Ethiopia to Begin Trading Under AfCFTA on Thursday: Expert Explains What It Means for Africa
07:42 09.10.2025 (Updated: 07:44 09.10.2025)
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Ethiopia to Begin Trading Under AfCFTA on Thursday: Expert Explains What It Means for Africa
The move is nothing short of “a game changer,” economist Costantinos Berhutesfa told Sputnik Africa.
“Foreign companies coming to Ethiopia to manufacture can seize this opportunity to produce and export to African countries. This will significantly boost intra-African trade and contribute to the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” he said.
Small and medium enterprises stand to gain the most, according to the expert.
“If these medium-sized enterprises grow and meet global market quality standards, they will be the biggest beneficiaries,” he noted, adding that they’ll now have better access to African consumers and regional markets.
↔ He also underlined the importance of duty-free trade, explaining that:
“Intra-African trade is tariff-free, meaning no duties are paid on products imported from other African countries. This makes products cheaper for African consumers and highly competitive.”
Still, infrastructure remains a challenge. Yet, Ethiopian Airlines — described by Costantinos as a symbol of “African pride” — could help overcome this barrier thanks to its extensive network across the continent.
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