Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia is set to engage in a critical round of negotiations by the end of February or early March as it moves closer to securing membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). This marks a significant step in the country’s long-standing aspiration to join the global trade body, a process that has spanned over two decades.
Ethiopia first applied for WTO membership in 2003, initiating a process that required extensive economic and trade policy reforms to align with the organization’s stringent accession criteria. Over the years, the country has undertaken substantial legislative changes, including revising investment laws, modernizing customs procedures, and reducing state control over key economic sectors to foster a more competitive market environment.
The upcoming round of discussions in Geneva will focus on finalizing key agreements, including Ethiopia’s commitments on market access, regulatory compliance, and domestic policy adjustments. The negotiations will cover critical aspects such as tariff structures, the liberalization of service sectors, agricultural subsidies, intellectual property protections, and adherence to global trade standards. A crucial element of these negotiations is Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring fair competition while protecting local industries from potential external market shocks.
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