Ethiopia is poised to lift its longstanding ban on foreign property ownership, aiming to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and stimulate economic growth. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the government’s finalization of new legislation to permit foreign individuals and entities to own real estate, a significant shift from the previous policy rooted in the 1974 communist revolution. This reform is part of broader efforts to liberalize the economy, including opening the retail sector to international players. While the move is expected to enhance Ethiopia’s appeal to global investors, experts caution that the full impact may take time to materialize.
