Ethiopia's capital is Addis Ababa, and it is located in East Africa near Sudan. The population is over 82 million people who primarily speak English and Amharic. Christianity and Islam are the main religions. Businesspeople in Ethiopia are expected to dress formally in suits and ties. Meetings involve extended social pleasantries at the beginning and end, and building relationships is extremely important. Handshakes are prolonged in Ethiopia, and it is considered rude to refuse an offer of coffee or use your left hand for eating.

1. Culture and
Business
Etiquette
Presentation
Ethiopia
By: Harryzon Gomez

2. Introduction
 Capital – Addis Ababa
 Ethiopia is east of the United States and is
in the mid-east of Africa, near Sudan.
 82,101,998 people live in Ethiopia.
 They speak English and Amharic.
 Christian and Muslim religion is practiced.

3. Interesting Fact About The
Country
 Knowledge of a few words of Amharic will
be very useful and appreciated.
 Some of the more useful are Tena Yistillign
- 'Hello'; Ow - 'Yes'; Aydellem - 'No'; and
Sintinew - 'How much is this?'.

4. Business Appearance Of
Natives
 Businesspeople should wear suits and ties
for business visits.

5. Behavior In Business
 Since relationships are extremely
important, meetings start with extended
social pleasantries.
 The meeting will end when everyone has
had their say and the most senior
Ethiopians decide that there is nothing left
to be discussed.
 Performing favours indicates friendship.

6. Language And Business
Greeting
 Mainly Speak English.
 Greetings are formal and courteous.
 Handshakes are somewhat prolonged
and not especially firm.
 Never rush greeting; enquire about
people’s families, health and work.
 Present and receive business cards with
the right hand only or with both hands.

7. Customs That Are Offensive In
That Country
 Punctuality is not strictly adhered to
although considerable lateness is also
unacceptable.
 You may have to remove your shoes at
the door.
 You will always be offered a cup of
coffee. It is considered impolite to refuse.
 Only use the right hand for eating.