Ethiopia reiterates strong commitment to WTO accession

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), signaling renewed momentum in its longstanding accession process.

State Minister of Finance Eyob Tekalign conveyed this message during a high-level bilateral meeting with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, held on the sidelines of the WTO General Assembly currently underway in Geneva.

Leading Ethiopia’s delegation to the Assembly, Eyob underscored the country’s sustained reform efforts and its readiness for the upcoming 6th Working Party meeting on accession. He emphasized that Ethiopia views WTO membership as a strategic step toward deeper integration into the global trading system and sustainable economic transformation.

Director-General Okonjo-Iweala welcomed Ethiopia’s progress, praising the government’s continued commitment at all levels to conclude the accession process, ENA reported. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the current momentum to finalize negotiations within the anticipated timeframe.

The two sides reached a consensus to convene the 6th Working Party meeting at the end of September 2025, reaffirming their shared objective of advancing toward full membership.

Negotiations will proceed with urgency and continuity, with the goal of concluding Ethiopia’s accession during the WTO Ministerial Conference, slated to be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in March 2026.