During her visit to Ethiopia's capital, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala engaged in discussions with African leaders on matters concerning the WTO. A significant meeting took place between DG Okonjo-Iweala and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, where they discussed Ethiopia’s economic reforms. The recent liberalization of sectors such as banking and telecommunications, along with new market-based foreign exchange policies, were highlighted as potential accelerators for Ethiopia's WTO accession process.
This meeting was held in anticipation of the fifth session of the Working Party on the Accession of Ethiopia, scheduled at the WTO for March 19. This session marks a return to formal discussions after a five-year hiatus since the last meeting in 2020.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated Ethiopia’s dedication to joining the global trading system. He pointed out ongoing efforts under the Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda to meet WTO membership requirements. DG Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged his support and assured that the WTO is ready to assist Ethiopia in achieving its membership goal.
Additionally, DG Okonjo-Iweala met with Ethiopia’s Steering Committee on WTO Accession, led by Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe Balami. The committee consists of senior officials from various ministries tasked with making policy decisions related to accession. Recently, they visited the WTO to prepare for resuming negotiations.
DG Okonjo-Iweala commended the Steering Committee's dedication towards completing necessary work before MC14 in Cameroon. Their discussion covered steps outlined in an accession roadmap aimed at finalizing negotiations.
On another note, during an AU Summit side event, DG Okonjo-Iweala also conversed with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud about Somalia’s path towards joining the WTO. On February 17, Somalia's delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama concluded their first Working Party meeting successfully.