Ethiopia’s engagement in international and regional trade integration has evolved over decades. The country has been actively participating in various regional economic communities (RECs) to foster trade, investment, and economic cooperation. Ethiopia is a member of several RECs, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) .
In recent years, Ethiopia has undertaken significant initiatives to enhance its trade infrastructure and policy frameworks. The establishment of the Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone in 2022 is a notable example, aiming to improve trade efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and attract foreign investments .
Additionally, Ethiopia has been actively involved in capacity-building programs to strengthen its trade policy analysis capabilities. Collaborations with organizations like the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and the Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) have been instrumental in this regard .
