WTO DG: Ethiopia's WTO Accession and AfCFTA Commitments are Complementary

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has dismissed concerns that Ethiopia's potential accession to the WTO conflicts with its commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Speaking to Fortune in Geneva, she described the two frameworks as complementary rather than incompatible. She noted that the legislative reforms required for WTO accession are beneficial for the economy regardless of membership, fostering growth. This follows discussions between the Director General and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the recent BRICS summit. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that engaging in these reforms positions Ethiopia to better leverage both regional and global trade opportunities.