Addis Ababa, October 7, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia will officially roll out the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) program on October 9, 2025, to deepen economic integration and expand regional trade across Africa, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration announced today.
Ethiopia has long played a leading role in Africa’s trade initiatives, having ratified the AfCFTA agreement early, positioning itself at the vanguard of continental economic cooperation, said Trade and Regional Integration State Minister Yasmin Wohaberebi.
She explained that the agreement is designed to create one of the world’s largest free trade areas, fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, and supporting sustainable development in accordance with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“Thorough preparations and discussions have been completed to ensure the AfCFTA’s smooth rollout,” she noted, emphasizing Ethiopia’s readiness to strengthen intra-African trade ties and boost local economic sectors such as coffee, grains, meat, spices, vegetables, and fruits.
Under the agreement, tariffs will gradually be cut by as much as 90 percent — a move expected to enhance Ethiopia’s competitiveness, reinforce regional supply chains, and open new opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and youth.
The AfCFTA deal also includes mechanisms for resolving trade disputes, protecting intellectual property, encouraging digital commerce, and promoting greater participation by women in business.
As host of the African Union, Ethiopia occupies a strategically important role in coordinating AfCFTA activities across the continent, Minister Yasmin added.
The launch is expected to empower Ethiopian traders and citizens to gain access to a broader array of quality goods and services, thereby increasing national revenues. It coincides with the completion of required tariff reductions and regulatory frameworks, milestones that should significantly elevate Ethiopia’s standing in both African and global markets while promoting robust growth and regional cooperation.
To date, 55 African countries have signed the AfCFTA agreement, representing a combined population of over 1.4 billion people and a total GDP surpassing 3.4 trillion USD.