Ethiopia recorded more than $14.4 million in exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) between the start of official trading in October 2025 and May 30, 2026, marking growing participation in Africa’s single market.
According to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, imports under the agreement exceeded $8.6 million during the same period. The country began trading under AfCFTA on October 9, 2025, after completing its tariff schedule and commitments on trade in services.
Ethiopia’s main exports under the agreement have included oilseeds, maize and chemical products, while dry yeast and television components have been among its leading imports. The number of African export destinations has also increased from four to seven, with Ethiopian products now reaching Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana and Algeria.
The expansion has been supported by tariff reductions under AfCFTA, which aims to strengthen intra-African trade and create a common continental market covering 54 countries and about 1.3 billion people.
Private-sector participation is also growing. The ministry said 37 Ethiopian companies are currently exporting under the agreement, while 76 companies are involved in imports. The broader expansion of market access could create opportunities for Ethiopian producers, manufacturers and agribusinesses seeking to increase regional trade.
Ethiopia’s AfCFTA participation also forms part of wider efforts to remove trade barriers, strengthen institutions and implement economic reforms. The government says progress under the continental agreement could complement its ongoing efforts to secure World Trade Organization (WTO) membership.
With exports expanding into more African markets, Ethiopia is positioning AfCFTA as an important platform for increasing regional trade, supporting private-sector growth and improving access to the wider African consumer market.