In an effort to strengthen continental economic cooperation in Africa, Ethiopia and Nigeria have announced a decision to establish a partnership aimed at reinforcing investment guarantees and regulatory systems.
This collaboration between the two nations is based on the experience of Nigeria’s Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) and will serve as a guide for Ethiopia’s newly launched capital market.
This initiative was further solidified during a high-level visit by Ethiopia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, Legesse Geremens Haile, to the IST headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, the Ambassador met with the Tribunal’s Chairman, Aminu Jinaidu, to discuss the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will enable the exchange of technical expertise regarding the resolution of investment disputes.
Ambassador Legesse stated in his remarks that for the newly established Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) and the Capital Market Authority to be effective, investors need assurance that there are “credible institutions” capable of resolving grievances with speed and transparency.
“Every investor seeks assurance from institutions that can receive complaints and provide timely responses,” the Ambassador explained.
He further noted that Ethiopia chose to study Nigeria’s legal framework due to the Tribunal’s proven track record in maintaining market integrity.
This is considered a vital input for Ethiopia’s efforts to attract $2.4 billion in investment during the 2026 Investment Forum.
This partnership is believed to support the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals. In the spirit of Pan-Africanism, both countries expressed that institutional collaboration is a “necessity” rather than a “choice” for continental integration.
The IST Chairman, Jinaidu, confirmed that his institution is ready to provide the necessary support to help Addis Ababa establish a strong regulatory foundation. Additionally, IST member Umahanni Amin pledged to share her expertise in Islamic Finance to help Ethiopia expand its financial options.
