The Addis Ababa Investors Forum (AAIF) has sounded the alarm on the growing challenges faced by investors in the city, announcing plans to mobilize and document grievances. The forum, which represents over 65,000 investors, is calling for urgent action to address issues that are crippling business operations and threatening the local economy.
Ashenafi Muse, President of the AAIF, highlighted the severity of the problems, citing unjustified closures, demolitions, expropriations, forced stoppages, high agricultural taxes, and harassment. Investors also face difficulties in accessing credit services and have reported threats and intimidation. The suspension of bank accounts and restrictions on travel have further exacerbated the situation.
“This issue must be addressed not only as a city, but also as a country, which has a significant economic and psychological impact on our citizens,” Ashenafi emphasized. The forum is preparing to collect documented complaints from investors between March 10 and March 27, 2025, with the aim of negotiating with relevant authorities to resolve these issues.
Investors in the city have expressed deep concern about the obstacles they face, warning that if these problems persist, they will cause serious economic damage. Experts agree that these challenges not only disrupt business activities but also have a negative impact on the overall economy.
The AAIF has a history of advocating for investors and finding solutions to similar problems in the past. However, the current situation is more widespread and severe, prompting the forum to take a more proactive approach.
As investment activity in Addis Ababa continues to grow, addressing these challenges is crucial to maintaining investor confidence and supporting economic development. The AAIF’s efforts to document and address these grievances are seen as a critical step towards resolving the standoff between investors and the government.
