Amharic translations

• Doing business successfully in Ethiopia

  The population of Ethiopia is 400 million. It can potentially be a very interesting market for large and small companies to trade in consumer products. The economy is largely dependent upon the agricultural industry but it is precisely in this area that Ethiopia has a great deal of potential. There is good land, and the climate offers innumerable opportunities for investment in the agricultural and - specifically - the organic produce sectors. The Ethiopian government has entered into many international agreements to make it possible to trade products with Ethiopia. The country is also gaining popularity as a holiday destination. An increasing number of international hotels are being established all over Ethiopia. When you invest in Ethiopia, it’s essential to have certain documents translated into Amharic. Legal documents and financial papers are necessary for investment, for instance, but manuals for staff, lists of ingredients, claims, or medical dossiers are also often needed.

• Ethiopian cultural aspects

  If an Ethiopian company has recently approached you or if you want to do business in Ethiopia, we offer a few tips in this article to help you on your way.

  Multi-cultural

  Ethiopia is a multi-cultural country which contains several religions. Religion is very important and is inextricably connected with everything that happens in the country. The majority of the population are members of the Christian Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and the rest are either Muslim or practice an ancient form of Judaism. Most of the people who are involved in business, however, are Muslim, and it is important to take that into account during a business trip. This means ensuring that you are appropriately dressed, for instance, and that women are well covered during business meetings, even if it is quite hot. Men should be formally dressed as well. Not just Muslims but Ethiopian Christians also expect people to be formally and appropriately dressed.

  Family

  Everything revolves around the family in Ethiopian society. The family is more important than anything else, and it can be the case that your appointment is cancelled because a member of your potential business partner’s family needs his help. Therefore, it is a good idea to ask after their family and to have your greetings passed on to them. You can also take various gifts suitable for different ages so your potential client can give them to his family. Make sure these presents are not too expensive though - that won’t be appreciated. If you are invited to meet your potential business partner’s family, it is a great honour, and you cannot refuse it.

  The meeting

  When meeting someone, you shake their hand and make eye contact at the same time as we do in our country. Don’t be impatient, but ask a great deal about their family, health, and work. If you are introduced to someone older or of a higher position or status, it is customary to make a small bow.