3–7 February 2026 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
A Report by Star International MSME Forum (India)
🔹 INTRODUCTION
The convergence of India’s expanding global economic engagement and Africa’s development priorities has opened new avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation. Ethiopia, as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, offers significant potential across sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical technologies.
In this context, Star International MSME Forum (SIMF), India, organised a focused business delegation to Ethiopia from 3–7 February 2026, aimed at fostering institutional engagement, business partnerships, and market entry opportunities for Indian MSMEs.
🔹 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Harish Chandra
Chairman
Star International MSME Forum
It gives me immense pleasure to present this report on the successful India–Ethiopia Business Delegation organised by Star International MSME Forum (SIMF), India. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to strengthening global MSME collaboration and fostering sustainable trade partnerships between India and Africa.
The delegation marked a significant milestone in enhancing bilateral engagement in the healthcare sector, with meaningful interactions held with senior government officials, regulatory authorities, and key industry stakeholders in Ethiopia. The outcomes of this visit, including strategic partnerships, regulatory clarity, and tangible business conversions, highlight the strong potential for long-term economic cooperation between the two nations.
We remain confident that such initiatives will continue to open new avenues for Indian enterprises and contribute to strengthening India’s global trade footprint, particularly across emerging markets in Africa.
Harish Chandra
Chairman
Star International MSME Forum
🔹 PRESIDENT’S NOTE
I am proud to have led this delegation and to witness the impactful engagements and outcomes achieved during our visit to Ethiopia. The strong response from government bodies, healthcare institutions, and business stakeholders reinforces the growing demand for Indian expertise, innovation, and reliable partnerships in the region.
At Star International MSME Forum, our vision is to create global platforms that enable MSMEs to expand beyond borders. This delegation is a testament to our mission of connecting businesses, facilitating real opportunities, and building long-term international collaborations that drive mutual growth and development.
Mahakk A. Thakur
President & Co-Founder
Star International MSME Forum
🔹 ABOUT STAR INTERNATIONAL MSME FORUM
Star International MSME Forum (SIMF) is a global platform dedicated to promoting international trade, investment opportunities, and strategic business collaborations for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The forum actively works as a bridge between businesses, governments, chambers of commerce, and industry stakeholders across regions including Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Through initiatives such as international business delegations, global summits, B2B matchmaking, and policy engagement, SIMF enables MSMEs to access new markets, build cross-border partnerships, and scale their businesses globally. The forum is committed to strengthening economic cooperation and creating sustainable opportunities for enterprises in emerging markets.
🔹 DELEGATION PROFILE
- Sector Focus: Healthcare, Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals
- Participating Company:
Ace Cathtech Private Limited (India) - Delegate:
Mr. Umesh Munjal, Director
🔹 OBJECTIVES
- To explore market opportunities in Ethiopia’s healthcare sector
- To understand regulatory frameworks (EFDA)
- To engage with government institutions and procurement bodies
- To establish B2B partnerships and distribution networks
- To assess opportunities for local manufacturing and long-term collaboration
🔹 DAY-WISE ENGAGEMENTS
📍 Day 1 – 3 February 2026
Initial Engagements & Ecosystem Introduction
- Meeting with the Embassy of India, Addis Ababa
- Interaction with Dr. Nebiyu, Organizer of Ethio Health Exhibition & Congress
- Introduction to key importers, doctors, and healthcare stakeholders
- Networking dinner with ecosystem participants
Outcome:
Established initial institutional and industry connections.
