Ethiopia's mining sector brought in more than USD 5.7 billion in export earnings, according to a report from ENA English published on Friday. The figure covers the 2025/26 fiscal year, with gold accounting for the bulk of the revenue.
The announcement comes as Ethiopian officials push to position the country as a major player in global mineral markets. State media has framed the results as evidence that the mining industry is becoming a central pillar of the economy, moving beyond traditional exports like coffee.
The earnings figure was first reported by ENA English, citing official data. A separate analysis from Birr Metrics put the total at USD 5.65 billion, also attributing most of the haul to gold sales. Other outlets, including Fana Media Corporation and CNN, have highlighted Ethiopia's ambitions to become a mining superpower, with the government courting foreign investment in the sector.
However, the push for growth is not without hurdles. The Reporter Ethiopia noted that reducing investment risks is critical if the country wants to attract the capital needed to expand mining operations. That includes addressing concerns around regulatory stability, infrastructure, and contract enforcement.
For now, the export numbers mark a clear step forward for a sector that was long overshadowed by agriculture. The question is whether Ethiopia can sustain this momentum and diversify beyond gold into other minerals, which would require both new investment and a more predictable business climate. Observers will be watching for policy moves in the coming months that signal how serious the government is about removing those barriers.
