Strong political commitment and public-private cooperation drive Ethiopia’s WTO membership bid

Addis Ababa, December 11, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia is advancing decisively toward joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) by 2026, according to officials. Kassahun Gofe, Chief Negotiator and Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, outlined the country’s progress in this strategic endeavor.

A forum themed “Integrating Ethiopia, Transforming Trade”—also referred to as “Connecting Ethiopia through Trade: Elevating to a Higher Level”—was held at the Addis International Convention Center, with Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh attending.

The event aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders about Ethiopia’s WTO accession process and the milestones achieved so far.

Speaking at the event, Minister Kassahun highlighted Ethiopia’s nearly two-decade-long engagement in bilateral and multilateral discussions to fully integrate into the global economy.

He noted that Ethiopia’s WTO application has been formally accepted and negotiations are in progress. Six negotiation rounds have already been completed, with over 1,050 questions satisfactorily addressed. With renewed political engagement and strong inter-agency coordination, Ethiopia has conducted two working party meetings in less than a year and is preparing for the third.

The forum also highlighted Ethiopia’s recent achievements and the benefits of WTO membership, including market access, predictable trade conditions, participation in dispute settlement mechanisms, and securing Ethiopia’s rightful position in global trade.

Stakeholders, particularly the private sector, expressed renewed commitment to collaborate in fast-tracking the accession process.

He emphasized that WTO membership will provide a stable trade environment, enhance demand for Ethiopian products, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s overall economic capacity.

“Ethiopia is diligently working to achieve WTO membership by 2026,” Minister Kassahun said, stressing that active collaboration among stakeholders will be pivotal to the country’s success. Officials confirmed that the government will continue to focus on inter-agency coordination and raising awareness among all stakeholders to complete the remaining multilateral and bilateral negotiations and finalize the country’s WTO membership in 2026.