Addis Chamber Turns to Digital Trade to Expand African Market Access

Businesses in Addis Ababa are set to receive support to access markets and commercial opportunities across Africa under a new agreement between the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and the Africa E-Trade Group.

The memorandum of understanding, signed by Addis Chamber Secretary-General Zakarias Assefa and Africa E-Trade Group Chief Executive Officer Treasure Mafanga, is intended to connect local businesses with trade information, digital commerce tools and market opportunities across the continent.

The agreement will provide capacity-building, information and technology support to members of Addis Chamber and other businesses in the capital, with a particular focus on digital trade, market linkages and strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

It is also expected to help Ethiopian companies identify potential markets within the African Continental Free Trade Area by providing access to commercial information and digital platforms that can facilitate cross-border business.

Africa E-Trade Group, a pan-African institution operating across African Union member states, has established its East Africa office in Addis Ababa as part of efforts to expand intra-African trade. The group currently operates branches in five African countries and says its work is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 economic integration objectives.

For Addis Chamber, the partnership adds a digital and cross-border dimension to its support for the city’s business community. The chamber has represented the private sector in Addis Ababa for about 80 years, providing business development services and policy advocacy aimed at improving conditions for trade and investment.

The agreement comes as Ethiopian businesses face the challenge of converting access to the continental free trade framework into actual export and market opportunities, particularly for smaller companies with limited access to market intelligence, technology and regional business networks.

Source: FSX Business News