The UAE-based conglomerate SBK Holding LLC has signaled a major investment commitment in Ethiopia, identifying priority areas for substantial capital and expertise deployment across several key sectors. The commitment was announced following a high-level meeting between the company's owner, Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Ethiopia's Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Jemal Beker.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker briefed Sheikh Sultan on the rapid progress of Ethiopia's investment climate, emphasizing the priority sectors now open to foreign direct investment under the country's Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda .
Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the founder of SBK Holding, expressed the group’s strong interest in the Ethiopian market. He identified flagship opportunities aligned with SBK’s core competencies, specifically mentioning infrastructure development, energy, agribusiness value chains, industrial zones, and premium real estate projects. The Sheikh underlined the Holding's long-term vision and readiness to move swiftly on viable investments.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal welcomed the commitment, reassuring Sheikh Sultan of the full support of the Ethiopian government. He highlighted streamlined investment procedures, attractive fiscal incentives, guaranteed repatriation of profits, and a dedicated commitment from the national leadership to facilitate smooth entry and operations for strategic investors of SBK Holding’s caliber.
To ensure rapid progress, both sides agreed to immediately establish a dedicated joint task force. This team will be responsible for fast-tracking the identification, structuring, and implementation of priority investment projects. Regular high-level coordination between the Ethiopian Embassy and SBK Holding will be maintained to accelerate the process.
The meeting concluded with a shared conviction that SBK Holding’s forthcoming investments will be a significant boost to Ethiopia’s economic transformation, leading to the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and further strengthening the robust business ties between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.
