The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration said on Monday that Ethiopia has won the backing of 30 World Trade Organisation (WTO) member states, a major milestone in its long-running accession effort.

The development comes as Addis Ababa finalises bilateral trade agreements with six nations, including the United States, Russia, China, Turkey, Argentina and Thailand.

Speaking at a press briefing in Addis Ababa on the sixth Working Party Meeting for WTO accession, Minister Kassahun Gofe (PhD) said the support reflects rising international confidence in Ethiopia’s bid. “Negotiations with the United States are advancing in a friendly manner,” he said, “while we remain focused on safeguarding our national interests.”

He detailed the government’s preparations over the past five months, including the Ethiopian WTO Forum, which drew delegates from more than 30 member countries, and bilateral discussions with 14 of the 18 states requesting market access. In total, Ethiopia responded to more than 200 questions from WTO members, signalling its readiness to meet the body’s accession requirements.

The minister described the elevation of the Elements of the Draft Working Party Report to a full Draft Working Party Report as a significant step forward in a process spanning more than two decades. Tariff adjustments remain under discussion with the United States, reflecting Washington’s focus on its own trade priorities. On the trade war under former president Donald Trump, he declined to comment, calling it a matter for the US administration.

Ethiopia is targeting the conclusion of the accession process at the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in March 2026, with the seventh Working Party Meeting scheduled for January 2026.