Addis Ababa: The last validation workshop of Ethiopia’s African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation Strategy was conducted today with a view to finalizing the roadmap for the country’s engagement with the free trade area. The workshop, jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, brought together diverse stakeholders.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe stated that the validation workshop is a key milestone in Ethiopia’s journey to implement the AfCFTA agreement. This aims to secure the country’s national interest, mitigate risks, and fully harness the potential from the continental market. He noted that the signing and ratification of the AfCFTA Agreement in 2019 marked a shift towards a more open and opportunity-driven approach to continental trade.
“Ethiopia has always viewed the AfCFTA not merely as a trade agreement, but as a development compact that enables us to re-imagine our economy, diversify our partnerships, and build new opportunities across Africa,” Kassahun emphasized. The strategy validated today is closely integrated with Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agendas, especially the second phase, which highlights structural reforms to enhance resilience, promote private-sector-led development, and modernize the economy.
The minister highlighted recent liberalization efforts, including a 2024 law allowing foreign banks, the 2021 liberalization of the telecommunications sector, and the lifting of foreign ownership restrictions in logistics and transport. These are foundational steps to attract global expertise and improve trade efficiency. “HEGER 2.0 places regional integration at the heart of Ethiopia’s transformation strategy,” he said, adding that unlocking export potential and achieving industrialization requires integration with African and global markets.
Kassahun also shared insights into Ethiopia’s economic growth, with an 8.1 percent GDP growth rate in the 2023/24 fiscal year and export earnings exceeding 8 billion USD, a significant achievement in Ethiopia’s trading history. Despite this progress, he acknowledged a significant trade deficit and stressed the need for enhanced productivity and deeper trade integration through frameworks like AfCFTA.
The minister concluded by calling for action: “This is not a ceremonial milestone, it is a call to action. From this point forward, we must implement with purpose-through coordination, investment, monitoring, and shared accountability.” He affirmed Ethiopia’s determination to actively participate in the AfCFTA, shape its evolution, and ensure it delivers real impact for citizens and the continent.
Policy Study Institute Director-General Fikadu Tsega noted that the draft strategy has been reviewed by technical experts and the National Implementation Committee. He highlighted that discussions with stakeholders from government, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and multilateral institutions were conducted. According to him, implementing the strategy requires coordinated efforts among stakeholders at multiple levels and continuous follow-up and support.
”PSI will continue to support the implementation of the strategy and the agreement in any way possible at its capacity and cost,” the director-general promised.