Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the country’s first stock exchange in over five decades on Friday, marking what he described as a “historic milestone” for Ethiopia’s economy.
The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) is expected to lay the foundation for a vibrant capital market ecosystem, reflecting the government’s commitment to economic liberalization and financial sector reform.
Prime Minister Abiy celebrated the moment by ringing the opening bell, emphasizing the potential of the ESX to transform the nation’s economic and financial landscape. 
The ESX offers a platform for Ethiopian and international investors to trade equity and debt instruments across multiple market segments. It aims to create a reliable and efficient environment for securities trading, integrating advanced technology and robust business operations.
The Ethiopian government noted that the exchange would play a pivotal role in accelerating economic development and fostering a sustainable financial institution catering to both local and regional issuers and investors.
Abiy encouraged global investors to explore opportunities in Ethiopia, describing the country as a rapidly growing economy with significant potential. Last year, Ethiopia opened its retail sector to foreign investors, reversing a long-standing policy that limited the industry to local entrepreneurs.
The launch of the ESX is the first of its kind since the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974. It symbolizes a renewed focus on integrating Ethiopia into the global financial market.
With a population of approximately 126.5 million, Ethiopia is Africa’s second-most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, according to the World Bank.
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