Ethiopia, World Bank Deepen Cooperation on Trade Facilitation and WTO Accession

Addis Ababa, March 25, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the World Bank have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and accelerating the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe announced the development following bilateral talks held in Yaoundé with World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiamé Diop.

“We had a fruitful discussion aimed at strengthening cooperation in Ethiopia’s trade sector, building quality infrastructure, and advancing the country’s membership in the World Trade Organization,” Kassahun said in a statement released after the meeting.

 

The minister noted that both sides reviewed progress on key initiatives designed to streamline trade processes and enhance competitiveness.

These include the implementation of one-stop service systems, the construction of modern livestock trade centers under the DRIVE project, and the development of the National Quality Infrastructure Laboratory Center.

According to Kassahun, the two parties agreed to scale up collaboration to deliver stronger results in priority areas.

“We have agreed to work together more closely to achieve improved outcomes,” he said.

 

He also highlighted the role of emerging programs in advancing Ethiopia’s global trade integration.

The BOOST project, he noted, is expected to accelerate Ethiopia’s WTO accession, expand engagement under the African Continental Free Trade Area, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in international markets.

Kassahun emphasized that increased private sector participation will be central to sustaining economic growth.

 

“Our future cooperation will focus on strengthening private sector engagement and ensuring that citizens benefit from these initiatives,” he added.

The discussions further underscored the importance of building institutional capacity and modernizing trade systems as part of Ethiopia’s broader economic transformation agenda.