By Gloria Ikibah
The Africa Economic Forum (AEF) and the Government of Ethiopia have agreed in principle to strengthen cooperation on key development initiatives aimed at boosting investment, trade and economic integration across Africa.
The understanding was reached during a courtesy visit by the regional management of the Africa Economic Forum to Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Legesse Geremew Haile. 
Leading the four-member AEF delegation, Dr Hope Uweja outlined several areas where both sides intend to collaborate, including the hosting of the AEF Annual General Meeting in Addis Ababa later this year, organising an investment summit focused on Ethiopia’s energy sector, promoting intra-African trade and strengthening cooperation with the Ethiopian Chambers of Commerce.
He said the proposed partnership will create fresh opportunities for investment, regional networking and economic collaboration across the continent.
Secretary of the AEF Governing Council, Prof. Victor Odoeme, emphasised the need for Africa to speak with a unified voice on the global stage, drawing attention to platforms such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
He noted that the Africa Economic Forum has continued to expand its footprint across the continent, with representatives in 27 African countries, and appealed to the Ethiopian government to support efforts to strengthen the organisation’s presence in Addis Ababa, the headquarters of the African Union.
In response, Ambassador Haile welcomed the initiative and praised the Forum’s commitment to promoting Africa’s economic development.
“Africa has the capacity and potentials to pull together and bring prosperity to its people”, he said.
The envoy highlighted the importance of private sector-led investment in driving sustainable economic growth, pointing to the presence of Dangote Industries in Ethiopia, where the company operates cement and urea businesses, as an example of how African investments can deepen economic cooperation between countries.
He also expressed confidence that hosting the AEF Annual General Meeting in Addis Ababa will enhance the organisation’s visibility and create valuable networking opportunities for participants from across the continent.
Reaffirming Ethiopia’s support for the initiative, Ambassador Haile assured the delegation of his country’s commitment to advancing Africa’s development agenda.
“Always you can count us (Ethiopia) to provide assistance within the context of development in Africa”, he added.
The proposed collaboration is expected to further strengthen economic ties between the Forum and Ethiopia while advancing shared efforts to promote investment, regional integration and sustainable development across Africa.
