Africa’s second most populous country, Ethiopia is the continent’s ninth largest by area. It encompasses six distinct climatic zones, ranging from the Danakil Depression, 120 metres below sea level, to Mount Ras Dashen at 4,500 metres above sea level. Widely regarded as the cradle of humankind, Ethiopia is where the remains of ancient hominids—including ‘Lucy’, discovered in 1974—were found, now displayed in the National Museum in the capital, Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia is a federal democratic republic, constitutionally secular despite its diverse religious landscape (it is the world’s second-oldest Christian nation), and is one of the few African territories never to have been colonised. It is among the 51 founding members of the United Nations and is home to the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa. The 2023 census recorded a population of over 126 million.

Politically, the country is navigating a phase of dynamic stability, with an agreement reached in 2023 between the government and opposing forces, enabling the launch of major infrastructure projects such as the strategic Djibouti Addis Ababa corridor and the development of Dire Dawa as Ethiopia’s first free trade zone. Relative political stability, international connections, an abundant pool of skilled human capital, and a pragmatic mindset create an environment that is highly attractive to international investors. When it comes to textile exports, some are already describing Ethiopia as a new “global factory”.