A six-member delegation from the Ethiopian Cities Association (ECA), led by Dessie City Mayor H.E. Samuel Molalegn, participated in the Fourth African Investment Conference in Kisumu, Kenya (November 25–27). Hosted by AfSNET, Afreximbank, and UCLG Africa, the event focused on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost sub-sovereign trade and investment.
Under the theme “AfCFTA: A Pathway for Sub-Sovereign Development,” discussions highlighted digital platforms like the African Trade Gateway and Kisumu’s emergence as an investment hub. The delegation, including mayors from Shire, Mettu, Yirgachefe, Bambasi, and Gilgel Beles cities, gained experiences of sustainable urban planning, investor engagement, and digital infrastructure to enhance municipal services.
Mayor Samuel Molalegn emphasized translating continental strategies into local action, stating, “Ethiopian cities are poised to lead Africa’s economic integration.” The conference reinforced ECA’s role in advancing Ethiopia’s urban development through AfCFTA-aligned frameworks.
Contact: ECA Communications Team – ethiopiancities2011@gmail.com; www.ethiopiancities.org.