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Trade between Sweden and Ethiopia Ethiopia

In 1866, the first Swedes arrived in Ethiopia as missionaries. Sweden opened an Embassy already in 1946. Ethiopia became Sweden’s first donor country in 1954. Sweden helped to build more than 6000 schools. This helped in promoting the good image many Ethiopians have of Sweden.

Trade is limited with overweight for Swedish exports, but has great potential. In 2010, exports to Ethiopia was 0,03% of Sweden's total exports. Exports consist mainly of machinery, vehicles and their parts, telecommunications equipment, wood and paper, medical and chemical products.  Exports from Ethiopia consist of mainly coffee and traditional food products. 

The international businessman Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi, born in Ethiopia and now a citizen of Saudi Arabia (MIDROC AB) is engaged in business activities both in Ethiopia and Sweden which favours trade between the two countries.  Major Swedish export companies represented in Ethiopia through agents or retailers include Volvo trucks and construction equipments, Scania, Atlas Copco, ASSA AB, Swedex AB, Tylö, Sheba Gems AB, Dynapac, Josam Lastbilteknik AB, Ekman Co. and others.

Swedfund, a bilateral Development Finance Institution (DFI), has invested in four major projects like Addis Cardiac Hospital and the new Radisson Blu Hotel.  The Swedish Chamber of Commerce has had a long and fruitful cooperation with the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce.

The Ethiopian Diaspora in Sweden has an important role in the further development of the political, economic and cultural relations between Ethiopia and Sweden.  Parts of the Ethiopian Diaspora are frequent travellers between the two countries helping in promoting the ties between the societies. 

Please see this link for full report on trade statistics between Sweden and Ethiopia.

Last updated 28 Dec 2017, 2.10 PM