BD-Africa trade show in Addis Ababa opens a new era of cooperation

The Africa-Bangladesh Trade Show & Business Summit 2025 wrapped up in Addis Ababa with a clear message that Bangladesh and Africa are ready to push their economic relations into a stronger and more strategic phase. 

The three-day event, held from 12 to 14 November, drew senior government officials, industry leaders, investors, exporters, and corporate representatives from multiple African countries alongside a large delegation from Bangladesh.

The summit, jointly organised by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Ethiopia and the Africa-Bangladesh Business Forum, moved fast with an assertive focus on expanding market access in ICT, pharmaceuticals, plastics, jute, textiles, chemicals, and other fast-growing sectors. 

Officials described the platform as timely, practical, and directly aligned with both sides' strategic economic ambitions.
The opening day carried a blend of diplomacy and cultural outreach. 

The Bangladeshi delegation visited  Meskel Square, Adwa Museum, Friendship Park and Entoto Park, which showed Ethiopia's heritage and signalling Dhaka's intent to deepen people-to-people ties. 

The reception dinner at Bangladesh House, hosted by the Ambassador, closed the evening with a warm, confident tone that set momentum for the next sessions.

The main event on November 13 took place at De Leopol International Hotel under the theme "Your Gateway to Africa - Connect | Trade | Grow," drawing strong participation from buyers, policymakers, and trade experts. The launch of Kingmansa.com stood out as the breakthrough of the summit. 

The new B2B platform, the first of its kind between Africa and Bangladesh, aims to simplify payments, resolve logistics gaps, and build a seamless digital bridge for cross-border commerce. Delegates called it a practical step toward a new digital trading architecture linking the two markets.

The trade exhibition, featuring 40 Bangladeshi companies, pulled nearly 1,000 visitors who explored products ranging from pharmaceuticals to high-value plastics and textiles. Exhibitors said the enquiries were serious, the footfall steady, and the business mood strong.

Speakers delivered direct and confident messages. Ethiopia's State Minister of Trade and Regional Cooperation, Yidenekachew Worku, underlined reforms opening new opportunities for foreign investors. 

Ambassador Dewano Keder said Ethiopia's position as the gateway to Africa's fastest-growing markets makes it a natural partner for Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Air Vice Marshal Sitwat Nayeem, pushed the case for deeper commercial alignment and expansion of strategic sectors. ABBF President Zahirul Haq outlined a long-term vision.

Brigadier General G M Shariful Islam showcased Bangladesh's economic strengths before the Ethiopian Investment Commission adding insights on investment windows.

Delegates spent November 14 visiting Kilinto and Gada Special Economic Zones, where they engaged with industrial operators and studied infrastructure geared toward exports and manufacturing expansion. Additional field stops in Bishoftu and Kuriftu Water Park highlighted Ethiopia's development projects, tourism potential, and regional growth dynamics.

The summit ended with a strong sense of confidence that Africa and Bangladesh now stand at the edge of a new frontier of cooperation, driven by entrepreneurship, technology, supply chain and industrial development. 

The event closed with the understanding that Addis Ababa will convert into tangible trade partnership for new investments, and long-term economic collaboration.