Ethiopia is on the home stretch of joining Africa's free trade area, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI).

Tesfaye Tadesse, an International Relations Expert at the Ministry, revealed the completion of the necessary paperwork and is now undergoing technical preparations for its imminent entry into the continental market.

A key focus for the government is readying the business community for this integration. MoTRI is raising awareness among manufacturers, research institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure they are equipped to meet the requirements of the free trade zone. Tesfaye clarified that while the framework for the AfCFTA is established, a common customs system is not yet in place.

Traditionally, neighboring countries such as Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan, and Kenya are Ethiopia's main trading partners. Ethiopian exports to these countries have include agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, coffee, and livestock, while imports consist of essentials like edible oil, fuel, rice, and stationery.

Ethiopia's export profile, based on a Customs Commission report from 2018 to 2022, reveals coffee, flowers, various plant products, grains, textiles, and leather goods as its main export commodities. Key export destinations during this period included Belgium, Italy, France, and Spain.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald