Ethiopia is gearing up to initiate trial trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signaling a significant leap in the continent's trade integration efforts. According to Gebremeskel Chala, Minister of the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI), Ethiopia is aligning its strategies to engage in the preliminary exchange of goods with selected African nations.

The move comes as part of Ethiopia's commitment to the AfCFTA, aiming to eliminate 90% of import tariffs on agricultural and industrial products over the next decade. Additionally, the country plans to gradually remove tariffs on 7% of goods and exempt strategic items, ensuring policy flexibility.

By approving tariffs for 6,000 commodities, Ethiopia positions itself as a key player in what is anticipated to become the world's largest free trade zone. This development is in line with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which envisions an economically robust continent.

This strategic step, endorsed by African Union member states, marks a milestone in realizing intra-African trade potentials and fostering economic integration across the continent.