AMN Plus-February 16/2026
Ethiopia is demonstrating unwavering commitment to advancing Africa’s continental economic integration and transforming the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement into tangible results.
Established in 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda, the AfCFTA stands as a historic milestone in Africa’s journey toward economic transformation. Projected to benefit more than 1.3 billion people across the continent, the agreement is reshaping Africa’s trade architecture and unlocking vast economic opportunities. To date, 49 African countries have ratified the accord and commenced its implementation, a development expected to generate up to USD 3.4 trillion in annual intra-African trade.
Aligned with this continental vision, Ethiopia is undertaking a wide range of practical measures to accelerate the implementation.
In September, the country formally joined the Free Trade Area through its first AfCFTA-enabled exports, shipping agricultural products, including meat, coffee, maize, vegetables, and fruits. Logistics and connectivity remain central to Ethiopia’s strategy.
Ethiopian Airlines is playing a pivotal role in facilitating trade by leveraging its extensive network of more than 60 destinations across Africa, strengthening supply chains and market access.
On the financial front, the National Bank of Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to operationalize the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), a transformative mechanism designed to ease foreign-currency constraints in cross-border trade.
The system enables transactions using national currencies, reinforcing Africa’s financial integration and economic sovereignty.
Together, these initiatives underscore Ethiopia’s determination to translate AfCFTA from aspiration into action, contributing meaningfully to Africa’s shared prosperity and sustainable development.
By Birhanu Workneh
