A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Minister Kassahun visited Geneva to advance the country's bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). The group included 18 senior officials from the Steering Committee on Accession and various ministries, with additional government representatives participating remotely from Addis Ababa.
Minister Kassahun stated Ethiopia's intention to become a WTO member at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. He pointed to several reforms enacted since March as part of Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda. These measures include liberalizing the banking and foreign exchange sectors, easing restrictions for foreign investors, and increasing private sector involvement in the economy.
The minister reported that negotiations with WTO members have progressed. Since March, Ethiopia has answered over 200 questions from WTO members and submitted more than 50 legislative documents. The country has also presented 33 draft commitments for review. Technical aspects of bilateral market access talks have concluded with six countries, while discussions continue with twelve others.
"Ethiopia's WTO membership would bring a market of 120 million people, create new opportunities for global trade and investment, and reinforce the credibility of the WTO accession process," said Minister Kassahun. "It would demonstrate that the system works for developing and least-developed countries, while anchoring Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda in a rules-based multilateral system, ensuring predictability, transparency and fairness."
WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang praised Ethiopia's "commitment and proactive engagement," noting its shift "from a state-led economy towards one driven by the private sector." He added: "Reforms can bring huge benefits and can present a lot of challenges. WTO accession can create demanding external pressure, which is an effective driver of a much-needed economic transformation."
WTO members acknowledged Ethiopia’s reform efforts during meetings in Geneva. They encouraged continued domestic changes and regular updates on progress. Members also appreciated being able to review reforms at a dedicated side event before formal discussions began.
Many participants expressed hope that Ethiopia could join the WTO soon. They said membership would help integrate Ethiopia into global trade systems and support its sustainable development goals. However, they noted there is still significant work required in both bilateral and multilateral negotiations.
Rebecca Fisher-Lamb of the United Kingdom chairs the Working Party overseeing Ethiopia's accession process. She remarked that recent talks provided "greater clarity on what is expected from Ethiopia going forward," commended its reform efforts, and called on all parties to "intensify and accelerate engagement." She cautioned about tight timelines ahead of MC14 but stressed maintaining technical momentum.
Next steps involve finalizing remaining bilateral market access negotiations before November ends if possible. Members were asked to submit written questions or comments by October 24 as part of ongoing multilateral talks. The WTO Secretariat will update its draft report on Ethiopian accession based on new information received.
A subsequent meeting of the Working Party may take place in early 2026 depending on negotiation progress.