Ethiopia has achieved a significant economic milestone by officially commencing the shipment of goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. The inaugural consignment, consisting of meat, fruits, and various agricultural products, was exported to Somalia, Kenya, and South Africa via land and air routes.
At a symbolic ceremony marking the launch, Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Goffe described the event as a “major milestone in Ethiopia’s trade journey”, underscoring its alignment with one of the most ambitious trade frameworks globally. The AfCFTA, established in 2018 under the African Union (AU), seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services, ensuring the free movement of businesspeople and investments.
According to Kassahun, the AfCFTA integrates 55 African Union member states, representing a population of over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding USD 3.4 trillion. He emphasized that for Ethiopia — as Africa’s second most populous nation and a strategic gateway to the Horn of Africa — this step marks a transition from policy to practice in leveraging continental integration.
Adem Farah, Vice President of the Prosperity Party and Head of the Democratic System Building Coordination Center, reiterated Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to African unity and self-determination. He stressed that the initiative signifies not just the start of trade but also Ethiopia’s reaffirmed leadership in African economic cooperation. Adem highlighted the importance of interconnected markets, efficient logistics, and regional value chains as prerequisites for sustainable prosperity.
AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene commended Ethiopia’s move as both a national and continental milestone, noting the country’s strong political will and institutional collaboration in translating the AfCFTA vision into tangible action.
Potential Benefits to African Trade:
The implementation of the AfCFTA offers Ethiopia major economic advantages, including access to a continental market of 1.4 billion people, opportunities for export diversification, and enhanced industrial competitiveness through reduced trade barriers. It is expected to boost intra-African trade, attract regional investment, create jobs, and promote inclusive growth. Moreover, it aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063, strengthening Ethiopia’s role in advancing continental integration and shared prosperity.