The Africa Bangladesh Trade Show and Business Summit 2025 has concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the African continent.

The three-day event, held from 12–14 November, brought together senior government officials, business leaders, investors and industry representatives from several African nations and Bangladesh.

Co-organised by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Ethiopia and the Africa Bangladesh Business Forum (ABBF), the summit served as a high-level platform to boost commercial ties and expand market access across sectors including ICT, pharmaceuticals, plastics, jute, textiles and chemicals.

Cultural diplomacy and bilateral engagements

The summit opened with a series of diplomatic and cultural activities designed to deepen goodwill and mutual understanding. The Bangladeshi delegation visited major Ethiopian landmarks including Meskel Square, the Adwa Museum, Friendship Park and Entoto Park. The day concluded with a reception at the Bangladesh House, hosted by the ambassador, setting a warm and collaborative tone for the summit.

Summit and trade show highlights

The main event was held on 13 November at the De Leopol International Hotel under the theme, "Your Gateway to Africa – Connect | Trade | Grow."

A key highlight was the official launch of Kingmansa.com, the first B2B marketplace dedicated to connecting African and Bangladeshi businesses. The platform aims to streamline cross-border trade by addressing challenges in payments, logistics and supply chain coordination — representing a major step forward in digital trade infrastructure between the two regions.

The trade exhibition featured forty Bangladeshi companies and attracted nearly 1,000 visitors, showcasing a wide range of products and services to African buyers and investors.

Key dignitaries and remarks

Distinguished speakers outlined opportunities to strengthen Africa–Bangladesh economic cooperation:

Yidenekachew Worku, State Minister of Trade and Regional Cooperation, highlighted Ethiopia's reform-driven business climate and encouraged Bangladeshi investors to pursue new opportunities.

Ambassador Dewano Keder, Director General for Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs, emphasised Ethiopia's strategic position as a gateway to Africa's rapidly growing markets.

Air Vice Marshal Sitwat Nayeem, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Ethiopia, stressed the summit's strategic relevance in identifying new avenues for commercial engagement.

ABBF President Zahirul Haq outlined the forum's commitment to long-term partnerships through policy dialogue, trade facilitation and business networking.

Brigadier General G M Shariful Islam, Defence Attaché of Bangladesh to Ethiopia, presented an overview of Bangladesh's economy and investment landscape, followed by insights from the CEO of the Ethiopian Investment Commission.

Industrial visits and economic outlook

On 14 November, delegates visited the Kilinto and Gada Special Economic Zones to explore Ethiopia's industrial ecosystem, export infrastructure and investment prospects. Visits to Bishoftu and Kuriftu Water Park highlighted the country's tourism, development and regional growth potential.

A new milestone in Africa–Bangladesh economic cooperation

The Africa Bangladesh Trade Show and Business Summit 2025 demonstrated strong momentum towards building resilient and mutually beneficial economic partnerships. Participants expressed confidence that the initiative will open new frontiers in trade, entrepreneurship, technology transfer and sustainable industrial development between Bangladesh and Africa.

TBS / Corporate