Ethiopian Airlines-DHL and African Electronic Trade Group partnered to transport parcels in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The partnership is meant to invoke the start of trading of the African Continental Free Trade Area market and the operations of the African E-Commerce Platform in the continent.
The first batch of the goods arrived at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on 1 January 2021 at a ceremony graced by high-level officials from the public and private sectors, African Union, DHL and Ethiopian Airlines Group.
Working in collaboration with African Union Commission and the African business community with a vision to enhance intra-and inter-African trade, the African Electronic Trade Group transports fragile trophies to various African countries as AfCFTA commences.
This partnership joins the pre-existing continental partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and DHL that has strengthened the multimodal logistics systems established by Ethiopian at its hub in Addis Ababa.
So far, the fragile goods have passed through Eswatini, South Africa and Ethiopia – the three countries have signed and ratified the AfCFTA Agreement.
Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian airlines said “the link between an integrated African marketplace, free movement of persons and the single air market in Africa cannot be underestimated as it serves as a catalyst for unlocking immense opportunities in Africa for the benefit of Africans and all stakeholders.”
“While fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to work to boost intra African trade to pave the way for a brighter future,” Tewolde added.
The event is held to mark the start of trading of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the operation of the African E-Commerce Platform named “Sokokuu’’ which means big market, central market and unity in Kiswahili.
The items are produced in Eswatini and transported to various destinations across the continent to symbolize that Africa is ready to exchange goods originating in this marketplace from the first day of trading.
