TradeMalta CEO says interest from local companies in doing business in Africa is ‘encouraging’

TradeMalta CEO Anton Buttigieg has stated that it is encouraging to see many local businesses opting to do business with countries in Africa, notably Ethiopia.

His comments came as TradeMalta is currently in Ethiopia, assisting Malta-based businesses unlock new opportunities. The trade delegation, organised by the entity in collaboration with the Ethiopian Investment Commission, is made up of 16 enterprises coming from different sectors, including: education and training, construction and building maintenance services, medical equipment, business consultancy, manufacturing, energy and sustainable solutions, ICT, financial services, and architectural and design professional services.

Malta Enterprise, The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), and the Institute of Tourism Studies are also part of the delegation.

Being the seat of the African Union, Ethiopia presents attractive opportunities for Malta-based businesses exploring new avenues for export and international expansion. Additionally, Ethiopia also serves as a hub in Eastern Africa, thus acting as a vital gateway to tap into the broader East African market. As a result, this provides significant potential for fostering mutually beneficial economic growth and collaboration between the two countries.

Mr Buttigieg remarked that this trade mission is an “important milestone” to consolidate commercial ties between Malta and Ethiopia, “as it will unlock untapped investment opportunities.”

He explained that during TradeMalta’s first visit, it is providing Malta-based businesses with insights into the intricacies of conducting business in Ethiopia.

“It is encouraging that so many businesses are showing an increasing interest in doing business in this part of the world,” Mr Buttigieg affirmed.

The multi-sector business mission that is currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, aims to help Malta-based businesses extend their reach in this unexplored market, while also capitalising on the benefits brought about by the setting up of Malta’s embassy in the city two years ago. Through leveraging this diplomatic milestone, delegates can “unlock new growth opportunities in the vibrant economic landscape of Addis Ababa and beyond,” TradeMalta stated.

“TradeMalta encourages Malta-based companies interested in taking their business across borders to reach out with their ideas and plans and avail themselves of our support and services. We look forward to offering guidance and resources to materialise their internationalisation plans into successful cross-border endeavours,” Mr Buttigieg added.

TradeMalta is organising the first Malta-Ethiopia business forum in Addis Ababa with key Ethiopian stakeholders. This will be followed by a business-to-business matchmaking session that will provide an opportunity to the Maltese delegation to discuss potential business opportunities.