Kassahun Gofe(PHD) Meets Birgit Ory as Ethiopia–Germany Trade Averages $517 Million Annually
Ethiopia and Germany are seeking to expand trade and investment cooperation following high-level discussions between Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe (PhD), and Birgit Ory, Germany’s ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union.
The meeting focused on strengthening commercial relations and identifying new areas for investment between the two countries. According to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, bilateral trade between Ethiopia and Germany has averaged around 517 million US dollars annually over the past five years.
Coffee Dominates Exports
Ethiopia’s exports to Germany remain heavily concentrated in coffee, reflecting the country’s role as Africa’s largest coffee producer. Officials from both sides emphasized the need to diversify Ethiopia’s export base beyond primary commodities to expand trade volumes and create broader economic opportunities.
Investment Opportunities Under Reform
The discussions also highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing macroeconomic reform program, which includes efforts to improve the investment environment and expand private-sector participation in key sectors.
Minister Kassahun encouraged German companies to explore investment opportunities emerging from the reforms, particularly in industries that have recently been opened to greater foreign participation.
WTO Accession in Final Phase
Another key topic was Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Officials indicated that the process is now entering its final stage. Ethiopia is seeking continued support from Germany and partners within the European Union as negotiations progress.
Longstanding Diplomatic Relations
Ethiopia and Germany have maintained diplomatic relations for more than 120 years, with cooperation spanning trade, development assistance, and investment. Germany remains one of Ethiopia’s important European trading partners and a notable source of development finance and technical support.