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Ethiopia Benelux Business Forum 2026
May 18 @ 8 h 00 min – May 22 @ 17 h 00 min
Unlock New Markets. Build Strategic Partnerships. Explore business opportunities in Africa’s Fastest‑Growing Economy.
18 May 2026 – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg | 19 – 22 May 2026 – Brussels, Belgium
The Ethiopia Benelux Business Forum (E‑Benelux BF 2026) will convene on 18 May 2026 at Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg and from 19 – 22 May 2026 in Brussels, Belgium with main event on 19 May 2026 bringing together leading companies, policymakers, and investors from Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Ethiopia for a high‑level business and investment platform.
Organized by CBL‑ACP and Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels, Belgium, in partnership Embassy of Belgium in Addis Ababa, Embassy of Luxembourg in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), European Chamber in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, South Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, Luxembourg Maritime Cluster, ALC, Cluster for Logistics, Luxembourg Agribusiness Association, Travel Tommorow, Blé Global and Diplomatic World, the Forum builds on the momentum of the successful CBL -ACP Economic Mission to Ethiopia (June 1–4, 2025) and celebration of +100 years of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Benelux countries.
Why Attend?
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most strategically positioned and economically dynamic markets. With a population of over 120 million, abundant natural resources, competitive labor, and major reforms driving investment, the country presents high‑growth opportunities across multiple sectors.
The Business Forum will bring together +100 business leaders, institutional stakeholders, and entrepreneurs to explore concrete opportunities for cooperation between Ethiopia and the Benelux region, with a strong focus on trade, investment, and partnerships.
This Forum gives European companies a unique gateway to:
- Understand sector‑specific business & investment opportunities
- Meet top‑level policymakers and business leaders
- Build B2B and B2G connections
- Explore joint ventures, partnerships, and market‑entry strategies
Focus Sectors – Business & Investment Opportunities
1. Agriculture & Agro‑Industry
Ethiopia offers 75 million hectares of arable land, the largest livestock population in Africa, and strong agro‑export potential.
Opportunities include: coffee plantations, cereals, dairy, poultry, horticulture, floriculture, bamboo and cotton production.
2. Manufacturing & Industrial Parks
With 29 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and multiple agro‑industrial parks, Ethiopia provides plug‑and‑play infrastructure and skilled labor.
Opportunities include: agro‑processing, textiles, apparel, leather, and pharmaceuticals.
3. Mining & Mineral Processing
Home to world‑class deposits of tantalum, cobalt, gold, potash, gemstones and more.
Opportunities include: fertilizer production, iron‑ore/steel investment, construction materials, and mineral processing industries.
4. ICT & Digital Economy
A rapidly liberalizing sector with 44+ million internet users, expanding 4G/5G, digital payments, and new ICT parks.
Opportunities include: fintech, IT infrastructure, data centers, software development, and electronics manufacturing.
5. Tourism & Hospitality
Ethiopia is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the origin of humanity, the Blue Nile, and unique cultural landscapes.
Opportunities include: hotel development, eco‑lodges, tour operations, adventure tourism, transport & training centers.
Forum Format
The Business Forum will feature:
- Plenary Sessions & Keynotes
- Sector Presentations
- B2B & B2G Meetings
- Networking Receptions
- Company & Institutional Visits
Participating organizations from Ethiopia will include investment authorities, chambers of commerce, business associations, and leading private companies.
Confirmed & Invited Speakers
- Zeleke Temesgen Boru (Ph. D), Commissioner Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC)
- Mrs. Zehara Mohammed, President of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA)
- H.E. Ambassador Eshete Tilahun — Ethiopia to Belgium
- H.E. Ambassador Annelies Verstichel — Belgium to Ethiopia
- H.E. Ambassador Jeanne Crauser – Luxembourg to Ethiopia
- Mattijs Renden — Deputy Managing Director, NABC
- Dominiek Viaene — Interim President, CBL‑ACP | CEO, Protex Healthcare
- Eric Peiffer — Managing Director Vecturis
- Marc Jacobs — Co-founder & Managing Partner The Culture Factor Group BeLux
- Prof. Dr. Patrick VANHOUDT — Dean of the Luxembourg School of Business
- Philippe Benoit du Rey — President Luxembourg Agribusiness Association
- Agnes Gitau — Executive Director, Eastern Africa Association
- Dr Blessing Enakimio — Founder & CEO Blé Global
- Christian Elias — Head of Unit, Public Sector Operations, Eastern & Southern Africa European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Solomon Endale — Area Manager BENELUX Ethiopian Airlines
Register Now
Be part of a forward‑looking platform that strengthens trade and investment between Ethiopia and the Benelux region.
18 May 2026 – Luxembourg City Event, Luxembourg
👉 Registration link: https://forms.gle/YfxRkihsgsfNhLoW6
👉 Contact for inquiries: thomas.debeule@cbl-acp.be
19 – 22 May 2026 – Brussels Event, Belgium
