About Ethiopia: Its located in the Horn of Africa, is a rugged, landlocked country divided by the Great Rift Valley. Rich in history, it’s home to archaeological finds dating back over 3 million years, making it one of the oldest cradles of civilization.
Visa Info: For Indian nationals, obtaining a visa is quite convenient. You can apply for an e-visa online, and it typically gets processed within 2–3 days (https://www.evisa.gov.et/)
Our visit was part of a business delegation trip. To be honest, I was a bit nervous initially, especially since I had expected my seniors to accompany me for support—but they couldn’t make it. Thankfully, I had the most incredible support team: Suman, Teja, and Solomon.
At first, I felt the group was small, but this actually turned out to be one of the best experiences. This was my first time traveling to East Africa, and naturally, I had some apprehensions. But my team proved to be the pillar of strength.
We all met at Chennai airport, where Teja stood out immediately—he had packed a lot of ready-made vegetarian food. Since Solomon had also turned vegetarian due to the Lent season, Teja was trying to explain his food stash to the airport staff—over 50% of his luggage was just food! That moment helped break the ice instantly.
Though I had worked with Suman and Teja before, I hadn’t interacted much with Solomon. He was technically the most senior in the group, but turned out to be the youngest at heart! It was an instant connection, and the four of us just clicked from the moment we met.
What started as a professional mission turned into an unforgettable experience of bonding, support, and laughter—setting the tone for a fantastic journey ahead.
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa – A Taste of Ethiopia
Our journey to Ethiopia kicked off with an amusing twist. As we landed in Addis Ababa, Suman had a minor technical hiccup with his visa at immigration. While the rest of us breezed through, we couldn’t help but crack a few jokes—though Suman had to stay deadly serious to make it through the process! Thankfully, he got cleared soon enough, and the adventure began.
We headed straight to Triple-E Hotel and Spa, where we were welcomed with our first authentic Ethiopian experience: the traditional coffee ceremony. Ethiopia, often celebrated as the birthplace of coffee, truly elevates coffee drinking into an art form. The aroma of freshly roasted beans filled the air, and the scent of burning frankincense added a spiritual calm to the atmosphere. Surprisingly, despite drinking coffee on an empty stomach, none of us experienced discomfort—just a deep appreciation for its smooth, rich flavor.
Later in the evening, we explored Ethiopian cuisine at 2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant, recommended by our wonderful local counterpart, Ms. Selam. The ambiance was vibrant, with traditional décor and a warm buzz of conversation.
We tasted Injera, a soft, fermented flatbread made from Teff flour—which reminded us of Ragi Dosa—served with an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. From spicy Berbere and Mimita chutney powders to flavorful greens like collard and cabbage, the spread was as colorful as it was delicious. The non-veg dishes featured succulent beef, mutton, and chicken, each bursting with spices unique to Ethiopian cuisine.
A real highlight of the evening was Tej, Ethiopia’s traditional honey wine. Made from fermented honey and gesho (an Ethiopian hop), it was served in a distinctive vase-like vessel called a berele. Sweet, smooth, and unlike anything we’d tried before, Tej added the perfect finishing touch to the evening.
As we dined, we were treated to a live performance of Ethiopian music and traditional dances—an immersive experience that brought the country’s rich culture to life. From the very first day, Ethiopia welcomed us with open arms and unmatched hospitality. The laughter, the Tej, the warmth—it all clicked. We returned to the hotel full, happy, and completely bonded as a team. Safe to say, we crashed for the night with hearts full and excitement brimming for what lay ahead.
That said, our first impression of the hotel had a few bumps—some of the rooms weren’t as clean as expected. But since it was just for a day, we decided to overlook it for the time being and focus on the journey ahead.
Day 2: Exploring Business & Tourism Opportunities in Ethiopia
The morning started off on a rather stressful note. Teja discovered dirty water flowing from the tap, and midway through my shower, the water stopped entirely. I had to resort to collecting water from the washbasin using a bottle just to finish up. For a hotel claiming to be 4-star, this was a huge letdown—it didn’t even feel worthy of a 2-star rating. Suman and I immediately decided to shift us to Best Western, as we couldn’t risk compromising the comfort and experience of a business delegation.
The hotel staff wasn’t pleased with our early checkout, especially since the stay had already been fully paid for. They assured us they would rectify the issues, but I had to firmly explain that I simply couldn’t afford to have my team stay there under those conditions. Breakfast didn’t help the case either—limited options and average service. So we packed up and moved on and refund we still haven’t received for the remaining days yet.
Once we left the hotel chaos behind, the day began to turn around. We had the privilege of meeting with Ministry of Tourism officials, followed by an insightful discussion with the President of the Ethiopian Tour Operators Association, who shared invaluable perspectives on Ethiopia’s thriving travel industry.
