Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia is spearheading regional integration in Africa, focusing on enhancing trade and infrastructure, including energy, to foster economic ties with neighboring countries.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopia’s active participation and leadership in these areas mark a significant pivot from its previously hesitant approach.

In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Melaku Desta, Coordinator at the African Trade Policy Center of ECA, highlighted Ethiopia’s transformation over the last six years. The country now plays a leading role in both negotiating and implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. This agreement aims to create a more favorable business environment, unlocking market opportunities across a continent with a population of 1.4 billion and a spending capacity of over $3 trillion.

Participation in the AfCFTA allows Ethiopian companies to access these vast markets without the hindrance of duties, tariffs, or quantitative restrictions, thus offering significant benefits for businesses setting up production within the country.

Yonas Bekele, a Transport and Infrastructure Economist at the ECA, emphasized the critical role of infrastructure integration in recalibrating Africa’s growth strategy. Amid global challenges such as COVID-19 and geopolitical conflicts, infrastructure development is crucial for boosting intra-regional trade and sustaining economic growth.

Bekele lauded the Ethiopian government’s efforts, including the expansion of Ethiopian Airlines, enhancements in road networks, and improvements in water and sanitation facilities. These initiatives have been pivotal in supporting Ethiopia’s infrastructure success, thereby contributing to the sustainable economic development and enhanced regional integration of the country.