Private Sector Development & Trade
The Private Sector Development and Trade Joint Working Group (PSD & T JWG) has been created as a platform to coordinate the support and foster the exchanges and coordination between the Ethiopian government and the development partners in the areas it covers.
Through regular exchanges, the PSD & T JWG addresses the key matters to fulfil the economic development priorities of the Ethiopian government and the way the international community’s programmatic actions in regard to promoting trade and the business environment align with said governmental strategies, as envisioned in, for instance, the Ten-Year Development Plan (TYDP). An open forum of discussion is significant to streamline the regulatory and policy frameworks and bureaucratic procedures for private investment and trade, contributing to the grow of the productive sectors and the appeal of the Ethiopian market. Furthermore, one of the goals of this working group is to map the plethora of actions favouring economic and business growth that are being implemented or in the pipeline, in order to achieve synergies and efficiently accomplish their objectives.
The PSD & T JWG is chaired by the Ministry of Industry and co-chaired by selected Development Partners. This ensures that the forum’s activities are aligned with national priorities and international development goals.
Quick Links
Chairs & Co-chairs
Adrián Cano Guerrero
Co-chair
EU
adrian.cano-guerrero@eeas.europa.eu
...
Nicola Fackel
Co-chair
Sweden
nicola.fackel@gov.se
...
Success Stories
Advancing Agricultural Transformation in Ethiopia through Mechanization Financing: The AMLP Experience
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Unlocking Private Sector Growth in Ethiopia’s Seed Industry: Results from the Ethiopian Seed Partnership
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From Regulation to Results: Modernizing Ethiopia’s Seed System through Digital Certification and Reform
The Ethiopian Seed Partnership (ESP), building on the Ethiopian–Netherlands Seed Partnership launched in 2021, is strengthening Ethiopia’s seed sector so
Stitching a Brighter Future: The Journey of Three Entrepreneurs
Photo: Badri Mustafa, Abdikadir Mohamed and Hinda Abdi (left to right) run their small tailoring business in Jigjiga In one
Threads of Hope: Mebrihit’s Journey from Conflict to Empowerment
Mebrihit Hayelom learned how to manufacture high-quality, absorbent sanitary shorts, an affordable, sustainable alternative to disposable pads. In a sunlit
News
DPG Heads of Agencies Convene for High Level Dialogue on Federal Courts Reform in Ethiopia
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Ethiopia and Development Partners Renew Strategic Alliance for Inclusive Growth and Lasting Peace
Photo: Government ministers, commissioners, ambassadors, and heads of agencies engage in high‑level discussions during the 2026 HLDF The Government of
Ethiopia and Development Partners Unite to Accelerate Energy Reform
Senior government officials and development partners convened today at the Ministry of Finance for the Development Partners Group (DPG) Heads
DPG HoA Meeting Reviews Progress on Ethiopia’s Macroeconomic Reforms
Photo: (From left to right): H.E. Bereket Tesfamarim (State Minister of Planning), H.E. Mamo Mihretu (Governor of the National Bank),
Invest in Ethiopia – High-Level Business Forum Takes Place in Ethiopia
Invest in Ethiopia – High-Level Business Forum 2025 took place from May 12 – 13 at the Skylight Hotel, Addis
Objectives of the SWG
The Private Sector Development and Trade Joint Working Group (PSD & T JWG) has been created as a platform to coordinate the support and foster the exchanges and coordination between the Ethiopian government and the development partners in the areas it covers. Its specific objectives are to strengthen the participation of the private sector in priority productive sectors by creating a conducive enabling environment and to contribute to the Manufacturing Industry Policy (MIP) implementation plan by strengthening the policy legal framework and by aligning aid to policy deliverables during the three-year mid-term plan.
Situation of the Sector
Ethiopia presents substantial market potential that could offer significant benefits to both its citizens and international investors and companies. However, this potential is currently constrained by certain challenges within the business environment. At the same time, political goals related to peace, security, rule of law, and human rights intersect with the business landscape in meaningful ways. Despite these challenges, there may now be an opportunity to foster improvements in the business environment in Ethiopia, which could also support political objectives. A deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s economy and better coordination amongst the various economic operators and stakeholders in the country would contribute to Ethiopia’s socio-economic progress.