The Ethiopian Investment Commission(EIC) plays a pivotal role in facilitating and regulating investments in Ethiopia. As head of the EIC, the chairman has critical responsibilities in spearheading the country’s investment promotion efforts and creating a welcoming business environment for foreign and domestic investors. With the Ethiopian government’s push to attract FDI and transform the economy, the EIC chairman has been tasked with some major objectives. These include growing the private sector, supporting job creation, diversifying the economy beyond agriculture, and integrating Ethiopia into regional and global value chains. Ethiopian investment commission chairman’s duties involve policy advocacy, investment regulation, investment promotion and aftercare. The chairman provides leadership in making Ethiopia an attractive investment destination.
Leading investment policy reforms and improvement of the business climate
As Ethiopian investment commission chairman, a key role is leading investment policy and regulatory reforms to improve the country’s competitiveness. This involves identifying major bottlenecks for investors and working with relevant government agencies to amend laws, regulations and procedures. Under the leadership of the current chairman, the EIC has helped push reforms like a new investment law, revision of commercial code and launch of an online visa application system. The chairman represents investor interests and advocates for policy changes that make Ethiopia more business-friendly. He engages closely with the private sector to incorporate recommendations into reform efforts.
Spearheading investment promotion activities
The EIC chairman is tasked with directing the commission’s investment promotion activities locally and overseas. This includes overseeing EIC participation in global forums like the World Economic Forum to boost Ethiopia’s profile. The chairman also leads investment delegations to key partner countries and hosts promotion events like investment summits. Domestically, he works to promote investment opportunities in priority sectors like agribusiness, textiles and pharmaceuticals. The chairman acts as Ethiopia’s chief investment ambassador, engaging with potential and current investors to pitch the country’s potential.
Regulating and facilitating foreign and domestic investments
A core duty of the EIC chairman is overseeing the regulation and facilitation of investments into Ethiopia. The chairman is responsible for the commission’s handling of investment permit applications, incentives administration and investment monitoring. He ensures an efficient regulatory system that balances protecting national interests while enabling investor entry and operations. The chairman also monitors domestic investments to ensure compliance with rules and support local investor growth. Additionally, he helps large foreign and local investors address key bottlenecks to get projects implemented faster.
Leading aftercare services for existing investors
The EIC chairman has a key role in investment aftercare services and policy advocacy on behalf of major investors. He oversees the commission’s aftercare department that assists active investors in addressing challenges like securing work permits, land acquisition and tax issues. The chairman personally engages with large foreign and domestic investors to help unblock barriers and ensure smooth operations. His proactive aftercare approach helps sustain already committed investments as well as improve Ethiopia’s image as an attractive investment destination.
Coordinating EIC’s role in Ethiopia’s national development plans
As head of the government’s investment arm, the EIC chairman coordinates the commission’s contribution to national economic development plans. He ensures alignment with national priorities like job creation, agriculture modernization and industrialization. The chairman provides EIC inputs into national planning processes like the Growth and Transformation Plans. He also takes part in relevant Technical Working Groups and inter-ministerial efforts that have investment dimensions. Overall, the chairman enables the EIC to support the country’s strategic growth goals through investment promotion and facilitation.
As Ethiopian investment commission chairman, the role involves critical leadership responsibilities in improving the country’s investment climate, attracting foreign capital, supporting domestic investors, and contributing to national development goals. The chairman is Ethiopia’s chief investment ambassador and policy advocate, spearheading reforms, promotion initiatives, regulatory improvements and aftercare services.