Ethiopia, India Sign Key Trade Deal in Ethiopia’s WTO Bid

Addis Ababa, May 22, 2026 —Ethiopia and India have signed a Bilateral Market Access Protocol in Geneva, marking a significant breakthrough in Ethiopia’s ongoing bid to join the World Trade Organization.

The agreement, signed within the framework of Ethiopia’s WTO accession negotiations, finalizes long-running bilateral talks between the two countries and outlines mutually agreed market access commitments in both goods and services.

The Protocol was signed by Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva Tsegab Kebebew, and Senthil Pandian on behalf of India.

 

Officials from both countries described the deal as a major milestone toward Ethiopia’s deeper integration into the global trading system.

They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to a transparent, rules-based, and development-focused multilateral trade framework.

The signing is expected to strengthen economic cooperation between Ethiopia and India while advancing Ethiopia’s efforts to secure full WTO membership.