We also visited the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, one of the oldest chambers in Africa. It was heartwarming to learn about the expansive business opportunities the country offers and the Chamber’s vital role in facilitating international trade and economic growth.
The evening ended on a delightful note—pizzas with green chili chutney at Best Western Plus Addis Ababa. I know what you’re thinking, but trust me—the bold, zesty kick of the chutney gave the classic dish a surprisingly delicious twist!
Later, we dined at Ethiopian Skylight, where we indulged in authentic Ethiopian cuisine paired with Rift Valley wines—which, by the way, were absolutely outstanding. It was yet another unforgettable culinary experience that deepened our appreciation for Ethiopia’s rich flavors and traditions.
Day 3: Exploring Bole-Lemi Industrial Park & Key Business Encounters
Our third day in Addis Ababa began with a focused visit to Bole-Lemi Industrial Park, a hub of industrial innovation and government-backed support. We received an in-depth orientation from the park’s management, who walked us through the impressive infrastructure, incentives, and facilitation mechanisms available to investors—especially in the manufacturing sector.
To gain a practical perspective, we requested a meeting with an Indian enterprise operating within the park. That led us to an impromptu yet extremely valuable visit to Ashton Apparel, where we were warmly received by Mr. Suresh T.K., Country Manager. He generously took us on a factory tour and shared his insights on Ethiopia’s work ethic, investor-friendly environment, and growing efficiency. His confidence in the local ecosystem reaffirmed our belief in Ethiopia as a rising investment destination.
Over lunch at Om Indian Bistro, we had an unexpected yet delightful encounter with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. Though brief, his warm welcome and kind words left a lasting impression on us, adding a personal diplomatic touch to our visit.
Our next stop was the stunning Haile Grand Hotel, owned by none other than Ethiopian legend and Olympian-turned-entrepreneur Mr. Haile Gebrselassie. We had the honor of meeting his spouse and Group CEO, Ms. Alem Gebrselassie, who engaged us in an enlightening conversation about the growth of Ethiopia’s hospitality industry. From customer service to inventory systems and staff development, their dedication to excellence was evident. Their passion for uplifting the standard of Ethiopian hospitality left us inspired and thoughtful about potential collaborations in this space.
Later in the evening, we caught up with Mr. Abedul, CEO of Mehbub General Trading PLC, a key player in IT consulting and digital transformation projects—some even in collaboration with the Ethiopian government. Our discussion delved into emerging tech opportunities, skill-building initiatives, and the nation’s untapped digital potential. It was a reminder of how Ethiopia is not just growing in traditional sectors, but also making strides in the IT world.
We wrapped up our long day with a relaxing dinner, followed by an invite from Mr. Abedul to join him for sheesha at a VIP lounge. We opted for the mint flavor, and unlike in many other countries, the experience was smooth and pleasant—even after two to three hours. Curious about the difference, we learned it was thanks to the high-quality Ethiopian coal, which makes the sheesha burn cleaner and milder, without throat irritation.
Though we had to cut the night short due to an early morning ahead, the entire day was a beautiful blend of business exploration, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections. Ethiopia continues to surprise us—in the best ways.
Day 4: Exploring Ethiopia’s Business and Trade Landscape
Our day began with a B2B meeting at Radiant Health Club, where we sat down with Mr. Enoke, Mr. Samuel from Arts Sports, and Mr. Tomy from EDF to understand their requirements for fitness equipment. After a detailed site visit and needs assessment, the discussions proved highly productive, laying a strong foundation for potential collaborations in the health and wellness sector—a space that’s visibly gaining traction in Ethiopia.
Our next stop was the Ministry of Mines, where we had an enlightening conversation with Ms. Sophia. She walked us through the dynamics of Ethiopia’s mining sector, including investment potential and regulatory frameworks. The highlight of our visit was the ministry’s in-house museum, a surprisingly well-curated showcase of Ethiopia’s rich mineral diversity. From opals to industrial minerals, it was a vivid reminder of the country’s untapped geological wealth.
The learning didn’t stop there. We then visited Mr. Ambaw from Hamdail PLC, who gave us a first-hand look into the operational side of the mining industry. His office featured a fascinating display of minerals extracted directly from his mine, providing us with an immersive crash course in Ethiopia’s mining realities. His passion and practical experience were deeply inspiring.
Later in the afternoon, we headed to the Ministry of Trade, where we visited the Ethiopian Export Exhibition Centre Museum. It was a well-organized and insightful stop that highlighted Ethiopia’s major export commodities—from coffee and spices to leather, textiles, and floriculture. This visit gave us a more structured understanding of Ethiopia’s trade potential and how its export strategies are evolving in the global market.
