The Center for Accelerated Women's Economic Empowerment (CAWEE) was established in 2004 as a non-profit, non- governmental organization. It main targets the promotion of women in business, with a special focus to working on value-chains through the provision of technical and marketable skills that can help them to get involved in income generating activities.
Centre for African Women Economic Empowerment (CAWEE), PO Box 41293, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Zimbabwe House, 1st Floor
P.O. Box 1499
City Centre, Lilongwe
RECAMP is about boosting participation of the private sector in regional and global value chains. The Programme does this through the improvement of the investment and business climate and enhanced competitiveness in the COMESA region.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry is the main institution responsible for registering a business in Ethiopia. It is prohibited to engage in any commercial activity unless registered in a commercial register; and according to Proclamation No. 980/2016, no person shall engage in business activity without acquiring a business license.
To simplify the procedure of registration, the Ministry of Trade and Industry provides its services through a system called Online Trade Registration and Licensing System (OTRLS).
The first step is to identifying the desired form of business.
Requirements for commercial registration
Summary of procedure for commercial registration
Reasons registration may be cancelled
Guidelines to registering a company name
Conditions to obtain a business license
Step to follow to renew a business license
Reasons a license may be suspended
Grounds for cancellation of a business license
Contact details and useful links
Requirements to obtain a business license
✓ Filled and signed application form
✓ Certificate of Commercial registration
✓ Photocopies of identification card or valid passport
✓ The passport size photographs of the manager taken in the last six months
✓ Original copies of memorandum and articles of association
✓ Certificate of Competence
✓ The exact address of the head office and branch offices of the business if any
✓ A bank statement showing the capital of the business organization
Estimated time to complete
o For commercial registration: 30 minutes - 1 hour
o For company name registration: 25 minutes
o For business licence: 30 minutes - 1 hour
o (All in one [1] working day)
*Name clearance may take up to 30 days
Fees
o For commercial registration: 102 ETB
o For company name: 27 ETB
o For business licence: 102 ETB
TIN registration
Apply for TIN
Where? Ministry of Revenues
1. Download the Application Form
2. Print the form on a clean white A4 or letter size paper.
3. Complete fields and submit
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency governs cross border movements in and out of Ethiopia, issuance of visas as well as the stay of immigrants in the country. Any visitors to Ethiopia must obtain a Visa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for an electronic visa or visa on arrival.
An online Visa application facility is available here.
For traders travelling across borders by land
Guide on types of Visas, fees and validity periods
Countries whose citizens do not require a Visa
Nationals of Kenya, Djibouti, holders of diplomatic service, AU, UN and AfDB passports do not require a Visa to enter Ethiopia. For further information click here.
Basic Visa requirements
1. Fill and submit the visa application form
2. Copy of the biographical page of your passport
3. Passport which is valid for at least 6 months
4. Have at least two (2) blank pages left
5. Copy of your residency card (if applicable)
6. Visa fee
7. Depending on your nationality and the countries you have recently visited, you may be expected to provide certificates of vaccinations that you have received
Contact information
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Immigration, Nationality and Vital Events Agency
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(In front of Tikur Anbesa Secondary School)
+251 11 157 3357
Email: Vitalevent2007@gmail.com
Website: https://www.evisa.goc.et
The provision of free/affordable legal aid services is effective in increasing access for vulnerable segments of the population. Previously, the low level of awareness about legal rights and procedures to get useful and affordable mechanisms to exercise the right to access justice (legal services) was a challenge in Ethiopia.
Legal aid service can be provided directly by state institutions or it may facilitate the provision of the same to the needy in society by allowing non-state actors like non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and other professional organizations and academic institutions to provide this kind of support. This support may take the form of;
Some of the institutions/organizations providing free or affordable legal aid services for the vulnerable groups of women in Ethiopia include:
State institutions – legal institutions in Ethiopia is providing legal aid services for criminal proceedings services like public defender, court appointed counsel, and publicly financed private representation. In general, the Ethiopian government provides legal aid services through two institutions: the Public Defender’s Office (PDO), and other mandated government institutions (for example the Attorney General/Regional Justice Bureaus). In addition to these institutions are;
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which has established 111 Free Legal Centers country-wide to provide legal aid to the most vulnerable groups free of charge.
