Addis Ababa, June 21, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia conducted the concluding validation workshop for its African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation Strategy today, marking a pivotal step toward finalizing the country’s comprehensive roadmap for engaging with the continental free trade framework.
The workshop, co-organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, convened a diverse array of stakeholders from government, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe described the workshop as a critical milestone in Ethiopia’s journey to effectively implement the AfCFTA agreement—one that safeguards national interests, mitigates risks, and fully capitalizes on the vast opportunities presented by Africa’s integrated market.
He underscored that the signing and ratification of the AfCFTA Agreement in 2019 signified a decisive shift from Ethiopia’s traditionally cautious trade stance toward a more open, opportunity-driven engagement with continental trade.
“Ethiopia views the AfCFTA not merely as a trade agreement but as a transformative development compact—one that invites us to reimagine our economy, diversify partnerships, and unlock new opportunities across Africa,” Minister Kassahun emphasized.
The validated strategy aligns closely with Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, particularly its second phase, which prioritizes structural reforms aimed at enhancing economic resilience, fostering private-sector-led growth, and modernizing the national economy.
The minister highlighted recent liberalization initiatives as foundational pillars supporting Ethiopia’s integration efforts, including the 2024 legislation permitting foreign banks’ operation, the 2021 telecommunications sector liberalization, and the removal of foreign ownership restrictions in logistics and transport sectors—moves designed to attract global expertise and boost trade efficiency.
“Homegrown Economic Reform 2.0 places regional integration at the core of Ethiopia’s transformation strategy,” he noted. “Unlocking our export potential and achieving industrialization depends fundamentally on deeper integration with African and global markets.”
Minister Kassahun also shared encouraging economic performance indicators: Ethiopia’s GDP grew by an impressive 8.1 percent during the 2023/24 fiscal year, while export earnings exceeded 8 billion USD—a historic milestone in the country’s trade record.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including a significant trade deficit, which underscores the urgent need to enhance productivity and intensify trade integration through frameworks like the AfCFTA.
Concluding his remarks, the minister issued a call to decisive action: “This is not merely a ceremonial milestone—it is a call to purposeful implementation. From this moment onward, we must act with coordinated investment, rigorous monitoring, and shared accountability.”
He affirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment not only to participate actively in the AfCFTA but also to shape its future trajectory to deliver tangible benefits for the nation and the continent.
Policy Study Institute Director-General Fikadu Tsega remarked that the draft strategy had undergone thorough review by technical experts and the National Implementation Committee, supplemented by extensive consultations with government agencies, private sector representatives, NGOs, and multilateral partners.
He emphasized that successful implementation will require coordinated efforts across all stakeholder levels, sustained follow-up, and dedicated support, as per ENA’s report.
“PSI remains committed to supporting the implementation of the strategy and the AfCFTA agreement to the fullest extent of its capacity and resources,” Director-General Fikadu pledged.