DALLAS, TX — Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson officially opened the new Ethiopian & Eritrean Chamber of Commerce on Monday, marking a milestone for the city’s growing international business community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held in the Dallas International District, drew city leaders and representatives from both communities.
“This is a historic occasion for Dallas and our Ethiopian and Eritrean communities. Starting today, this chamber’s support of these communities will strengthen and enrich our city’s vibrant economy,” said Mayor Johnson. “Dallas’s international partnerships have been a key focus of my Administration, and right now, our relationship with Africa is stronger than ever.”
The Chamber will serve as a central hub for Ethiopian and Eritrean businesses, providing resources, networking opportunities, and support for entrepreneurship. It also aims to foster cultural exchange and investment between American companies and these communities. “The Ethiopian and Eritrean Chamber of Commerce marks a new chapter of opportunity and collaboration in Dallas,” said Yilma Feleke, interim president of the chamber board. “We thank Mayor Johnson for his leadership and support in helping us create a home where our communities can build businesses, share their cultures, and contribute to the city’s thriving economy.”
Ethiopia: Ancient Independence and Economic Potential
Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is Africa’s second-most populous country with around 110 million residents. Known for being one of the oldest independent nations in the world, Ethiopia famously resisted colonization, maintaining sovereignty except for a brief Italian occupation in the 1930s.
The country is ethnically diverse, with over 80 ethnic groups and languages, and has a rich cultural history. Its economy is largely agricultural, with coffee as a leading export, but it is increasingly seeking foreign investment in textiles, infrastructure, and industry. Despite political reforms, Ethiopia faces ongoing ethnic tensions and regional conflicts, including a long-running humanitarian crisis in the Tigray region. Its strategic location near the Red Sea and Middle East makes it an important partner for international trade.
Eritrea: Independence, Challenges, and Human Rights Concerns
Eritrea, bordering Ethiopia to the north, gained independence in 1993 after a decades-long struggle. It has a population of approximately 6.2 million. While culturally rich, with nine recognized ethnic groups and a strong coffee tradition, Eritrea has faced ongoing human rights challenges under the long-standing leadership of President Isaias Afwerki.
International organizations report widespread abuses, including mandatory indefinite national service, suppression of free speech, and religious persecution. Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea have been particularly targeted, with many imprisoned indefinitely for their faith. Reports document arrests of elderly members and harsh treatment, including torture and denial of access to legal representation. A total of 64 members of the Jehovah's Witnesses are in prison, held indefinately without being convicted. In 2022, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) got involved because of the imprisonment of an 80-year-old member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, Tesfazion Gebremichael. He was arrested in 2011 when he was found discussing his beliefs with others. Now 83, Tesfazion Gebremichael remains incarcerated in the Mai Serwa Prison, showing the Eritrean government ignored the requests from USCIRF to release this innocent man whose only crime is to have faith in his god Jehovah and the son, Jesus Christ. On September 2024, they arrested two elderly women who were at a peaceful meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses that armed soldiers raided. One is 84 years old and the other 86-years-old.
Education and civil liberties remain highly restricted in Eritrea, and the government tightly controls the economy.
Dallas and International Engagement
The Ethiopian & Eritrean Chamber of Commerce is the fourth international trade office to open in Dallas since Mayor Johnson initiated his international strategy, which aims to increase foreign direct investment, cultural exchange, and trade opportunities. The city’s engagement with Ethiopia and Eritrea reflects both the growing population of these communities in Dallas and the strategic potential of international partnerships. Concerns over Eritrea's abuse against its own people seem to not be of concern to Dallas officials.
“The chamber provides a vital platform for entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and international collaboration,” said Mayor Johnson. “As we celebrate this opening, we also acknowledge the unique histories and challenges of Ethiopia and Eritrea, and our hope is to build ethical, informed, and mutually beneficial connections with both countries.”