Universities and law clinics – law faculties of public universities also provide legal aid services. More than 15 public universities have initiated and expanded legal aid clinics and poor and vulnerable people including women, children, elders and persons in custody have been using their services. Soem fo these institutions include: Bahir Dar University Legal Aid Center, Jimma University Legal Aid Center and Mekelle University Legal Aid Center.
Pro bono schemes by lawyers and bar associations
The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office is entrusted with the powers of registration and protection of Intellectual property rights, including patents. It is advisable for women entrepreneurs with new ideas of a product or service to patent these ideas in order to safeguard their innovation/invention.
What a patent is, types of patents
Patent application, duration and transfer
Fees for patents and trademarks
Requirements for patent application
☑ a notarized document containing a description of the invention
☑ an abstract and where necessary drawings (the document has to be translated into English)
☑ a notarized and authenticated power of attorney to the patent agent or patent attorney in Ethiopia
☑ the completed patent application forms and;
☑ Payment of the prescribed fee
Contact information
Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office
Kasanchis - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
P.O.Box 25322/1000
Tel: +251 11 552 8000
Fax: +251 11 552 9299
Email: info@eipo.gov.et
Website: http://www.eipo.gov.et
In Ethiopia, the legal frameworks vest land ownership in the state and the public. In general, land is owned by the state and cannot be owned by private individuals. Smallholder farmers have the right to cultivate land, but they cannot sell, exchange, or mortgage it. Investors can lease land from smallholders and regional states and large-scale investors can lease but not purchase land from the government. The transfer of land is both contractual (leasing, renting or share-cropping) and time-bound.
Ethiopian Proclamation No. 456/2005 defines three tenure types. In article 2 sub article 11, it defines private holding as rural land in the holding of peasants, semi-pastoralists and pastoralists and other bodies entitled by law to use rural land. Article 2 sub article 12 gives a definition of communal holding as rural land which is given by the government to local residents for common grazing, forestry and other social services. Furthermore, private investors that engage in agricultural development activities have the right to use rural land in accordance with the investment policies and laws at federal and regional levels.
The registration of farmland is systematic and takes place at the lowest levels of local government (woreda and kebele). The registration of user rights and confirmation of the field boundaries is done in public and neighbors are to be present. The work is done by the Land Administration Committee. Its members are from the community and work as volunteers. They are selected in consultation with the community and women are to be included, according to the instructions.
Tenure types in urban areas
In urban land administration, the tenure types include leasehold, old possession, state holding, condominium and informal settlement. In addition to these, the Urban Land Lease Holding Proclamation No. 721/2011 defines two tenure types. In article 2 sub article 1 a Lease is defined as a system of land tenure by which the right of use of urban land is acquired under a contract of a defined period. Article 2 sub article 18 defines old possession as a plot of land legally acquired before the urban centres entered into the leasehold system or a land provided as compensation in kind to persons evicted from old possession.
The right of women’s access to land is affirmed in the Constitution. Thus, regional states provide holding certificates to farm households as a means of ensuring tenure security. In this regard, the day to day responsibility of overseeing rural land administration lies under the Ministry of Agriculture. The ministry is responsible for overseeing land use and land tenure of rural lands outside large scale agricultural investment lands. In rural areas, land administration and the daily management of land issues are delegated to local governments (‘woreda’ and ‘kebele’ level).
Acquisition of rural land
Transfer of rural land-use rights
For further information on access to land contact:
Ministry of Urban Development and Construction
Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 11 554 1282
Website: https://www.mudc.gov.et/
Ministry of Agriculture
Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 116460746
Website: http://www.moa.gov.et
Cross-border trade plays a vital role in improving the livelihoods of Ethiopian women living around border areas. As a country, Ethiopia has an age-long cross border trade agreement with neighboring countries. These trade agreements play a vital role in maintaining healthy and strong bilateral relations which foster the realization of legal trade flow among nations in accordance with international trade law. In this regard, Ethiopia has taken significant steps in enhancing bilateral relations in the fields of cross-border trade.
Types of formal cross border trade in Ethiopia
The formal cross-border trade in Ethiopia involves both:
Reasons for allowing petty cross-border trade
Ethiopia trades with neighboring countries like Kenya, Djibouti, Sudan, Somaliland, Sudan, and Somalia. Furthermore, in Ethiopia, women are active participants in such cross-border trade. The participation of women in this trade enhances food security and reduces poverty among the vulnerable population.
