Italy has committed 25 million euros to Ethiopia under its Mattei Plan to support job
creation, economic growth, and sustainable development, as Italian companies expand
their presence at Big 5 Construct Ethiopia 2026 in Addis Ababa.
The announcement comes during the April 23–25 exhibition at the Addis Ababa
International Convention Center, where more than 20 Italian companies are showcasing
their operations within the Italian Pavilion alongside international and local exhibitors.
The initiative forms part of Italy’s broader economic engagement with Ethiopia, where
total Italian investment has reached approximately 830 million euros.
Italy designated Ethiopia as a priority country under the Mattei Plan, a framework aimed
at strengthening cooperation with African countries through development projects and
economic partnerships.
The 25 million euro commitment targets employment generation and supports Ethiopia’s
development goals through investments across sectors including construction,
infrastructure, manufacturing, textiles, agro-processing, and services.
Around 150 Italian companies currently maintain trade and investment ties with
Ethiopian partners.
The Big 5 Construct exhibition provides companies with access to public and private
sector projects and facilitates partnerships with local developers and decision-makers,
as Ethiopia continues market liberalization efforts to attract foreign investment and
position itself as a regional business hub.
Claudio Pasqualucci, trade commissioner at the embassy of Italy in Addis Ababa, said
Italian investments have primarily focused on infrastructure, construction, and agro-
industrial sectors, which continue to align with Ethiopia’s development priorities.
He noted that ongoing urban development and infrastructure expansion are creating
opportunities for Italian firms to contribute to projects in the capital and across the
country.
“Ethiopia is carrying out a vast array of economic and fiscal reforms which benefit the
system, for Ethiopian companies, for the Ethiopian economy, and for foreign
companies,” Pasqualucci told The Reporter, pointing to improvements in the business
environment, including reforms that allow foreign investors to repatriate profits and
facilitate international payments.
He added that participation in the exhibition supports efforts to build joint ventures and
strengthen partnerships with Ethiopian companies, particularly in construction and
urban development, as Italian firms seek to expand their presence through collaborative
projects and long-term engagement.
