AfCFTA Heralds Significant Opportunities for Ethiopia, Regional Business Communities: ECCSA

Addis Ababa, February 28, 2026 (ENA) – The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will bring significant opportunities not only for Ethiopia and the business community but also for other African countries, Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) Secretary-General told ENA.

Africa is a continent of more than 1.57 billion people, with a predominantly young population and the continent's total GDP exceeds 3.4 trillion USD, making it a vast and preferred market for business.

ECCSA Secretary-General Kenenissa Lemie said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a major gateway for local traders into the large market of the continent.

According to him, Ethiopia's membership in the regional bloc will bring significant opportunity for the country's business community.

AfCFTA offers substantial benefits to Ethiopian traders, providing an expansive opportunity to sell products across all of Africa, rather than being confined to the domestic market.

As trade follows free-market principles, it would enable the provision of goods and services without tariffs or trade barriers, he stated.

Moreover, the free competition within the zone would encourage traders to constantly improve themselves and adopt new practices, fostering a more active and effective business environment, the Secretary-General added.

Ethiopia's opening up will also helps local traders exchange experiences and learn new business strategies from their African counterparts.

Kenenissa further noted that the country's trade laws adhere with the continental trade system thus creating a conducive business environment.

This, he said encourages foreign investors to engage in various sectors in Ethiopia, creating jobs for many citizens and laying the foundation for prosperity. 

He mentioned that the AfCFTA includes protocols for trade in goods, trade in services, and the free movement of persons as well.

According to the Secretary-General, Ethiopia is focusing on the protocols for trade in goods, and has begun trading with South Africa, Kenya, and Somalia.

The Chamber is providing training for traders to raise awareness about trade protocols and enable them to benefit from the opportunity as well as help traders to become competitive in international markets, it was learned.