Following the successful staging of the Ethio–Cyprus Investment Forum 2026 in Nicosia, attention has turned to the broader role Cyprus can play as a hub for international investment and expertise. An important role in this effort is played by Harry Anagnostaras-Adams, Honorary Consul of Ethiopia to Cyprus and a prominent figure in the global mining and natural resources sector.
In this interview, he reflects on the significance of the recent forum while sharing insights into his international business activities, discoveries in critical materials, and some emerging opportunities for Cypriot companies on the global stage. Earlier this month, Harry Anagnostaras-Adams, who is also the founder a Cyprus-based gold and critical materials group of companies with projects in Cyprus, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia, was honoured with the Special African Business Leadership Excellence Award at the 15th ALM Persons of the Year Ceremony held in Ghana for his role at KEFI Gold and Copper PLC in Ethiopia in particular.
The Ethio–Cyprus Investment Forum held in Nicosia last week attracted significant interest. What was the key takeaway from the event?
The Forum clearly demonstrated that there is strong and growing interest in building meaningful economic bridges between Cyprus and Ethiopia. What stood out was the quality and diversity of participants, from government officials and institutional representatives to entrepreneurs and investors, who engaged in very constructive discussions. The focus on sectors such as financial services, pharmaceuticals, tourism, energy, mining, ICT, and agriculture reflects real opportunities. More importantly, there was a shared willingness to move from dialogue to action, which is essential for any successful partnership.
How do you see this Forum contributing to long-term cooperation between the two countries?
This Forum is not a one-off event. It is just an initial step, part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations. We are creating platforms where stakeholders can connect, exchange ideas, and identify concrete projects. With Cyprus planning to open an embassy in Addis Ababa this year, and with increasing engagement from both sides, we are laying the groundwork for sustained cooperation. The potential spans multiple sectors, from pharmaceuticals and medical services to mining and agribusiness, and I believe we are only at the beginning of a mutually beneficial journey.
Beyond your role as Honorary Consul of Ethiopia to Cyprus, you have led major international projects in critical materials. Can you tell us about your work abroad?
Over the past two decades, our Cyprus-based team has been actively involved in the exploration and development of critical materials across several countries, including Spain, Slovakia, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia. What is perhaps less known is that much of this work originates from science and expertise developed here in Nicosia. By focusing on specific geological characteristics, we have been able to identify and develop significant deposits, contributing to multi-billion-dollar discoveries. This demonstrates that Cyprus, despite its size, can play a leading role in highly technical and globally important industries.
Cyprus has a long history with copper. How relevant is this today in the context of the global energy transition?
Copper is absolutely central to the energy transition. It is a key component in electrification, renewable energy systems, and modern infrastructure. Cyprus has a historic legacy in copper; even the name is derived from the ancient word “cuprum” which means “coming from Cyprus”. We strongly believe there is still significant untapped potential in Cyprus. As I often say, nature has not placed all its natural resources conveniently at the surface for humankind to trip over. With modern exploration techniques and persistence, we are continuing the search for what we call “Cyprus’ hidden Mavrovouni.” This is not just about resource extraction. It is about applying modern science and ESG standards to contributing to sustainability and positioning Cyprus within that value chain.
Your team has been involved in major projects such as Rio Tinto in Spain and developments in Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia. What do these successes say about Cypriot expertise abroad?
We draw our teams from world-best, some of which were Cypriot, and based ourselves here for number of reasons including our own copper-exploration programs, the wonderful hospitality of this special multi-cultural society, the schooling, medical, legal and financial services. We have demonstrated that Cypriot-based teams can compete and succeed at the highest international level. For example, the reactivation of Proyecto Rio Tinto in Spain now generates substantial annual copper production, while in Saudi Arabia we have identified deposits comparable in scale to historic mines in Cyprus. To be more specific, Proyecto Rio Tinto in Spain produces over $500 million per annum in copper sales, and Hawiah in Saudi Arabia, formed by KEFI Gold and Copper, contains $7 billion of copper today. The team has also made gold discoveries at Jabal Qutman in Saudi Arabia and is now developing its Tulu Kapi Gold Project in Ethiopia, a $500 million development which, in two years, should be producing close to $1 billion in gold revenue annually, at today’s gold price. These projects reflect not only technical expertise but also the ability to operate in diverse environments and build strong partnerships. It is a testament to the quality of talent and know-how that exists in Cyprus.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for strengthening the presence of Cyprus and its companies internationally?
My vision is to see Cyprus continue to expand its role as a centre of expertise, innovation, and international collaboration. We have the human capital, a strategic location, and the experience to make a meaningful impact globally. Through initiatives like the Ethio–Cyprus Investment Forum, we are encouraging businesses to look beyond traditional markets and explore new opportunities. At the same time, we are promoting knowledge exchange, whether in mining, energy, healthcare, or other sectors. Ultimately, it is about building partnerships based on mutual respect and shared benefit and ensuring that Cypriot companies remain active and successful on the global stage.
