The Sheger City Administration in Ethiopia is stepping up its efforts to attract both local and foreign investors, as it rolls out fresh promotional campaigns and prepares to host a major international investment exhibition. The city aims to become a top destination for investment and economic growth in the Horn of Africa.
According to Mr Nebiyu Raga, Deputy Head of the Sheger City Investment Office, the administration is working closely with key stakeholders to make the city more attractive to investors by improving infrastructure, services, and access to opportunities.
Speaking, Mr Nebiyu explained that the upcoming investment expo, scheduled for next week, will bring together business delegates from over 15 countries. The exhibition is designed to showcase the wide range of sectors available for investment in Sheger City, while also creating a platform for local and international investors to connect.
“Our main focus is to increase investment efficiency, support productivity, digitise services, and create employment opportunities, especially for youth and women,” he said. Nebiyu added that empowering local entrepreneurs is also a major goal, noting that many small businesses are being supported to grow into full investors.
So far this fiscal year, more than 200 local entrepreneurs have upgraded to full investor status after meeting capital and operational requirements. On the international side, over 30 foreign investors have successfully started businesses in Sheger City since January.
The total capital generated through these investment activities has crossed 8 billion Birr, while over 90,000 jobs have been created in different sectors across the city.
In a new development, the administration has also issued investment licenses to more than 500 top farmers, helping them transition into commercial investment areas. These include agro-processing, logistics, and input supply services.
Currently, Sheger City has over 5,000 active investment projects, spread across various sectors. The breakdown shows that around 2,600 projects are in manufacturing, 1,900 in services, 430 in agriculture, and the rest fall into construction, mining, logistics, and other segments.
Mr Nebiyu highlighted that while Sheger City is fast becoming a regional investment hub, the administration remains committed to removing obstacles for new and existing businesses. This includes providing policy support, improving infrastructure, and delivering quick and transparent services to investors.
He also pointed out that digitisation and improved inter-agency coordination are helping reduce bureaucratic delays, making it easier for both local and international players to set up shop in the city.
Sheger City’s location, close to Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, gives it a strategic advantage in terms of logistics, labour supply, and access to government support services. Officials say the city is now well-positioned to attract investments in industrial parks, green energy, ICT, real estate, education, and healthcare.
The upcoming investment exhibition is expected to further boost investor confidence. Organisers are finalising preparations to ensure that both local and foreign delegates will explore opportunities and form new partnerships that benefit the region.
The Sheger City Administration has assured the business community that more incentives are in the pipeline — including tax breaks, land access, and support for export-oriented industries.
“We are focused on building a strong and inclusive investment ecosystem,” said Nebiyu. “Our goal is to unlock Sheger’s full potential and make it a key economic zone in Ethiopia and East Africa.”
With such bold initiatives underway, stakeholders say Sheger City could become one of the most dynamic investment destinations on the continent — if current momentum is sustained.
