Addis Ababa University School of Law and  Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (giz)  collaboratively organized a one day Consulative Workshop on African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Phase 2 on November 28, 2023 at Bole Ambassador hotel.

Abinet Mengesha, Economic Policy Advisor at giz AU Office, in her welcoming speech said that since 2004, giz has been reliable and trusted partner of the African Union (AU) to enhance inclusive growth and sustainable development on the African continent in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

She told the staff reporter that giz’s main objective is creating and strengthening framework conditions for the implementation of the AfCFTA.

“giz aims to provide the necessary support to Ethiopia through the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI), Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, AAU School of Law, and to make sure that the concerns of women and Women Business Owners are getting the required attention, giz works with Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment on AfCFTA realted matters”, she added.

Martha Belete (PhD), from AAU’s School of Law, stated in her study entitled as: Assessment of the Ethiopian Investment Legal Regime in light of the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment that Investment Facilitation requires State Parties, in line with their national laws, to facilitate the granting of visas and permits for employees, to streamline investment administration procedures by setting up one-stop shops, to establish cooperation among relevant national regulatory bodies and to cooperate on policies and other related issues related to investment.

Mr. Wendwesson Shewarega, Private Legal Consultant, in his study entitled as: Ethiopian Competition Legal Regime in Light of the AfCFTA Protocol on Competition Policy, reflected that the Protocol on Competition Policy requirement on State Parties to introduce competition regulations and institutions will encourage countries to develop competition regimes and support domestic competition.

He noted that the authority bestowed on the AfCFTA Competition Authority should enable it to combat anti-competitive practices on the continent.

Wendwesson urged that the Trade Practice and Consumer Protection Proclamation 813/2013 need to meet the requirements of the AfCFTA Protocol on Competition Policy.

Web reporter: Theodros Shewangizaw

Photos: Andualem Assefa

Editor: Abraham Girmay