Ministry Urges Exporters to Harness AfCFTA Opportunities

Addis Ababa, October 27, 2025 (ENA) – The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has called on the export sector to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to achieve stronger export performance.

Samuel Gizaw, AfCFTA Desk Coordinator at the Ministry, told ENA that the implementation of the agreement presents a vast market potential, given Africa’s large population and growing annual GDP.  

He emphasized that the business community and other stakeholders should actively seize these opportunities.

Samuel noted that the AfCFTA is not only aimed at reducing tariffs but also at simplifying complex trade procedures, which will enhance competitiveness in the continental market.  

The government has introduced various incentives to accelerate export activities under the agreement, he added.

“The agreement will help our exporters become more competitive and increase export trade at a rapid pace,” he said, urging businesses to prepare to make the most of the new market opportunities.

Exporters have also confirmed that the implementation of the agreement has already had a positive impact by expanding destination markets and increasing competitiveness in African markets.

Khalifa Hussein, Chairman of the Board of the Ethiopian Meat Producers and Exporters Association, told ENA that the launch of the AfCFTA will provide vast market opportunities across African countries.

According to him, Ethiopia’s meat exports have so far been largely directed to Far East countries; however, this agreement will help diversify export destinations.

The chairman added that the demand for meat products is high in many African nations, which will not only encourage exporters but also benefit the country’s economy.

He further explained that the agreement will facilitate trade relations with countries served by Ethiopian Airlines and help address existing challenges, particularly tariff-related barriers, enhancing competitiveness.

Similarly, Director General of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association, Tewodros Zewde, stated that the implementation of the AfCFTA will help expand export destinations for the horticulture sector.

He noted that the agreement will enable Ethiopia to increase export volumes and further strengthen its economic growth, emphasizing that it presents significant opportunities, especially in horticulture.

The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) was officially launched in Ethiopia in October 2025.