Ethiopia Makes Strides Toward WTO Accession, Targets 2026 Completion

Ethiopia has reported significant progress in its bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), with the government aiming to finalize its accession process by March 2026.

At a press conference on March 24, 2025, Ethiopia’s chief WTO negotiator and Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe, outlined the advancements made during the recently concluded fifth round of negotiations. He emphasized the substantial reduction in inquiries from WTO member states, marking a major milestone in the country’s accession journey.

“In the fourth round of negotiations in 2020, Ethiopia received 181 questions from WTO members,” Kassahun stated. “That number has now dropped to 110, reflecting the considerable progress we’ve made.”

He confirmed that Ethiopia will submit comprehensive written responses by May 2025.

The announcement comes after Ethiopia’s participation in the 5th WTO Working Group Summit, held last week in Geneva, Switzerland. Kassahun led a high-level delegation comprising senior government officials, reinforcing Ethiopia’s commitment to integration into the global trade system.

During his briefing, Kassahun also revealed that Ethiopia has initiated bilateral market access negotiations with 12 out of 17 target countries, including influential trade partners such as the United States and the European Union. These negotiations follow the principle of mutual exchange, ensuring fair and beneficial trade agreements.

Additionally, 19 countries and the World Bank have expressed strong support for Ethiopia’s WTO accession, with Kassahun noting that this backing exceeds normal levels of endorsement and expectation.

The next round of negotiations is scheduled for July 2025, with Ethiopia maintaining a structured approach to the process. A dedicated 35-member technical committee holds weekly reviews, while a specialized negotiating team meets bi-weekly to assess progress and refine strategies.

Ethiopia first applied for WTO membership in 1999 and has held observer status since 2003. After an eight-year hiatus, the country renewed its accession efforts in January 2020.

With its latest advancements, Ethiopia is now closer than ever to securing full WTO membership, a move expected to open new economic opportunities and strengthen its position in global trade.