The Ethiopian government, in collaboration with the private sector and development partners, has introduced a Step-by-Step Guide for Trading in Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and a companion Trade Information Portal. These tools aim to address the lack of clear and reliable information on exporting goods across the continent, a major barrier to intra-African trade. The guide explains rules of origin, customs documentation, licenses, and certifications step by step.
The new trader guide and digital portal were validated at a two-day workshop held in Addis Ababa on September 15-16. The event was convened by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), with support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Expertise France. The governments of Canada and Japan provided financial support for the initiative.
According to Jean-Baptiste Petigny, Country Director of Expertise France in Ethiopia, the goal is to shift from awareness to action and from capacity building to actual trade. The guide and portal will provide businesses with a clear and practical roadmap for trading goods across the AfCFTA. This move is expected to increase Ethiopian businesses' participation in the continental free trade area and boost intra-African trade.
The AfCFTA aims to create a single, large market for African countries, increasing economic integration and cooperation. However, traders often face challenges due to a lack of information on trade regulations and procedures. The new guide and portal will help address these challenges, making it easier for Ethiopian businesses to export goods to other African countries.
The Trade Information Portal is a digital platform that will provide up-to-date information on trade regulations, tariffs, and other trade-related issues. This will enable businesses to access the information they need to trade effectively across the continent. The portal will also facilitate the sharing of information among traders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
The introduction of the trader guide and digital portal is a significant step towards implementing the AfCFTA in Ethiopia. The government and its partners are working to ensure that businesses have the necessary tools and information to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the continental free trade area. This move is expected to contribute to Ethiopia's economic growth and development.
The private sector has been identified as a key player in unlocking the potential of the AfCFTA. The Ethiopian government is working to create an enabling environment for businesses to participate in the continental free trade area. With the introduction of the trader guide and digital portal, Ethiopian businesses are now better equipped to navigate the complexities of AfCFTA trade regulations and take advantage of new market opportunities.
Key points
- The Ethiopian government has introduced a Step-by-Step Guide for Trading in Goods under the AfCFTA and a companion Trade Information Portal to help businesses navigate trade regulations.
