Ethiopia begins exports under African Continental Free Trade Area framework

Ethiopia has officially begun exporting goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The first shipment, consisting of meat, fruit, and other agricultural products, was sent to Somalia, Kenya, and South Africa via both land and air routes, marking Ethiopia’s effective integration into the continent’s unified trading system.

The Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Goffe, described the launch as “a major milestone in Ethiopia’s trade journey” and a symbol of the country’s growing participation in one of Africa’s most ambitious economic projects, according to Fana Media Corporation, a partner of TV BRICS.

Established in 2018 under the African Union, the AfCFTA unites 55 countries, with a combined population of more than 1.4 billion people and a GDP exceeding US$3.4 trillion.

The agreement also promotes economic integration, industrial competitiveness, and inclusive growth, which are key pillars of Africa’s Agenda 2063.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene praised Ethiopia’s political commitment and institutional coordination, emphasising that its active participation will strengthen value addition, industrialisation, and economic integration across Africa.

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