Malaysia and Ethiopia agreed to establish a joint business chamber to strengthen bilateral trade following discussions at the Ethiopia–Malaysia High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa. Malaysia’s trade minister, Tengku Zafrul, said both governments endorsed the proposal, which will be facilitated through national chambers. Officials also discussed early plans for cooperation in Islamic banking. Leaders highlighted Ethiopia’s economic potential and growing market opportunities, noting strong turnout from companies in manufacturing, services, and finance during the forum.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture said fish production exceeded expectations in the first quarter of the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, reaching more than 48,000 tons against a target of 41,000 tons. State Minister Fikru Regasa said growth is driven by expanded aquaculture and improved water-resource management. The “Bounty of the Basket” initiative has increased productivity and strengthened domestic supply. Officials said hatchery upgrades and the distribution of millions of fingerlings will further expand output and support food markets.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed used the G20 Summit in Johannesburg to pursue new development financing, trade partnerships, and investment opportunities. In talks with World Bank President Ajay Banga, he reviewed funding for Ethiopia’s major health, energy, and climate projects. A separate meeting with Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka focused on expanding bilateral trade and modernizing agriculture to strengthen food sovereignty. The engagements underscore Ethiopia’s push for capital inflows and growth-focused international cooperation.

Ethiopia will channel its gemstone trade through the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) to curb widespread smuggling and boost foreign exchange earnings. Mines Minister Habtamu Tegegne told lawmakers that the lack of an organized market has long fueled illicit sales. The ministry, working with Wollo University, has created a full marketing and standards framework, while ECX readies infrastructure to begin trading. The reforms aim to improve transparency, increase export revenues, and modernize the wider mining sector.

Ethiopia’s National Bank launched a full Central Securities Depository and the country’s first National Investor Portal to modernize capital market operations. The CSD supports secure custody, electronic record-keeping, clearing, settlement, and corporate actions, replacing manual processes and reducing operational risk. The “Ts’ega” portal offers investors real-time access to their securities data, enhancing transparency and market participation. Officials said the upgrades strengthen Ethiopia’s financial infrastructure and support the country’s evolving capital market ecosystem.

Ethiopia is accelerating economic reforms to strengthen its pulses and oilseeds exports and position itself as a leading global supplier. Trade Minister Kassahun Gofe told an industry conference that opening markets to foreign investors, expanding agro-processing, and improving trade policy are central to boosting competitiveness. Pulses and oilseeds generated more than $610 million in export revenue last year. Sector leaders said stronger value chains and investment will increase output, quality, and international market access.