Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration said first-half performance in the 2018 E.C. fiscal year exceeded targets across key indicators, underscoring momentum in exports, market access, and digital trade services.

Speaking at the ministry’s six-month trade sector performance conference held in Dessie, officials reported that nationwide business registration and licensing delivered 2.31 million online services, surpassing the planned 1.86 million and achieving 124% of target. The result represents a 12% year-on-year increase, or 254,564 additional services, reflecting accelerated digitization of trade administration.

Domestic market infrastructure also expanded. The number of Saturday and Sunday market centers rose to 1,988, exceeding the target of 1,972, after 421 new markets were opened during the period.

Export performance led the gains. Revenue reached $5.10 billion in the first six months—120.18% of the $4.24 billion target—marking a 56% increase, or $1.83 billion, from the same period a year earlier. The figure equals the country’s total export earnings for the entire 2016 E.C. fiscal year, the ministry said.

Policy milestones were also highlighted. Ethiopia implemented the African Continental Free Trade Area for the first time in both air cargo and land transport under African Continental Free Trade Area frameworks, a step officials described as significant for regional integration. The government also reported renewed momentum in its accession talks with the World Trade Organization, saying the process has shifted to a more active and expedited phase after years of slow progress.

On standards and competitiveness, the ministry cited quality-assurance initiatives aimed at strengthening readiness for regional and international markets. It also pointed to progress toward the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy, noting early advances in e-commerce as foundational to modernizing the trade sector.

Officials said the results lay groundwork for institutional strengthening and sustained growth in the second half of the fiscal year.