India Meets Ethiopia: PHDCCI Session Opens New Doors for SMEs

New Delhi, August 26, 2025:  PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted an engaging session on Global Trade and Investment Opportunities for Indian Industry in Ethiopia (GTI), where business leaders and diplomats came together to talk about partnerships, people, and possibilities.

Adding a cultural and human touch, Ambassador Molalign Asfaw, Deputy Head of Mission,  Embassy of Ethiopia, New Delhi described Ethiopia not just as a country, but as a story of resilience and pride.

“Ethiopia is called the Land of Origins, we are home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. We have our own alphabet, our own calendar, our own language. We were never colonized. That independence runs deep in our identity. And yet, Ethiopia is also young, vibrant, and open to the future,” he said warmly.

The Ambassador painted a vivid picture of what makes Ethiopia special for Indian investors:

A young and energetic workforce-65% of Ethiopians are under 35.
A land blessed with abundance- the largest coffee producer in Africa, with fertile soil, and rich reserves of gold, copper, platinum, natural gas, emeralds, and sapphires.
Unmatched connectivity- Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s biggest and fastest-growing airline, directly connects India to Africa and even turned a profit during COVID-19.
Affordable growth- with the lowest power tariffs in the world, Africa’s largest hydropower dam, and business-friendly reforms, Ethiopia is quickly becoming the manufacturing hub of Africa.
Open arms for India- with minimal land lease costs and a Free Trade Agreement, Ethiopia is making it easier for Indian companies to find a second home there.
“Ethiopia is not just asking businesses to invest, we are inviting them to grow with us, to share ideas, and to create something meaningful together,” Ambassador Asfaw said with conviction.

Naveen Seth, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, spoke with pride about India’s small and medium enterprises.

“Our SMEs are the true storytellers of India’s growth, they innovate, they take risks, they create jobs, and they carry our spirit of enterprise across borders. Ethiopia today is a land full of promise for them. It isn’t just about sending goods there, it’s about joining hands, sharing knowledge, and building something lasting together,” he said.

He explained how Ethiopia’s growing cities, pro-business reforms, and young population make it a natural partner for Indian companies. “Sectors like agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT, renewable energy, and manufacturing are already buzzing in Ethiopia. And these are exactly the areas where Indian SMEs have the strength to shine,” he added.

The session ended on a note of shared optimism. With India’s SMEs bringing their innovation, and Ethiopia offering its energy, youth, and resources, both countries are set to shape a stronger future together.