Ethiopia’s ambition to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) by March 2026 received renewed momentum as the U.S. voiced firm support during high-level talks at the 2025 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. In a strategic meeting, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Eyob Tekalign, updated Neil J. Beck, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for WTO and Multilateral Affairs, on Ethiopia’s reform-driven progress toward accession.

Beck praised the ongoing efforts and reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s integration into the global trading system. The two officials pledged to deepen cooperation, marking a key step toward Ethiopia’s long-sought WTO membership—one expected to enhance the nation’s investment climate, trade capacity, and economic diplomacy on the world stage.