Ethiopia has become the second African country (after Rwanda), to join Alibaba’s Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP).
The platform aims to expand the reach for local SMEs.
EWTP will connect Ethiopian-made goods to the Asia and the rest of the East, as well as support smart logistics and talent enhancement.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation, Getahun Mekuria, said at the agreement signing, “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.”
The country is set to customize regulations to promote the digital economy.
Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, said, “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.”
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.
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Alibaba will partner with The China Commodities City International (CCCI) to develop the hub.
Alibaba Business School will provide specialised programs to facilitate capacity building.
Under eWTP, Alibaba previously offered digital training to business leaders in Kigali and Hangzhou.
Jack Ma, Alibaba’s Founder reiterated the importance of education, e-government, e-infrastructure, and entrepreneurs in connecting economies with global markets.
