Ethiopia Promoting Regional Integration: Zimbabwean Official

Addis Ababa, March 15, 2025 (ENA)— Ethiopia has taken a very broad step in promoting the regional integration, Zimbabwe's Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Permanent Secretary said.

The permanent secretary, Andrew Bvumbe, added that Ethiopia has taken a very broad step in terms of building the dam (GERD) and promoting the regional energy pool.

Note that Ethiopia has been expanding its role as a regional energy powerhouse with electricity exports poised to significantly contribute to its economic growth and foster closer ties with neighboring nations.

The country is currently supplying power to Sudan, Kenya, and Djibouti.

“I think these are incredible initiatives which really foster the integration of Horn of Africa, which will help us also join with other regional integration communities.”

Bvumbe also told ENA that the Government of Ethiopia is doing a tremendous job in terms of reforms, especially on foreign exchange, macroeconomic stability, and opening up the economy and the business environment.

Since last July, the country has been implementing a comprehensive macroeconomic reform with the objective of enabling the country to achieve high and stable economic growth, maintain single-digit inflation, and build a globally competitive economic system.

And “you can see the result. The investment is coming. ... There are lots of construction and economic activities.”

The permanent secretary stated that he has been following Ethiopia’s economy years back.

The opportunities are huge; there is huge market and active entrepreneurial population, he noted.

For Bvumbe, the development of industrial parks and special economic zones are quiet impressive. “So, I commend the government for a job well done.”

In Ethiopia, 10 industrial parks are so far promoted to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with the goal to foster export, specialized industries, and attract investment.

Stating the fantastic progress being made here in Ethiopia, the permanent secretary said that his country, Zimbabwe, is looking to share experiences from Ethiopia.