Greetings from Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Ambassadors in Africa

H.E. Yael Ravia-Zadok and H.E. Michael Lotem

Dear Readers,

Africa’s future is being shaped by the ambition, ingenuity and determination of its people. Across the continent, countries are pursuing their own paths to growth, investing in infrastructure, innovation and human capital. Israel welcomes the opportunity to support these aspirations through meaningful, long-term partnerships.

We believe that strong economic cooperation is built on mutual trust, active engagement and shared interests. Israeli innovation can help address priorities including food, water and energy security, while advancing agricultural productivity, healthcare, cybersecurity and connectivity. Israeli expertise can also contribute to critical infrastructure, from hospitals and airports to seaports and essential public facilities. The longstanding involvement of Israeli companies in projects across the continent, together with successful business partnerships, provides a solid foundation for broader cooperation.

Our vision is to expand trade, encourage investment and strengthen cooperation among governments, businesses and innovators. By combining Israeli expertise with Africa’s knowledge, talent and entrepreneurial spirit, we can create lasting opportunities.

Israel looks forward to working alongside its African partners to turn shared vision into practical achievements and build a future of sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem and Israel’s embassies in Africa stand ready to work with you.

H.E. Yael Ravia-Zadok
Deputy Director General and Head of the Economic Affairs Division

H.E. Michael Lotem
Ambassador for Economic and Business Promotion in Africa
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Israel

H.E. Sharon Bar-li

Dear Friends and Partners,

Africa is woven into Israel’s story, from biblical times to the living bridge of Israelis of North African and Ethiopian heritage. Linked by our border with Egypt’s Sinai Desert, we are neighbors with a shared stake in the future. When Golda Meir forged ties with Africa’s newly independent nations, she recognised a shared journey. We, too, she recalled, had to learn “how to reclaim the land … how to raise poultry, how to live together.” From shared challenges grew enduring partnerships.

The tools have changed; the aspiration to build better lives has not. Africa’s technological leapfrogging and expanding mobile connectivity are opening opportunities for Israeli companies in fintech, agriculture, trade, smart cities, medical diagnostics, communications and cybersecurity. Working alongside African entrepreneurs, Israeli companies are well positioned to turn innovation into solutions to pressing needs.

Recognising Africa’s growing strategic importance, Israel is investing in these partnerships through new embassies, high-level visits and broader cooperation initiatives. Regional ventures involving Abraham Accords countries can extend this promise, bringing together Israeli expertise, African enterprise and international investment.

I warmly welcome the Israel-Africa Business Guide 2026/27 and invite you to help write the next chapter of this partnership, one of shared endeavor and shared prosperity.

H.E. Sharon Bar-li
Deputy Director General and Head of the Africa Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Israel

H.E. Leo Vinovezky

Photo: Fabio Caldeira

A Longstanding Partnership, New Opportunities

Economic and technological ties between Israel and African countries are entering a promising period. As Israel’s Ambassador to Angola, also accredited to São Tomé and Príncipe, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I am excited by the opportunities ahead.

This is my third diplomatic assignment in Africa. I previously served in Ethiopia, Rwanda and Burundi, and later as Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, also covering Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo. More than a decade of living and working across the continent has deepened my appreciation of its diversity and extraordinary human and economic potential.

My experience includes economic diplomacy at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and promoting technological cooperation through the Israel Space Agency. Today, we connect businesses, entrepreneurs and local partners to turn shared interests into practical cooperation.

Opportunities span agriculture, water, healthcare, energy, infrastructure and the blue economy. Israeli expertise can support African development priorities, while African produce, raw materials and manufactured goods offer opportunities for the Israeli market. After three assignments in Africa, my belief in this partnership continues to grow. The entrepreneurship, talent and determination I encounter inspire lasting enthusiasm and confidence in our shared future. I invite you to explore this guide, discover new opportunities and help shape the next chapter together.

H.E. Leo Vinovezky
Ambassador of Israel to Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

H.E. Simon Clément Seroussi

Dear Readers,

Israel has a long and significant economic presence in Côte d’Ivoire. Historically, the country was one of the main destinations for Israeli companies in Africa, particularly in construction and agriculture. Israeli firms contributed to the development of hundreds of buildings and thousands of kilometres of roads across the country.

