Addis Ababa, April 27, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has successfully concluded the final phase of negotiations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe, who briefed the media on the country’s latest progress in the accession process.
The Minister led the Ethiopian delegation to the 7th Working Party Meeting on Ethiopia’s WTO accession, held in Geneva, Switzerland last week.
In his media briefing on the progress achieved, Mr. Kassahun described the development as a major diplomatic milestone in Ethiopia’s long-standing bid to join the global trading system.
He noted that Ethiopia has now completed key technical and negotiation requirements, including providing comprehensive responses to more than 226 questions raised by WTO members, refining the Draft Working Party Report, and finalizing 32 mandatory commitment provisions.
Mr. Kassahun further stated that Ethiopia has concluded bilateral market access negotiations with nine WTO member countries, while discussions with five remaining countries are expected to be finalized in the near future.
Recalling that Ethiopia has been engaged in WTO accession negotiations for more than 23 years, the Minister said the country has now reached the most advanced stage of the process after participating as an observer throughout successive Working Party meetings.
He attributed the progress to ongoing macroeconomic reforms, including efforts to open up the financial sector and broader structural changes aimed at improving the investment and trade environment.
According to him, the 7th Working Party Meeting in Geneva was also marked by recognition from member states of Ethiopia’s strong commitment and the significant progress achieved in the negotiation process.
The Minister added that the 8th Working Party Meeting on Ethiopia’s WTO accession is scheduled to take place in September 2026.