Ethiopia’s move and interaction on the economic fronts has not been as anticipated as its contribution and influence on the continent politics and peace building efforts, scholars argue.

Scholars argue that owing to the ever growing economy of the county and market the country need to focus on Africa market as well, according to a report filed by Addis Zemen daily.

According to 2016 African Development Bank Report, Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal are the leading countries for their market supply to other African countries. Ethiopia and other African countries have the lowest share in this regard.

Africa’s GDP has reached over 5.8 trillion USD, registering on average five per cent growth and predicts to reach 29 trillion USD by 2050.

The same report indicated that the African foreign trade volume has grown by 200 per cent. Having such growth and market potential, the share of Ethiopia is very much limited, according to scholars.

Jimma University Economics Lecturer Dr.Wondaferahu Mulugeta said Ethiopia’s trade relations with African countries is very much low. He attributed similar products, lack of infrastructure connectivity with African countries to the reason for low level of the trade relations.

According to him, industrial parks and agro processing factories are expanding. The FDI is also increasing. The government is also working to be hub of the light and medium manufacturing in 2025.

He said against this backdrop the African market would be essential for Ethiopia in the coming couple of years.

President of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Economist Kibour Genna agree that Ethiopia’ share in African market is minimal and has to be changed. The weak trade exchange among African countries, absence of free movement of people, lack of infrastructure connectivity has posed challenge for better intra trade market opportunities.

No exception for Ethiopia, he said the limited participation of Ethiopia in African market does not go with the current objective reality of country and this has to be justified.

Though the supply of similar products from African countries and capacity seems might be a reason for the cause, as organizations always have interest to expand business. For this to happen there must be competition. Organizations in Africa almost have similar capacity therefore looking for African market is option less.

International law lecturer from University of Gondar Dr. Andargachew Roba and Political and international Relations Peace and Security Analyst Dr.Getachwe Zeru from Meles Zenawi Acadamy have same stance that Ethiopia’s influence in African market is insignificant when it is compared with its political and peace building efforts.

They argue that the trade interaction with countries with big market is so essential, the country’s attention to African market niche very low.

They noted that Ethiopia does not use its being the seat for Africans and role model for the black people to advance its trade interaction with fellow Africans. Though there is trade interaction in the horn of Africa it is insignificant or yet exploited, they said.

No exception for Ethiopia, he said the limited participation of Ethiopia in African market does not go with the current objective reality of country and this has to be justified.

Though the supply of similar products from African countries and capacity seems might be a reason for the cause, as organizations always have interest to expand business. For this to happen there must be competition. Organizations in Africa almost have similar capacity therefore looking for African market is option less.

International law lecturer from University of Gondar Dr. Andargachew Roba and Political and international Relations Peace and Security Analyst Dr.Getachwe Zeru from Meles Zenawi Acadamy have same stance that Ethiopia’s influence in African market is insignificant when it is compared with its political and peace building efforts.

They argue that the trade interaction with countries with big market is so essential, the country’s attention to African market niche very low.

They noted that Ethiopia does not use its being the seat for Africans and role model for the black people to advance its trade interaction with fellow Africans. Though there is trade interaction in the horn of Africa it is insignificant or yet exploited, they said.

Source: All Africa

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