Projects & Initiatives

Ethiopia, with a rapidly growing population exceeding 110 million, has over 36 million hectares of arable land, less than half of which is currently cultivated. Additionally, more than 3.7 million hectares are suitable for commercial farming. The main cereal crops—Teff, wheat, maize, sorghum, and barley—cover 12.2 million hectares (88%) of cultivated land, yet current production volumes do not meet domestic demand. The 10-year development plan’s main agricultural objectives are to:

• Increase productivity and competitiveness in the agriculture sector. 
• Satisfy national food and nutritional needs by modernizing agriculture. 
• Supply raw materials for the industrial sector. 
• Provide adequate quantities of value-added exportable agricultural products. 
• Create job opportunities in rural areas. 
• Reduce the impact of climate change on the sector.

By measuring the success of these objectives, the development plan has identified targets to be met over the next 10 years which EIH can contribute to. Thus, in line with the targets set in the plan, EIH’s strategic objectives are to contribute to the achievement of the following targets:

• Raising the annual quantity of crop production by 70%, 
• Raising the horticulture production volumes by 44%, 
• Increase the variety and productivity of livestock and fisheries (triple the amount of milk production and increase meat production by 5 folds),
• Improve soil fertility and reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases.  

Ethiopia has a unique and resource-rich landscape for electricity generation. With its vast volcanic plateau, abundant rivers and lakes, and year-round sunshine, Ethiopia has the potential to generate 60,000 MW of electric power. Hydropower alone holds immense potential, with the capacity to produce 45,000 MW from the country’s significant water resources. Additionally, Ethiopia’s position along the Great Rift Valley presents a geothermal energy potential of 10,000 MW, while solar energy offers significant prospects for future development.

EIH aims to contribute to the achievement of the following key targets in the development plan for the energy sector:

• Raise power generation capacity
• Increase power transmission lines
• Increase electricity export
• Increase the number of customers
• Increase the coverage of grid-based electricity and off-grid
• Reduce electric power wastage (loss)

EIH plays a dual role in the energy sector. Through our ownership of Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU), we hold the responsibility of ensuring nationwide electricity distribution. Additionally, since our inception, we have actively explored Public-Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities with different investors. These outreaches allowed the formation of partnerships with various investors across energy sub-sectors. EIH actively seeks partnerships with diverse investors in the renewable energy sector.

The real estate sector in Ethiopia has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by urbanization, population growth, infrastructure development, and increasing investment in the construction industry. According to National Bank annual reports, the GDP value of the sector rose to 103 billion ETB in 2021/22 from 57 billion ETB in 2011/12, an increase of more than 80%. The sector’s contribution to GDP stood at 4.5% in 2021/22, with one of the highest growth rates among major economic activities at 9%.

The principal objectives of the urban development plan are to develop cities and towns in a way that facilitates the development of both urban and rural areas in a coordinated manner, and to create a system by which cities and towns are managed in a participatory and decentralized way. The key target is to mitigate the existing challenges of the imbalance between the demand and supply of residential housing by involving all stakeholders and launching various types of housing programs. The development plan aims to raise the ratio of housing demand in urban areas from by building more than 4.4 million houses over the next 10 years.

The objectives of the mining and petroleum sectors in the development plan are to identify Ethiopia’s mineral and petroleum resources and, by developing and ensuring equitable utilization, to contribute to the structural transformation of the economy and raise national wealth. 

The development plan has identified the following key targets:

• Increase the quantity of gold production annually
• Raise the organized database coverage of the country’s mineral resources 
• Increase the number of studies conducted to identify potential deposits for the supply of raw materials inputs for the construction, chemical, petrochemical, energy, and other related industries
• Increase the number of manufacturing industries that produce energy source minerals 
• End the importation of salt by improving the quality and quantity of salt produced in the country

To achieve this plan, the government aims to increase the volumes and efficiency of currently mined commodities as well as develop new mining projects 

EIH’s strategic objective in the Mining Sector

EIH aims to develop key value chains across the identified commodities listed above. By focusing on these areas, EIH aims to support the government’s goals and contribute to the sustainable development of Ethiopia’s mining and petroleum sectors.

Develoing Ethiopian tourism resource is the objective of the sector in the 10-Year Development Plan through:

• Increasing the number of international tourists 
• Doubling the number of institutions providing tourist services and raising tourists’ satisfaction 
• Increasing the proportion of people trained in hotel and tourism management services 
• Raising the number of domestic tourists through aggressive promotion and developing a culture of tourism 
• Creating job opportunities through tourism development

EIH’s Strategic Objectives in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector

EIH aims to act as an enabler to achieve these targets by developing projects around key areas:

• Key Infrastructure Development: Offering a diversified range of accommodation options catering to different segments of tourists, including luxury lodges, eco-friendly resorts, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly guesthouses, particularly near key tourist destinations and national parks. 
• Product and Service Enhancements: Developing and promoting unique experiences that showcase Ethiopia’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. This could include adventure tours, cultural immersion programs, homestays, and wildlife safaris. 
• Destination Development: Investing in the restoration and preservation of historical sites and landmarks like rock-hewn churches, ancient ruins, and museums. Enhancing visitor facilities and interpretation centers to provide enriching experiences.  

Investment Project

EIH’s focus inthe tourism and hospitality sector includes upgrading and developing star-rated hotels in partnership with the private sector and creating diverse products to attract tourists.