Top-level government representatives have emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing legal commerce, enhancing product standards, and boosting export earnings, as Ethiopia advances its economic transformations and gets ready to expand trade connections within the region and globally.

At the 2024/2025 annual sector conference hosted at the Quality Village with the topic: “Achieving National Hopes via Simplified Commerce,” Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe (PhD) stated that Ethiopia aims for 9.4 billion USD in exports during 2025/26, following the 8.3 billion USD recorded last year.

Kassahun highlighted that the application of technology, collaboration between organizations, and enhanced regulatory measures will be essential in achieving the objective. He mentioned the advancements seen in mining, tourism, and manufacturing as part of the current macroeconomic and foreign exchange reform initiatives.

Ethiopia is also getting ready to begin activities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in September. Plans are being made for the sixth WTO Working Party session, as the nation has thus far engaged in discussions about bilateral trade with 10 out of the 20 countries that have expressed interest in cooperation.

The Quality Village, built with an investment of 8.2 billion Birr, has already become a key facility for examining imported and exported products, as highlighted by the Minister.

The Oromia region, responsible for more than 60% of Ethiopia’s export revenue—primarily from coffee, oilseeds, and khat—is focusing on enhancing value and leveraging technological advancements in trade. As stated by Tesfaye Gesho, deputy head of the Oromia Trade and Market Development Bureau, the state aims to establish branding for coffee, livestock, honey, and agricultural produce via improved standards and regional focus. Initiatives are also being implemented to boost online commerce and better align supply with demand, particularly during festive periods.

He mentioned that 594 Sunday markets are currently connecting farmers, manufacturers, and shoppers throughout the state, eliminating extra intermediaries. Out of the 2,162 recently constructed market hubs, 94% are functioning.

Tesfaye admitted that illegal trading continues to be an issue, yet mentioned that the Bureau has entered into a memorandum of understanding with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and officials from tax and transportation departments to address this concern. In the fiscal year 2024/25, more than 1.1 billion Birr in income was generated through efforts against unlawful trade.

In Amhara State, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, head of the Trade and Market Development Bureau, emphasized initiatives aimed at increasing high-quality output, mainly for grains and oilseed crops. Last year, the region exported 6.8 million quintals of agricultural products, generating substantial foreign currency.

Although there were occasional conflicts, Ibrahim mentioned that collaborative actions taken by local authorities and residents have contributed to addressing illicit trading and ensuring consumer safety. Last year, expired food valued at 24 million Birr was discarded to preserve public well-being.

The Amhara region has also pinpointed 107 commonly utilized items before the upcoming New Year, striving to ensure equilibrium between supply and demand across different administrative levels. Eight additional secondary-market hubs have been constructed to enhance trading facilities, along with a fund of 1.1 billion Birr allocated to traders’ associations to ease entry into markets.

Federal and local authorities emphasized that maintaining lawful commerce, guaranteeing high-standard manufacturing, and enhancing organizational collaboration continue to be key elements of Ethiopia’s trading reforms. Joint initiatives, better connections within markets, and embracing technology are anticipated to boost income, enhance public well-being, and enable Ethiopia to make more effective use of African and worldwide trade prospects.

BY MESERET BEHAILU

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 28 AUGUST 2025

© 2025 The Ethiopian Herald. All rights reserved. Published by AllAfrica Global Media (LFHCK.ID).

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