Ethiopia’s long-standing ambition to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) is nearing a pivotal moment, with the next round of negotiations scheduled for late February or early March. This development marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to integrate into the international trading system after years of extensive preparation and reform.
Ethiopia first applied for WTO membership in 2003 and has since undertaken substantial economic and trade policy reforms to meet the organization’s stringent requirements. The upcoming talks, expected to take place in Geneva, will focus on finalizing key competition contracts, including market access commitments and necessary domestic regulatory adjustments.
Trade experts and government officials have expressed optimism about the negotiations. “This is a historic opportunity for Ethiopia to strengthen its economy and attract foreign investment,” said Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration. “Joining the WTO opens new doors for exporters and creates a platform for sustainable growth.”
A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Kassahun, recently met with the WTO Secretariat in Geneva. The delegation, which included representatives from various institutions, successfully completed all necessary documentation for distribution to member states, paving the way for the fifth round of negotiations.
Yasmin Wohabrebbi, State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration, who was present during the meeting, stated, “We have made it clear where we stand with this amendment in 2020 and how we want to proceed with our entry process.”
Although the fourth round of WTO Working Party meetings took place in 2020, progress was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and other unexpected challenges. However, Minister Yasmin assured that preparations for the upcoming round have now been completed.
The Ethiopian government’s commitment to WTO membership is evident in the broad macroeconomic reforms implemented over the past five years. These reforms have addressed many unresolved issues raised by member states at both multilateral and bilateral levels.
While a few additional rounds of working party meetings are anticipated, government officials plan to complete the entry process at the next Council of Ministers meeting in Cameroon in 2026.
In addition to multilateral negotiations, Ethiopia is actively engaging in bilateral talks with several countries. Yasmin emphasized that successful completion of these agreements will be crucial for ensuring favorable market access for Ethiopia’s goods and services—one of the key benefits of WTO membership.
The push for WTO accession aligns with Ethiopia’s broader strategy to expand its presence in global markets and strengthen regional trade integration. A central theme of this strategy is a focus on quality. The government is actively developing institutions and processes to ensure standardized products, recognizing their importance in competing effectively on the global stage.
Significant investments have also been made in infrastructure to facilitate trade and enhance Ethiopia’s competitiveness. These improvements are deemed essential for maximizing the benefits of WTO membership and fostering sustainable economic growth.
In a recent interview with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s press secretary, Minister Yasmin reiterated that the upcoming round of negotiations represents a crucial step toward Ethiopia’s WTO membership. This move has been attributed to Ethiopia’s economic reforms under Prime Minister Ahmed’s administration, which prioritize liberalization and private sector development.
