Ethiopia has begun implementing tariff reductions with 24 African Continental Free Trade Area member countries. This move is seen as crucial for bolstering continental economic integration. The reductions started on Hamle 14, 2017 E.C.
Ethiopia has announced the start of implementing tariff reductions with 24 member countries of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This initiative, outlined in a Federal Government Gazette, plays a key role in strengthening continental economic integration.
The tariff reduction schedule began on Hamle 14, 2017 E.C. (July 2025 G.C.). Its objective is to fully eliminate over 90% of tariffs on trade exchanges with African partner countries, as confirmed in a recent circular from the AfCFTA Secretariat. Among these 24 countries are Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Morocco.
The government operationalized this following approval at an African Union summit, two years ahead of the House of Peoples' Representatives deadline. The AfCFTA, which provisionally started at the end of March 2018, aims to unite 55 African countries into a single market. It encompasses 1.4 billion people and a combined gross domestic product of $3.4 trillion.