Lying at the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is a large temperate country with total surface area of 1.12 million square kilometers inhabited by 65 million people. The country's recorded history dates back more than 3,000 years to the time of Axumite Empire which prevailed until the 8th century. In recent times, archaeological excavations in the valley of the River Omo, west of the Rift Valley, have revealed human occupation pre-dating the remains at Olduvai in Tanzania.

The northeast-trending Rift Valley, with its associated escarpments, and numerous lakes in the southern sector, runs through the center of the country and ranges in width from 40-60 km. It is the dominant physical feature. To the west, its steep escarpments give way to well-watered high plateaus generally above 2,000 m in elevation, incised by steep and spectacular gorges draining west into the Nile river system. In eastern Ethiopia, there are low-lying pastoral areas prone to drought and in the far north, where the elevation dips to below sea-level in part of the Dallol Depression, arid conditions prevail.

The county's physical diversity has produced a varied climate. On the plateaus, the climate is temperate and contrasts with the hot lowlands but in the far southwest of the plateau region, higher rainfall and lower elevation have given rise to extensive rain forest. The majority of the population, around 70%, live on the plateaus (which are largely free of the material mosquito), and follow agricultural pursuits. It is widely recognized that the origin of coffee is from Keffa in southern Ethiopia where it was first found.

In compliance with the market oriented economic policy of Ethiopia the parliament declared that it is the continuing policy of the Federal Government in the national interest to foster and encourage private enterprises in developing economically sound and stable mineral mining.

Accordingly the Federal Government’s Ministry of Mines is responsible to administer and supervise all large scale mining operations including to issue prospecting, exploration and mining licenses for foreign investors and to these in joint venture with Ethiopian’s as per the reform issued in 1998 on the Mining proclamation following the realization of previous shortcomings of earlier laws and policies.

The reform clearly stipulated the responsibility of National Regional Governments to issue licenses and administer all small scale mining operations owned by Ethiopians and collecting all fees in addition to issue prospecting and exploration licenses for national investors.

The Federal Democratic republic of Ethiopia has created a conducive investment environment to ensure, (promote) private investment play a leading role in the development of the national economy.

This favorable climate for foreign investment has been created as consequence of the solid foundation of political and economic reforms, particularly the stably secured macroeconomic reforms which are achieved by carefully managed sequential reforms coupled with faire fiscal and monetary policies.

By virtues of Ethiopia’s unique and untapped natural resources, its proximity to Middle Eastern and European markets, its 60 million population, and huge labor force both disciplined and easily trainable are some of the comparative advantages worthy of consideration while investing in Ethiopia.

This is further enhanced by specific incentives and efficient administrative procedures.