Over the past two decades, Israeli companies have renewed and diversified their activities in Côte d’Ivoire, strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Today, the opportunities are immense. Côte d’Ivoire is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and has undergone major infrastructure development. Abidjan has emerged as a leading regional business hub, hosting hundreds of international companies.

The country’s rapid industrialisation and digital transformation are creating substantial new business opportunities. Israeli companies are particularly well positioned to contribute in sectors such as agriculture, water management, digital technologies, security and cybersecurity.

Although the number of Israeli companies operating in Côte d’Ivoire has increased in recent years, the potential for further cooperation, investment and expansion remains enormous.

The experience accumulated over many years of economic engagement offers a strong foundation for the next stage of our relationship. I invite readers to explore these opportunities and build on the longstanding connections between our business communities.

H.E. Simon Clément Seroussi
Ambassador of Israel to Côte d’Ivoire
Non-resident Ambassador to Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso

H.E. Dr. Avraham Neguise

Dear Friends and Partners,

It is my great pleasure to present this Business Guide, highlighting the growing opportunities for economic cooperation between Israel and Ethiopia. Israel and Ethiopia share a unique relationship rooted in centuries of history, cultural ties and mutual respect. Today, this longstanding friendship provides a strong foundation for expanding our economic partnership and creating new opportunities for our peoples. Ethiopia is undergoing significant economic transformation, advancing reforms, encouraging foreign investment and opening new sectors to international cooperation. These developments offer promising opportunities for Israeli companies, investors and professionals seeking to contribute their expertise and innovative solutions.

Israel’s experience in agriculture, water management, renewable energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and cybersecurity provides a strong basis for collaboration. By combining Israeli expertise with Ethiopia’s economic potential, entrepreneurial spirit and development priorities, we can build partnerships that promote sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.

The Embassy of Israel in Addis Ababa is committed to strengthening these connections, facilitating dialogue between our business communities and supporting meaningful partnerships that translate shared opportunities into concrete achievements. I hope this guide will serve as a valuable resource and an invitation to explore, connect and invest in the future of Israeli-Ethiopian economic relations. Together, we can transform opportunities into lasting partnerships. I wish you every success in your future endeavours.

H.E. Dr. Avraham Neguise
Ambassador of Israel to Ethiopia

H.E. Roey Gilad

Dear Readers,

Ghana’s economic rebound is creating renewed opportunities to deepen commercial relations with Israel. According to President John Dramani Mahama, foreign direct investment increased from $624 million in 2024 to $2.62 billion in 2025, supported by easing inflation, declining interest rates and greater currency stability. This recovery signals improving conditions for long-term business partnerships.

The IMF’s October 2026 projections place Ghana’s nominal GDP at approximately $128.6 billion, ranking it as Africa’s eighth-largest economy. This reinforces Ghana’s importance as a commercial partner and a platform for accessing regional markets.

Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Program provides a framework for bilateral cooperation. Its emphasis on industrialisation, continuous production and value addition aligns with Israeli capabilities in agricultural technology, water management, aquaculture, cybersecurity and industrial efficiency.

The development of the 1,238-acre Afienya Industrial Park illustrates Ghana’s ambition to expand manufacturing and exports, offering potential opportunities for Israeli technology providers and investors working alongside Ghanaian enterprises.

Our shared priority should be to translate these opportunities into commercially sustainable partnerships. By combining Israeli innovation with Ghanaian entrepreneurship, skills and market knowledge, both countries can strengthen productive capacity, create employment and expand mutually beneficial trade. Ghana’s political and economic stability makes it a promising partner and a gateway to West Africa.

H.E. Roey Gilad
Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone

H.E. Gideon Behar

Dear Readers,

It is a great privilege to introduce the Israel-Africa Business Guide, showcasing innovation designed to meet the growth priorities and challenges of economies across East Africa.

Israel, renowned as the “Startup Nation,” has built its economy on a culture of problem-solving. Faced with scarce resources, our country has transformed challenges into practical solutions. Today, Israeli technology offers strengths in precision agriculture, telemedicine, cyber defence and smart energy. For local businesses and public agencies, these technologies can help reduce post-harvest losses, improve supply chain logistics, increase crop yields and protect critical digital infrastructure. Their value lies in supporting both commercial performance and sustainability.

Developed and refined in challenging environments, Israeli solutions have accumulated practical field experience. Many are already deployed across East Africa, providing a foundation for further cooperation and adaptation to local needs.

