In a bold move to modernize Ethiopia’s trade ecosystem and catapult the nation into the digital economy, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) is set to launch a national e-commerce system, promising to transform the way Ethiopian businesses engage in local and international markets.

The announcement came during a press briefing on the ministry’s nine-month performance report, where Trade Minister Kassahun Gofe (PhD) emphasized the transformative power of the new digital trading platform. He described the system as a strategic tool to eliminate inefficiencies in the market value chain and boost the global competitiveness of Ethiopian products.

“The implementation of an e-commerce system will be a major step toward resolving logistical and procedural trade barriers. It aligns with our vision of establishing a seamless, modern trading environment,” Kassahun stated.

The platform is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving Ethiopia’s trade ambitions by facilitating smoother transactions, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and connecting exporters with international buyers in real time.

In a sign of growing export performance, the minister reported that Ethiopia garnered over 5 billion USD in export revenues over the past nine months achieving more than 70 percent of the country’s 7 billion USD annual export target. This progress reflects the country’s intensified efforts to enhance trade policies and integrate more deeply with regional and global markets.

Kassahun also highlighted the government’s broader commitment to building a transparent, competitive, and investor-friendly business environment. A series of policy reforms and updated regulatory frameworks are currently being drafted to align with global trade standards.

Addressing challenges in the sector, the minister revealed that MoTRI has escalated its crackdown on illegal trade. A recent pre-inspection operation resulted in enforcement actions against 250,000 individuals engaged in unauthorized trading.

“These actions are part of a wider crackdown to safeguard legal businesses and foster fair market competition,” Kassahun noted.

The upcoming e-commerce system is being hailed as a “game changer” for Ethiopia’s trade strategy, with the potential to unlock new opportunities for exporters, empower small businesses, and secure the country’s standing in the rapidly evolving digital economy.