📍 Day 2 – 4 February 2026
meeting with mrs. mekat Sine – Senior Communication. Advisor to the commissioner & Mr. Israel Advisor tof Investment Commision Ethiopia
Government & Regulatory Engagements
▪ Investment Commission
- Discussion on investment opportunities, fiscal incentives, and SEZs
- Guidance provided for industrial parks and local manufacturing setup
▪ Ministry of Health (MoH)
Meeting with Mr. Teshome, Advisor to the Ministry of Health
- Briefing on:
- Healthcare sector demand
- Import requirements
- Regulatory ecosystem
- Emphasis on EFDA registration as mandatory requirement
- Introduction to:
- Local agents
- Distributors and importers
▪ Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS)
Meeting with Mr. Awol Jewal, Procurement Director
- Detailed explanation of:
- Public procurement system
- Tender processes (Open & Direct)
- Vendor registration
- Key insight:
👉 Preference for local manufacturing presence - Site visit conducted
▪ Ethiopian Food & Drug Authority (EFDA)
Meeting with Mr. Mengistu Legesse, Director – Registration & Market Authorization
- Explanation of:
- Product registration process
- Market authorization requirements
- Regulatory timelines
▪ Parliamentary Interaction
Meeting with Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mr. Meseret
- Strategic discussion on healthcare collaboration and investment opportunities
Outcome:
Comprehensive understanding of Ethiopia’s policy, regulatory, and procurement ecosystem
📍 Day 3 – 5 February 2026
Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce
Chamber & Industry Engagement
▪ Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce
Meeting with:
- Mr. Helen, Deputy Secretary General
- Mr. Mohamed Kassim Suleiman, Director – Trade & Investment
- Delegate presentation delivered
- Identification of sector demand and collaboration opportunities
- Post-delegation buyer connections initiated via Chamber
▪ Sectoral Meetings
- Engagement with:
- Honey exporters
- Textile industry stakeholders
▪ Private Business Meeting – Amin Hospital
Meeting with Dr. Mohamed, Owner – Amin Hospital
- Discussion on:
- Joint venture opportunities
- Procurement requirements
- Invitation extended for factory visit in India
Outcome:
Strengthened B2B engagement and initiated hospital-level collaboration
📍 Day 4 – 6 February 2026
High-Level Government Engagement & Business Conversion
▪ Meeting with Hon’ble Minister of Health
H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba Feyssa, Minister of Health
In presence of:
Dr. Aschalew Worku, Senior Advisor to the Minister
- Discussion on:
- National healthcare priorities
- Ongoing and upcoming government projects
- World Bank-supported healthcare initiatives
👉 Key Milestone:
Ace Cathtech Private Limited identified for distribution role in healthcare equipment project
▪ Amin Hospital Visit
Meeting with Dr. Mohamed, Owner – Amin Hospital
- Hospital facility visit and product demonstration
- Immediate commercial order secured
- Discussion on:
- Upcoming medical college project
- Long-term procurement needs
Outcome:
Successful conversion into government-linked and private sector business opportunities
📍 Day 5 – 7 February 2026
Closing Engagements & Network Expansion
▪ Pharmaceutical Importers Association
- Meeting with Head of Pharma Importers Association
- Discussion on:
- Long-term supply partnerships
- Import demand cycles
▪ Ethiopian Chamber B2B Session
- Participation in structured B2B meetings
- Interaction with multiple importers
▪ Hospital Engagement
Meeting with Eng. Gudissa, CEO – Waliif Healthcare Hospital
- Discussion on potential collaboration and procurement
Outcome:
Expanded trade network and established long-term business pipeline
🔹 KEY OUTCOMES
- Engagement with senior officials:
- Mr. Teshome (MoH Advisor)
- Mr. Awol Jewal (EPSS)
- Mr. Mengistu Legesse (EFDA)
- H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba Feyssa (Health Minister)
- Dr. Aschalew Worku (Senior Advisor)
- Mr. Meseret (Member of Parliament)
- Chamber Leadership & Hospital Heads
- Clear roadmap for:
- Regulatory approvals
- Market entry
- Government procurement participation
- Commercial achievements:
- On-the-spot order from Amin Hospital
- Participation in government-linked healthcare project
- Strong network built across:
- Government institutions
- Importers & distributors
- Hospitals
- Trade bodies
🔹 CONCLUSION
The India–Ethiopia Business Delegation successfully facilitated high-level institutional engagement, market access, and tangible business outcomes, reinforcing the strong potential for bilateral cooperation.
The initiative further positions Star International MSME Forum as a key enabler of India–Africa trade, investment, and MSME collaboration.
🔹 STRATEGIC INSIGHTS
Ethiopia presents a high-potential market characterized by:
- Increasing demand for healthcare infrastructure
- Strong government-led procurement systems
- Opportunities for local manufacturing and technology partnerships
- Growing preference for reliable international suppliers
🔹 CONCLUSION
The India–Ethiopia Business Delegation successfully facilitated institutional engagement, market access, and tangible business outcomes, reinforcing the potential for deeper bilateral cooperation.
The initiative underscores the role of
Star International MSME Forum as a strategic platform for enabling India–Africa trade partnerships, fostering sustainable economic collaboration, and supporting MSMEs in global expansion.
🔹 KEY OUTCOMES
- High-level engagement with:
- Ministry of Health
- EFDA
- EPSS
- Ethiopian Chamber
- Clear roadmap for:
- Regulatory approvals
- Market entry
- Government procurement participation
- Successful B2G + B2B integration
- Commercial success:
- On-ground order conversion
- Project-level participation opportunity
- Strong network established across:
- Hospitals
- Importers
- Distributors
- Government bodies