Major products traded at the borders
The following are the major products traded at the borders: agricultural products, livestock, sanitary and beauty products, medicines, footwear and textiles, cereals, processed and semi-processed foodstuffs (such as pasta, sugar, wheat flour, and tea), kerosene, charcoal and chat/khat.
Benefits of small-scale cross border trade for Ethiopian women
Challenges Ethiopian cross border traders face
Taxes imposed in the formal large-scale cross border traders are;
Requirements for petty cross-border trade
Licensing and renewal of license
✓ Entry into petty cross-border trade is not hampered by cumbersome regulatory procedures. The traders are required only to fill in a very simplified form with two photographs and to pay 25 Ethiopian Birr to get the license.
✓ It is clearly indicated in all petty cross-border trade directives that, in matters not specifically covered by the directives, the Commercial Registration and Business Licensing Proclamation (Proc. No. 686/2010) and its amendment (Proc. No. 731/2012 and Proc. No. 980/2016) will be applicable.
✓ The license should be renewed every year upon payment of 25 Ethiopian Birr. Using the license as a cover for illegal trading activities and failure to adhere to the obligations stipulated under the directives amounts to the revocation of license and new license may not be given for a trader involved in such activity. A trader will be totally banned from conducting a petty cross-border trade if he commits such crime again.
✓ The petty cross-border traders securing a license to import or export should undergo all the procedures of Customs except the regulatory requirements related to a letter of credit and hard currency and duty-free exportation of permitted items.
For further information please visit: https://www.ecc.gov.et
In Ethiopia, there are institutions which offer demand-driven business pieces of training to women and the local business community in order to help them acquire the necessary knowledge and skills that lead to success in today's challenging business environment. Business training program allows women to strengthen their skills.
The following institutions provide training for those who want to start their own business or are already in business. Thus, women with limited access to economic resources can tap into these institutions so as to broaden their practical and entrepreneurial skill sets.
Addis Ababa Lideta Sub City
Yobek Commercial Center Building
Tel: +251 115 57227 / +251 115 585061
Toll free: 8658
Email: wedp.addis@gmail.com
Web: https://wedp.webs.com/training-facility
Nega City Mall Building (In front of Zemen Bank)
3rd Floor Kazanchis, Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 115 571 164
Email: info@edcethiopia.com
Web: https://www.edcethiopia.org/index.php
Bole Sub-city, Woreda 3
Abyssinia Plaza Building, 7th Floor
P.O. Box 41293, Addis Ababa
Email: info@cawee-ethiopia.com
Web: http://cawee-ethiopia.com/
Nefas Silk Lafto-City Woreda 08
Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 114 423594
+251 114423597
+251 114423585
+251 114423596
Web: www.wise.org.et
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wise.org/
Haile Gebreselassie Street
Seleshi Sehin Bldg, #807
P.O. Box: Addis Ababa 27893 CODE 1000 Ethiopia
Tel: +251 116 631016/0223
Mob: +251 947350259
Email: info@awib.org.et
Web: http://awib.org.et
Roots Ethiopia works within the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia
Email: info@rootsethiopia.org
Web: https://rootsethiopia.org/enable-livelihoods
Bole Subcity, Woreda 04, House No. 378
(GMA Building 2nd Floor)
P.O. Box 27601 Code 1000
Addis Ababa
Email: ethiopia@dotrust.org
Web: https://ethiopia.dotrust.org
P.O. Box 2568 Addis Ababa
P.O. Box: 322 Harar
Tel: +251 114 71 42 91
+251 114-71 43 58
+251 11 440 2872
+251 11 442 1667
+251 25 666 3738
Web: https://www.menschenfuermenschen.ch/en/projects/addis-ababa-vocational-training/
Woreda 02, Sinan Building 2nd Floor, Bole Subcity
Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 93 036 2355
Email: info@gebeya.com
Web: https://gebeya.training
P.O.Box 8075
Tel: +251 011 646 2942
+251 011 646 3479
Email: Info@selamchildrenvillage.org
Web: http://www.selamchildrenvillage.org/Short%20Term%20Training
Eswatini belongs to three economic blocks including the Southern African Customs Union, Southern African Development Community and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.
