Our Story

MARE Investments traces its origins to 2016, when the founding team recognized that Ethiopia's accelerating economic liberalization and private sector growth presented a generational investment opportunity. The first positions were taken in the banking sector -- acquiring shares in Abyssinia Bank, one of Ethiopia's oldest and most respected private banks, followed by strategic stakes in Dashen Bank and Zemen Bank. These three institutions, each with distinct strengths and market positioning, gave MARE Investments broad exposure to Ethiopia's expanding financial services landscape. As the portfolio matured and returns compounded, the investment thesis expanded beyond financial services into sectors where the team identified structural demand and operational excellence. Significant partnership stakes -- in some cases as large as 45% -- were acquired in private hospitals and diagnostic laboratories serving Addis Ababa's growing middle class and international community. Investments in car rental and fleet management companies capitalized on the surge in business travel and tourism, while stakes in event management firms tapped into Ethiopia's booming conference, wedding, and corporate events industry. Today, MARE Investments operates as a patient, conviction-driven capital allocator with a portfolio that spans five major sectors of the Ethiopian economy. The approach is decidedly long-term: every investment is made with a minimum five-year horizon, supported by active board participation and strategic support from the MARE HOLDINGS network. The result is a portfolio that generates both financial returns and tangible economic impact -- creating jobs, expanding services, and strengthening the private sector foundation of one of Africa's fastest-growing economies.