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Addis Ababa, July 10, 2026 (FMC) β Ethiopia has exported goods worth USD 15 million under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to deepen continental trade integration, Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe announced.
Speaking at the opening of the 9th Trade and Regional Integration Sector Forum for the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year in Hawassa, the minister also revealed that Ethiopia earned a record USD 11.195 billion in export revenues during the fiscal year, exceeding its USD 9.4 billion target by achieving 119.15 percent of the planned performance.
Kassahun said Ethiopia accounted for USD 15 million of the USD 23 million in trade conducted under the AfCFTA framework within the region, underscoring the country’s growing role in advancing continental economic integration.
He added that Ethiopia has commenced implementation of the AfCFTA agreement for both air and land cargo, paving the way for expanded market access and more efficient cross-border trade.
Although the export earnings remain below the country’s full potential, the minister said the achievement reflects sustained government policy commitment, institutional reforms and coordinated efforts to strengthen export performance.
He noted that major progress was also recorded in modernizing trade services during the fiscal year. More than 3.4 million business licenses were issued through digital platforms, while paperless public services were expanded and e-commerce initiatives advanced.
To strengthen domestic market linkages, the ministry established more than 805 weekend consumer market centers nationwide, contributing to improved market access, greater service satisfaction among the business community and enhanced market stability.
Kassahun also said authorities took legal action against more than 93,000 illegal business operators following nationwide inspections carried out to strengthen compliance with the country’s trade regulations.
On the international front, he said Ethiopia achieved notable progress toward accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), successfully concluding bilateral market access agreements with nine countries through sustained negotiations. He expressed optimism that the accession process would reach a decisive stage next year, further strengthening Ethiopia’s position in the global trading system.
The minister said the government will build on the achievements of the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year as it accelerates reforms aimed at expanding exports, modernizing the trade sector and deepening Ethiopia’s regional and global economic integration in the 2019 fiscal year.