Doing business in Eritrea can be a very slow process because of the bureaucracy in place. It’s advised that you write up and sign contracts detailing payments and processes before even traveling to Eritrea, as most things will be stalled. Once you get there, there is additional etiquette to know for doing business in person. Here are 10 tips on business etiquette in Eritrea that could help.
When two people of the same sex greet one another, a handshake is customary followed by the word “selam” which means “peace.” When a man and woman greet one another, the man should wait for the woman to extend her hand.
You should avoid discussing religion, politics or war with someone until you’ve developed a solid relationship. Until then, you should discuss one another’s families, or where you are from, before launching into business conversation.
Eritrea is a generally very warm place, and it’s normal for men to touch other men while talking, or for women to touch other women. Eritreans also tend to stand very close when talking, so be prepared for that.
When invited to somebody’s home for dinner, always wait for the oldest person to take a piece of bread, bless it, and offer a tiny piece of it to each person before you begin to eat. Also know you should only eat the portion you are served and do not ask for more.
Put a business stamp on every piece of paper you want to make it to a business associate’s desk—most Eritreans require that before opening a business document.
Coffee shops are very popular meeting places in Eritrea, in fact being invited to coffee is considered an honor because it is a delicacy in Eritrea. Although coffee is grown in Eritrea, it isn’t a large industry. Making coffee, however, is a ceremony that has a history, tradition and life of its own. Be very gracious when meeting someone at a coffee shop.