CIAO DATE: 02/2010
December 2009
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Mekelle, a rapidly developing city in northern Ethiopia, is located about 780 km from the capital, Addis Ababa. Established nearly 150 years ago by Emperor Yohannes, the city is nestled in Ethiopia’s temperate highlands, in the heart of a region that traces its origins back to the ancient Axum Empire that once controlled Red Sea trade (4th century BC – 10th century AD). The city maintains a proud history of many religions, particularly Orthodox Christianity, dating back to the 4th century AD. Mekelle was largely ignored in the latter half of the 20th century by Ethiopia’s ruling feudal and socialist governments, but began to experience an economic and cultural rejuvenation with the election of a democratic government in Ethiopia in the early 1990s. Over the past two decades, Mekelle has experienced rapid growth as the capital of the Regional State of Tigray. Due to long-term business development plans aimed at creating optimal market conditions, the city has become the home for many industries, agro-processing companies and educational centers. With an educated work force and a significant manufacturing base, the city is poised for sustainable economic growth. This working paper is meant to alert investors to Mekelle’s potential and to provide an overview of the investment conditions the city offers.
Resource link: Investment Opportuntities in Mekelle, Tigray State, Ethiopia [PDF] - 755K