The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), with the support of FSD Ethiopia and technical contributions from the Nairobi Securities Exchange PLC (NSE), the i-Capital Africa Institute, the REITs Association of Kenya (RAK), and the Ethiopian Real Estate Developers Association (EREDA), today convened key market stakeholders for a validation workshop on the introduction of Real Estate Investment Trusts and Funds (REITs/Fs) in Ethiopia.

The workshop serves as an important platform for dialogue among regulators, policymakers, issuers, investors, intermediaries, real estate developers, and industry experts on the legal, regulatory, operational, and tax frameworks required to establish a transparent, inclusive, and sustainable REIT/F ecosystem in Ethiopia. Participants are also reviewing and providing input on a phased implementation roadmap designed to support the successful introduction and growth of REITs and real estate funds within the country’s emerging capital market.

The initiative represents a significant step toward broadening investment opportunities, improving access to capital for real estate development, and enhancing market participation by enabling investors to gain exposure to professionally managed real estate assets through regulated investment vehicles.

By drawing on regional expertise and international best practices, the workshop aims to build consensus around a framework that supports market integrity, investor protection, and long-term sector growth. The introduction of REITs and real estate funds is expected to contribute to the diversification of Ethiopia’s capital markets while creating new avenues for mobilizing domestic and institutional investment.

ESX looks forward to the insights and contributions of all stakeholders as Ethiopia advances efforts to unlock the potential of its real estate sector and strengthen the foundations of a modern, vibrant, and inclusive capital market.