Addis Ababa: Ethiopia and India have launched a comprehensive report that highlights the immense potential for mineral exports and investment opportunities between the two countries today.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the study, titled “Export Opportunities for Potash, Precious and Semi-Precious Stones, Rare Earth Elements, Metals, and Minerals from Ethiopia to India,” highlights Ethiopia’s untapped mineral wealth and its alignment with India’s growing demand for critical raw materials essential for industrial growth and clean energy initiatives.
The report was unveiled by Ethiopia’s Mines State Minister Million Mathewos, and Indian Ambassador Anil Kumar Rai. In his remarks, the state minister emphasized the historical ties between Ethiopia and India. ‘Our two nations, rich in history and culture, have stood together for generations. (And) this study paves the way for fair trade and partnership.’ While India is already a significant trading partner, the mining opportunities are just beginning to be realized, he said.
According to him, Ethiopia is reforming its regulatory framework to enhance transparency and investor confidence. ‘We are streamlining processes to ensure that we not only export raw materials but also processed products,’ Million stated. On his part, Ambassador Rai admired the remarkable growth of Ethiopia’s mining sector. He further underscored the importance of India’s Critical Minerals Policy, launched in 2025, which aims to secure essential minerals for India’s energy transition and technological advancements.
According to the ambassador, India is ready to support Ethiopia in mining development through investment, capacity building, and technology transfer. He further urged Ethiopia to maximize this opportunity to strengthen its mineral exports to India. Ethiopia’s abundant mineral resources include potash, rare earth elements, precious stones, and industrial minerals, which are crucial for India’s fertilizer needs and clean energy technologies, it was learned.
The collaboration emphasizes the need for Ethiopia to leverage its Duty Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme to maximize export opportunities and enhance trade relations. Furthermore, the report serves as a roadmap for mutual growth, identifying strategies for trade facilitation and supporting the development of a sustainable mining ecosystem in Ethiopia.