Ethiopia is among Africa’s fastest-growing and most populous economies, with a nominal GDP
of approximately USD 160 billion (2023) and a population exceeding 120 million. The
country’s economy has been driven by public investment, agricultural productivity, and
industrialization initiatives. The national currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB).
Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, contributing significantly to employment and
exports. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and a major producer of oilseeds, pulses, cereals,
livestock, and horticultural products. In parallel, the government has promoted
manufacturing-led growth through the development of industrial parks, attracting investment
in textiles, garments, leather, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing.
Ethiopia has invested heavily in infrastructure and energy, including roads, railways, industrial
corridors, and power generation. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a
transformative project that will make Ethiopia a net exporter of electricity across East Africa,
supporting regional integration and industrial growth.
As a BRICS Plus member, Ethiopia strengthens Africa’s long-term growth narrative, offering
opportunities in agricultural value chains, renewable energy, manufacturing expansion,
and continental trade integration. Its inclusion reinforces BRICS’ commitment to inclusive
development and deeper engagement with Africa’s emerging markets.
Ethiopia is among Africa’s fastest-growing and most populous economies, with a nominal GDP
of approximately USD 160 billion (2023) and a population exceeding 120 million. The
country’s economy has been driven by public investment, agricultural productivity, and
industrialization initiatives. The national currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB).
Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, contributing significantly to employment and
exports. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and a major producer of oilseeds, pulses, cereals,
livestock, and horticultural products. In parallel, the government has promoted
manufacturing-led growth through the development of industrial parks, attracting investment
in textiles, garments, leather, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing.
Ethiopia has invested heavily in infrastructure and energy, including roads, railways, industrial
corridors, and power generation. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a
transformative project that will make Ethiopia a net exporter of electricity across East Africa,
supporting regional integration and industrial growth.
As a BRICS Plus member, Ethiopia strengthens Africa’s long-term growth narrative, offering
opportunities in agricultural value chains, renewable energy, manufacturing expansion,
and continental trade integration. Its inclusion reinforces BRICS’ commitment to inclusive
development and deeper engagement with Africa’s emerging markets.
