Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia is set to engage in a critical round of negotiations by the end of February or early March as it moves closer to securing membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). This marks a significant step in the country’s long-standing aspiration to join the global trade body, a process that has spanned over two decades.
Ethiopia first applied for WTO membership in 2003, initiating a process that required extensive economic and trade policy reforms to align with the organization’s stringent accession criteria. Over the years, the country has undertaken substantial legislative changes, including revising investment laws, modernizing customs procedures, and reducing state control over key economic sectors to foster a more competitive market environment.
The upcoming round of discussions in Geneva will focus on finalizing key agreements, including Ethiopia’s commitments on market access, regulatory compliance, and domestic policy adjustments. The negotiations will cover critical aspects such as tariff structures, the liberalization of service sectors, agricultural subsidies, intellectual property protections, and adherence to global trade standards. A crucial element of these negotiations is Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring fair competition while protecting local industries from potential external market shocks.
Trade experts and government officials have expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations. According to Ethiopia’s State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration, Yasmin Wohabrebbi, “WTO membership represents a historic opportunity for Ethiopia’s economic expansion and the attraction of foreign investment. By joining the global trading system, Ethiopia will benefit from greater market access and enhanced trade relations with other member states.”
A high-level Ethiopian delegation recently met with WTO officials in Geneva, finalizing the necessary documentation required for the negotiation process. These discussions included extensive consultations with key international trade partners, aiming to secure support for Ethiopia’s accession bid. Although Ethiopia participated in its fourth round of negotiations in 2020, progress was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability in the country. However, the Ethiopian government has since renewed its commitment to the process, implementing various policy measures to align with WTO requirements.
The government is aiming to conclude the membership process by 2026, aligning with the WTO Ministerial Conference scheduled to be held in Cameroon. In addition to multilateral negotiations, Ethiopia is actively engaged in bilateral discussions with several WTO member countries, including the United States, the European Union, and China, to resolve outstanding trade concerns and establish mutually beneficial agreements.
Ethiopia’s WTO membership is expected to enhance its global trade competitiveness by expanding market access, improving the investment climate, and fostering sustainable economic growth. Additionally, membership will enable Ethiopia to participate in the global rule-making process, ensuring its interests are represented in international trade policies. The move aligns with the nation’s broader strategy to integrate into the global economy, attract foreign direct investment, and drive industrialization through increased trade opportunities.
As the negotiations enter their final stage, Ethiopia remains committed to meeting the WTO’s accession requirements, with the expectation that membership will unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen its position in the international trade landscape, and bolster its long-term economic resilience.