We ended this high-impact day with a relaxing dinner at the Sheraton Addis, indulging in good food and reflecting on the vast potential we had just witnessed across multiple industries. Needless to say, after a long and insightful day, we crashed for the night—our minds buzzing with ideas and opportunities Ethiopia has to offer.
Day 5: Navigating Trade, Investment & Culture in Ethiopia
After a quick breakfast, our day kicked off with a meeting with Mr. Girma Moges from SG Import Export PLC, where we dove into the realities of trade in Ethiopia, a landlocked nation reliant on efficient logistics. Mr. Girma offered key insights into how commerce is channeled through Djibouti, Ethiopia’s primary maritime gateway. He also recommended reliable logistics partners, including DHL and the Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise, ensuring that transportation of goods remains seamless despite geographical challenges.
Our next stop was the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC). We were welcomed by Mr. Johannes, who gave us a comprehensive overview of Ethiopia’s investment landscape. He highlighted the priority sectors, explained investor incentives, and emphasized the EIC’s strong aftercare support—a crucial aspect for any foreign entity looking to establish a sustainable presence in the country.
Following this, we proceeded to the Ministry of Health, where we had an in-depth discussion with Dr. Elubabor Buno Teko. The conversation centered on investment opportunities in Ethiopia’s healthcare sector, especially in areas such as medical infrastructure, equipment, pharmaceuticals, and skill development. It was a productive session that opened new avenues for potential collaboration.
To wrap up our business meetings, we made our way to the 14th Ethio-Chamber International Trade Fair at the Addis Ababa Exhibition Centre. Though the event was winding down, we managed to explore a few exhibits, interact with local entrepreneurs, and pick up some memorable souvenirs to take back home.
The evening was reserved for a cultural deep dive. We headed to Yod Abyssinia, a popular destination known for authentic Ethiopian cuisine, traditional music, and live dance performances. The place was vibrant and packed, with both locals and foreigners soaking in the electric atmosphere. As the music picked up, several guests—including a few from our own group—couldn’t resist joining the dancers on stage, adding an unexpected but delightful twist to the evening. It was the perfect cultural send-off, reinforcing the warmth and spirit of Ethiopia.
Day 6: Insights into ICT, Innovation, Healthcare, and Trade
Our final day of engagements in Ethiopia began with a focused session with the Cyber Security Services team. This meeting gave us a solid overview of Ethiopia’s ICT landscape, particularly around the government’s policies for securing digital infrastructure and fostering a safe, regulated cyber environment. Their commitment to digital safety, especially as the country accelerates its digital transformation, was both reassuring and inspiring.
Following that, we met Dr. Simenew Keskes, Advisor to the Ministry of Innovation and Technology. His insights shed light on the Ethiopian government’s vision for innovation and technological advancement, with a strong emphasis on capacity building, tech entrepreneurship, and international collaboration. It was clear that Ethiopia is actively laying the groundwork for a tech-driven future.
In a pleasant surprise, we had an impromptu meeting with Mr. Addis Alemayehou, Chairman of Kazana Group, a prominent name in Ethiopia’s private sector. He offered real-world insights into doing business in Ethiopia, including how to navigate regulatory frameworks, manage local partnerships, and tap into emerging sectors. His candid advice was especially valuable as it bridged the gap between policy and practical implementation.
To cap off the formal engagements, Mr. Ambaw generously hosted us for a Japanese dinner, offering a relaxing and flavorful break from our packed schedule.
Later in the evening, we experienced a different side of Addis—its vibrant nightlife—with a visit to Sheraton Addis for clubbing. The music, ambiance, and energy gave us a taste of how the city unwinds after hours, making it a fitting end to a day filled with learning and connection.
Day 7: Departure & Key Business Outcomes
As our enriching journey in Ethiopia drew to a close, we squeezed in one final meeting with Mr. Murugan Duraisamy, Secretary of the Tamil Sangam in Ethiopia. His gracious hospitality and unwavering assurance of support for our future business and investment efforts in the country left us with a sense of comfort and confidence. It was a fitting reminder of how vibrant and supportive the Indian diaspora is in Ethiopia.
Before making our way to the airport, we managed a quick souvenir stop—picking up some authentic Ethiopian coffee, a flavorful reminder of our time here. This short detour also led us to the La Gare Train Station, where we came across a charming old train bogie turned into a coffee shop. It was a beautiful fusion of Ethiopia’s rich heritage and creative spirit—a small but symbolic moment that perfectly captured the essence of this incredible country.
With hearts full of memories and minds buzzing with opportunities, it was finally time to bid farewell to Ethiopia—at least for now.
Āmeseginalehu – Thank you, Ethiopia.
Until we meet again.