Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO), aiming to conclude the process at the WTO Assembly in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in March 2026. Significant progress has been made over the past year during the 5th and 6th rounds of multilateral negotiations.
On the bilateral track, a major development in recent weeks saw Ethiopia sign market access protocols with Argentina, China, and Russia. These agreements are the culmination of several rounds of technical negotiations with the three WTO member states. They also reflect strong cross-regional confidence in Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms to align its trade regime with WTO rules and principles.
Given the pivotal role of these countries in the WTO system and global trade, the signing of the protocols marks an important step in advancing Ethiopia’s accession process. It provides fresh momentum for negotiations with the 12 other countries still in discussion. Furthermore, it strengthens confidence in wrapping up the multilateral track, in which Ethiopia has responded to over 1,000 questions from WTO member states.
To align its regulatory framework with international trade standards, Ethiopia has promulgated over 130 new pieces of legislation, enhancing guaranteed market access, modernizing the trade regime, and supporting economic growth and prosperity. Ethiopia has also made offers to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers while ensuring that trade rules are transparent, predictable, and consistent with WTO principles. The recent launch of trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) further demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to opening the economy and fostering competition.
At a time when the WTO-centered international trade system faces challenges, Ethiopia’s accession presents an opportunity to revitalize the system. With a large domestic market and investment potential, Ethiopia offers attractive opportunities for WTO member states.
As WTO accession negotiations enter a critical phase, it is essential that countries engaged in bilateral market access negotiations support an expedited conclusion of the process to ensure Ethiopia joins the WTO family in Yaoundé, Cameroon.