East African Mining News Unearthing Mining Opportunities in East Africa
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Addis Ababa – A new chapter in Afro-Asian trade relations is being written in the mineral-rich earth of Ethiopia, as the East African nation and India officially launched a groundbreaking report today, highlighting the vast, untapped potential for mineral exports and investment. The joint initiative aims to unlock a new era of economic partnership, driven by Ethiopia’s subterranean treasures and India’s insatiable demand for critical raw materials.
The comprehensive study, aptly titled “Export Opportunities for Potash, Precious and Semi-Precious Stones, Rare Earth Elements, Metals, and Minerals from Ethiopia to India,” was unveiled in Addis Ababa on Saturday, June 7, 2025. It meticulously details Ethiopia’s rich geological endowments and their perfect alignment with India’s burgeoning industrial growth and ambitious clean energy transition initiatives.
Million Mathewos, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Mines, and Indian Ambassador Anil Kumar Rai jointly presented the report, marking a significant milestone in bilateral ties. Speaking at the launch, State Minister Mathewos underscored the deep historical bonds between the two nations, noting, “Our two nations, rich in history and culture, have stood together for generations. This study paves the way for fair trade and partnership.”
While India already stands as a significant trading partner for Ethiopia, Mathewos emphasised that the true depth of mining opportunities is only just beginning to be realised. He further highlighted Ethiopia’s proactive reforms to its regulatory framework, aimed at bolstering transparency and investor confidence. “We are streamlining processes to ensure that we not only export raw materials but also processed products,” Million affirmed, signalling a strategic shift towards higher-value exports.
Ambassador Rai, on his part, lauded the “remarkable growth” of Ethiopia’s mining sector. He drew attention to India’s recently launched Critical Minerals Policy (2025), a strategic blueprint designed to secure essential minerals vital for India’s energy transition and rapid technological advancements. The Ambassador assured Ethiopia of India’s readiness to provide robust support for mining development through direct investment, crucial capacity building initiatives, and the transfer of cutting-edge technology. He urged Ethiopia to seize this unprecedented opportunity to significantly boost its mineral exports to India.
Ethiopia’s vast mineral landscape includes critical resources such as potash, rare earth elements, precious stones, and various industrial minerals. These are precisely the components India requires for its massive fertiliser industry and its burgeoning clean energy sector.
A key aspect of this burgeoning collaboration is the emphasis on Ethiopia leveraging its existing Duty Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme. This preferential access to Indian markets is seen as a vital tool to maximise export opportunities and further strengthen the trade relations between the two countries.
Ultimately, the newly launched report serves as a definitive roadmap for mutual growth, outlining clear strategies for trade facilitation and fostering the development of a sustainable mining ecosystem within Ethiopia. As the global demand for critical minerals continues to soar, this partnership positions both Ethiopia and India to capitalise on a future built on shared prosperity and strategic resource management.
