlocked with the right type of capital for Ethiopia as a country to be able to then extract value and be able to deliver on the promise it has made for its people." 

Onyango also highlighted new opportunities linked to Gulf-Africa economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as critical minerals, an area he said could be unlocked with the right long-term capital. 

The CEO said Gulf capital could play a role in addressing infrastructural and financing gaps not just in Ethiopia, but across parts of Africa to help open up export corridors, lower transportation costs, and strengthen economic competitiveness.

In his view, Gulf investors' capital needs to align with Ethiopia’s ambitions to attract investment into competitive value chains, job creation, and improved household incomes.

Onyango underscored that there is a symbiotic relationship between those with capital and countries with development needs, suggesting that targeted investment can benefit both Gulf economies and local Ethiopian communities.

He further stressed that access to finance is a key driver of economic activity, enabling small businesses to innovate, scale, and export.