Ethiopia Set to Join Alibaba's Electronic World Trade Platform

Ethiopia has signed an agreement to join Alibaba’s Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP), looking to expand trade for local SMEs.

The country becomes the second to join eWTP in Africa after Rwanda. The platform will serve as a gateway to connect Ethiopia’s goods to the East, as well as support smart logistics and talent enhancement.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement, Ethiopia’s Minister of innovation confirmed that joining the platform will expand trade for Ethiopia and the region.

Today’s signing of the Ethiopia eWTP hub is an important step in the development of a digital economy in Ethiopia. This engagement will greatly contribute to trade facilitation and open markets to SMEs in Ethiopia and other regions.

Getahun Mekuria, Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation

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A statement from the Ethiopia Prime Minister reveals that the country will customize regulations to promote the digital economy.

eWTP Ethiopia will have advanced technology, infrastructure and services, as well as a customized regulatory framework intended to promote innovation in trade and the digital economy.

Ethiopia Prime minister, Abiy Ahmed.

Alibaba Partners to Support Ethiopia’s Electronic World Trade Platform Hub

The first major initiative of the Electronic World Trade Platform will be to set up an e-commerce hub which will double up as a training centre. The China Commodities City International (CCCI) will partner with Alibaba to develop the hub.

Lastly, Alibaba Group will facilitate the capacity building and training through specialized programs under the Alibaba Business School. Previously, Alibaba has offered digital training to business leaders in Kigali and Hangzhou under eWTP.

Alibaba Founder Jack Ma emphasized the importance of education, e-government, e-infrastructure, and entrepreneurs in connecting economies with global markets. According to Jack, education is critical for economic uptick, whereas online governance is more efficient and transparent. Additionally, entrepreneurship is the driving force behind job creation, while larger and faster network propelled modern-day businesses.