The economic ties between Israel and our partner nations in East Africa are rooted in mutual respect, historical friendship and shared ambitions. This guide serves as a bridge connecting regional business leaders with Israeli technology partners.

Our Economic and Trade Mission stands ready to facilitate connections, arrange direct engagements and support joint ventures. We invite you to explore these pages and work with us towards sustainable economic growth.

Karibuni sana tushirikiane kwa ajili ya maendeleo na mafanikio ya nchi zetu.

H.E. Gideon Behar
Ambassador of Israel to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Seychelles

H.E. Einat Weiss

Dear Readers,

Rwanda is a valued and friendly partner of Israel. Relations gained momentum with the 2026 visit to Israel by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, producing agreements to deepen cooperation in key development sectors.

Rwanda offers Israeli investors a stable, transparent and well-governed environment. Its ambition and achievements continue to impress, while challenges create opportunities for practical cooperation. Reliable, affordable energy is essential for industry and rural communities. Fragmented smallholder farms, limited cold-chain capacity and post-harvest losses make irrigation, mechanisation and climate-smart agriculture priorities.

With a domestic market of about 14 million people and high freight costs, manufacturers must think regionally, drawing on access to the African Continental Free Trade Area and the East African Community. Expensive capital makes bankable projects, blended finance and public-private partnerships important. Demand for technical skills also matches Israeli strengths in water, agriculture, renewable energy and digital innovation. Burundi is another important partner. Guided by Vision 2040-2060, it is industrialising and modernising agriculture. With more than 80% of Burundians engaged in farming, opportunities include processing, packaging, solar-powered cold storage and off-grid energy systems.

The Embassy of Israel stands ready to connect and support companies exploring both countries, turning diplomatic friendship into practical investment and lasting partnerships.

H.E. Einat Weiss
Ambassador of Israel to Rwanda and Burundi

H.E. Amnon Kalmar

Dear Readers,

The Embassy of Israel in Cameroon has jurisdiction over four other countries in the Central African subregion: Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic. In all five countries, the Embassy strives to build and strengthen bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, health, high-tech, education, entrepreneurship, culture, and medicine, promoting economic growth through knowledge sharing and technology transfer.

Located in Yaounde, Cameroon, a country that has shared very friendly and strong bilateral relations with Israel for the past 40 years, the Embassy of Israel strives to strengthen this already good relationship further by increasing economic cooperation between the two countries in diverse sectors.

Cameroon’s diverse and growing economy offers promising business opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture and agribusiness, ICT and digital economy, energy and infrastructure, mining and extractive industries, and green economy. The country’s strategic location positions it as a potential trade and transit hub for the subregion. According to IMF 2026 data, Cameroon’s growing market potential is valued at a nominal GDP of over $65 billion, making it the largest economy and the natural economic engine of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) region.

Therefore, the Embassy of Israel in Cameroon looks forward to assisting any Israeli companies seeking to expand their business activities to Cameroon or any of the other four countries the Embassy covers.

H.E. Amnon Kalmar
Ambassador of Israel to Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic

H.E. Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov

Photos: courtesy of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dear Partners,

As an anchor of stability and a gateway to West Africa, Senegal holds strategic importance. Its commitment to institutional strength, economic modernization, and sustainable growth makes it a natural partner for Israel. Our bilateral relationship is built on historic goodwill and a shared vision for innovation, resilience, and regional progress. As Senegal advances its development priorities, Israel stands ready to align its expertise with Senegal’s vision. In precision agriculture, water resource management, and climate-resilient technologies, our joint efforts can enhance productivity, strengthen food security, and support rural economic transformation. Development must be inclusive. Supporting women entrepreneurs and leaders is central to sustainable progress. Through vocational training, capacity building, and access to capital, we can strengthen women-led enterprises in Senegal’s economy. Senegal’s investments in digital infrastructure, energy transition, and regional connectivity present scope for collaboration. Israel’s capabilities in cybersecurity and homeland security can help fortify the infrastructure underpinning Senegal’s future. Positioned at the heart of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Senegal offers a launchpad for partnerships with regional impact.

The Embassy of Israel remains committed to facilitating cooperation between our governments, private sectors, and civil societies. We welcome the opportunity to initiate dialogues, unlock investment, and turn shared priorities into lasting partnerships. Together, we can forge a partnership defined by innovation, trust, and mutual prosperity.

H.E. Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov
Ambassador of Israel to Senegal, Guinea, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Chad