The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has drafted a national e-commerce strategy aimed at boosting trade and export revenue. Developed with assistance from the Tony Blair Institute, the strategy is expected to be implemented at the beginning of the upcoming fiscal year.

Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh highlighted that enhancing Ethiopia’s commercial competitiveness globally is a key objective of the e-commerce plan. He emphasized the potential for business expansion in the digital economy and e-commerce, stating that e-commerce will further open up the economy to foreign players and contribute to sector growth through a legally mandated structure.

The strategy outlines three flagship initiatives: the establishment of an Ethiopian e-commerce platform, a regulatory sandbox, and rural e-commerce. It aims to ensure sector development through a conducive regulatory framework, increased private sector involvement, and enhanced export earnings.

The plan revolves around eight pillars, including the legal and regulatory framework, enabling systems, infrastructure, digital platforms, and talent development. Additionally, it recognizes the importance of transportation, logistics, delivery services, access to financing, and national identification for e-commerce growth.

The strategy proposes improvements in regulatory domains such as consumer protection, tax, and customs systems. It anticipates that e-commerce will lead to job creation, service sector diversification, and increased private sector activity. Simplifying the traditional method of exporting commodities is also on the agenda to boost export revenues.

During stakeholder engagement sessions, experts suggested prioritizing main export commodities for the e-commerce plan, citing the success of Ethiopian coffee exports through e-commerce as an example.

The Council of Ministers expects to review the strategy before the fiscal year concludes.