ECCSA Intensifies Training and Partnerships to Boost AfCFTA Readiness

Addis Ababa, September 23, 2026 (ENA) —The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) has stated that, as one of the stakeholders, it is intensifying efforts to scale up national readiness for broader regional economic engagement under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In an exclusive interview with ENA, ECCSA Secretary General Kenenisa Lemi highlighted that AfCFTA stands as one of the continent's most transformative economic integration initiatives, unlocking vital pathways for expanding intra-African trade.
Ethiopia has been participating in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market since last year; it has been trading with countries including South Africa, Kenya, and Somalia, and has intensified its efforts to expand trade with other countries across the continent, he noted.
According to him, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) is partnering with government bodies, private organizations, and other stakeholders to provide specialized training aimed at enabling Ethiopian companies to compete effectively in the AfCFTA market in terms of quality, branding, and price.
Therefore, he stressed the need to improve market understanding, boost competitiveness, and help businesses maximize the opportunities presented by AfCFTA.
"Our use of technology, our utilization of human resources, and our innovation activities need to be strengthened," he said. 
"Our customer management practices also need to be improved, and our marketing and communication efforts need to be enhanced."
Therefore, when discussing "readiness," it is important not only to focus on the products manufactured and the services provided but also to undertake the various supporting activities that are necessary.
The Secretary General further stated that, to support these preparations, the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations is working with government and non-governmental organizations.
Companies themselves also need to invest in strengthening their employees' capacities in marketing, communication, and digital literacy, as well as allocating sufficient budgets for research and innovation, he emphasized.
Therefore, he said, a great deal of work needs to be done in a coordinated manner, from individual companies to the government, to prepare for the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Noting the continent's massive economic potential, Kenenisa pointed out that Africa has a population of more than 1.4 billion and an economy valued at over 3.5 trillion USD.
However, intra-African trade currently accounts for less than 18 percent of the continent's total trade volume, underscoring the vast potential for growth as nations increasingly shift toward intra-continental commerce.
Kenenisa noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds immense potential to strengthen intra-African economic ties by enabling nations to better leverage their own markets, resources, and production capacities.
While efforts to establish the framework began in 2018, implementation gained significant momentum in 2021; Ethiopia has actively entered this emerging market, officially launching exports under the AfCFTA framework.
"AfCFTA provides Ethiopia with a vital gateway to deepen its integration into the wider African and international trading systems," Kenenisa concluded. "It has challenged us to step up our preparations, ensuring our private sector is fully equipped to succeed."