Four Horn of Africa countries—Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan—are currently involved in negotiations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), representing half the total African nations seeking membership. During the Horn of Africa Initiative ministerial meeting, Deputy Director-General (DDG) Hill remarked on the progress and highlighted Ethiopia and Somalia as particularly engaged in the accession process.
Ethiopia's efforts towards joining the WTO are underscored by its "Homegrown Economic Reform Programme," initiated in 2019, which reflects a commitment to economic transformation and an open, rules-based economy. "WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has stressed that Ethiopia's accession is a strategic priority for the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference, which will take place in Cameroon in March 2026. As the largest economy currently outside the WTO and one of the few remaining least-developed countries in the accession pipeline, Ethiopia’s membership would meaningfully advance the WTO’s goal of universality," said DDG Hill.
Regarding Somalia, DDG Hill stated, "Somalia has demonstrated strong political commitment and dedicated technical expertise in the process," recognizing the alignment between WTO membership aspirations and Somalia's integration endeavors with the East African Community.
The meeting also offered a platform to discuss action plans for enhancing trade within the region, building on existing commitments and consultations. DDG Hill emphasized the timeliness of addressing regional trade and facilitation issues, saying, "Strengthening trade links can be a key piece in fostering regional integration and connectivity in the Horn of Africa."
Co-chaired by Ethiopia's Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and the World Bank's Acting Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Amit Dar, the meeting gathered finance ministers and senior officials from the region. A new USD 10 billion contribution from development partners, including the African Development Bank, the European Union, Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, was announced at the event.
As the meeting concluded, Somalia's Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh assumed the role of chair for the Horn of Africa Initiative for the forthcoming two years.
The Horn of Africa Initiative unites countries like Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan in coordinating strategies to address regional challenges while prioritizing infrastructure connectivity, economic integration, resilience building, and skills development.
Further details regarding the accession status of Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan are accessible via provided resources.