Ethiopia will begin trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in September, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has confirmed, moving to integrate its exporters into the continent’s single market.

Trade and Regional Integration Minister Gebremeskel Chala said the government has completed tariff offers and notified other member states, fulfilling key requirements for participation. The AfCFTA, which aims to boost intra-African commerce and industrialisation, covers 54 African Union members and has been ratified by 47.

The announcement follows Ethiopia’s final validation of its AfCFTA implementation strategy in June, a process co-organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the trade ministry. The roadmap, developed in consultation with government, private sector and multilateral stakeholders, outlines measures to expand trade capacity, improve competitiveness and align regulations with the bloc’s framework.

Ethiopia joins 22 African countries that have completed tariff schedules, enabling preferential trade to begin. Proponents expect the deal to reduce barriers, attract investment and strengthen Africa’s position in global value chains.