WASHINGTON, D.C. (CIPE)–Seeking to sustain the current wave of political and economic reforms across Ethiopia and the region, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) celebrates the opening of its newest Regional Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Office will also leverage the city’s strategic location to coordinate programs in Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and the wider region.
The opening of CIPE’s Addis Ababa office comes at an auspicious time for the region. Under its new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ethiopia has settled the longstanding conflict with Eritrea, released thousands of political prisoners, and ended a two-year state of emergency. The promise of far-reaching economic reforms, including the partial privatization of state monopolies, is further adding fuel to an economy that has grown at an average rate of 10% annually since 2003.
“Sustainable economic growth depends on creating opportunities for the many, not the few,” said Andrew Wilson, Executive Director of CIPE. “Our programs address this: they build bridges between foreign investors and the local private sector, give small businesses a voice in the policies that affect them, and generally celebrate entrepreneurship.”
Scott Eisner, President of the U.S. – Africa Business Center at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, added: “As the fastest-growing economy in Africa, Ethiopia is quickly becoming an attractive destination for American companies. CIPE’s programs strengthen institutions that will benefit this relationship: effective policy dialogue, accountable governance, and a level playing field for all.”
Already a longstanding partner of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, CIPE has supported more than 80 chambers and business associations across all of Ethiopia’s regional states. Following the opening of its office, CIPE will expand its programing in the region on anti-corruption compliance, industrial linkage development, youth entrepreneurship, and economic dialogue.
A non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, CIPE currently implements 130 programs in 50 countries around the world.
Source: CIPE’s Website