Established in 1910, SACU facilitates duty-free trade among the five-member states. SADC is a 14-member state body established as Free Trade Area (FTA) in 2008. The 21-member state COMESA is a free trade area formed in 1994 to replace a Preferential Trade Area which had existed since 1981. The establishment of a single market through the merged Tripartite Free Trade Area (COMESA, the East African Community [EAC], and SADC was formally launched in June 2015. As part of COMESA, SADC, and SACU, Eswatini is a party to SACU-US TIDCA, SACU – Mercosur, SADC Investment Protocol, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)-SACU FTA, the COMESA-US TIFA, and the SADC –EAC-COMESA TFTA. Eswatini signed and ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2016.
These trade agreements are significant to women in business in Eswatini as they allow them to sell their products duty free thereby promoting trade and economic activity across the region. Eswatini has also developed a trade portal which makes reliable trade-related information accessible to the private sector, while Eswatini Business organizes activities to make these instruments known to businesspeople.
List of signed trade agreements
Economic Cooperation Agreements with:
Contact information
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade
International Trade Department
Gwamile Street
Between Eswatini Bank and Deputy Prime Minister’s Office
P.O. Box 451, Mbabane H100
Tel: (268) 2404 1808/9
Fax: (268) 2404 3833, (268) 2404 4711
Email: info@idtswaziland.org
1. Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Seychelles first became a member of the SADC in September 1997, and although it withdrew in 2004, it formally rejoined the bloc in 2008. In May 2015, Seychelles formally acceded to the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA).
2. Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
Seychelles became a member of COMESA in June 1993 when it was still the Preferential Trade Area (PTA) for Eastern and Southern Africa. In November 2007, The Council of Ministers agreed to allow Seychelles to join the FTA, and the subsequent COMESA FTA regulations were published in Seychelles on 25 May 2009 with effect from 11 May 2009.
3. Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
The Indian Ocean Commission is an intergovernmental organization that joins Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles together to encourage cooperation. It was started in 1984 under the General Victoria Agreement.
The original aim of IOC was to encourage trade and tourism. Seychelles currently gives preferential rates to imports of goods originating from member states of the IOC in the form of a 5% reduction on the trade tax rates. This however applies to only selected products.
4. Tripartite FTA
First Tripartite Summit, held on 22 October 2008 in Kampala, Uganda, approved the expeditious establishment of a Free Trade Area (FTA), encompassing the Member/ Partner States of the three Regional Economic Communities (RECs). It is envisaged that the twenty-six (26) countries will engage in negotiations for the establishment of a Tripartite FTA, recognizing that substantial progress on trade liberalization has been achieved within their three RECs.
The establishment of the Tripartite FTA will build upon and consolidate the RECs acquis. The negotiations shall be in two phases as follows:
i) first phase will cover negotiations on the following areas: tariff liberalization, rules of origin, dispute resolution, Customs procedures and simplification of Customs documentation, transit procedures, non-tariff barriers, trade remedies, technical barriers to trade and sanitary and Phyto-sanitary measures.
ii) Movement of business persons will be dealt with during the first phase of negotiations as a parallel and separate track.
iii) second phase will cover negotiations on the following areas: trade in services, intellectual property rights, competition policy, and trade development and competitiveness. The Tripartite process is a means of removing administrative burden and other technical difficulties associated with multiple membership.
5. Other Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs)
Seychelles is negotiating a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EC so as to achieve a trade agreement between the two counterparts which are compatible to international trade rules.
Seychelles signed the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA) in 2000 together with 77 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries with the member states of the EU. The Agreement provided non-reciprocal preferential market access to the EC for goods originating from these countries. Given that the EPA negotiations were taking longer than expected to conclude, Seychelles signed an interim agreement with the EC in 2008 to prevent trade disruption until the finalization of the comprehensive EPA.
Seychelles exports its products to the EC at duty free quota free and started implementing reciprocal treatment to imports from EC in January 2013.
6. The World Trade Organization
Seychelles applied for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995; however due to human resource and capacity constraints, this was put on hold from 1997. The process was re-initiated in 2008 with the resubmission of its Memorandum of Foreign Trade Regime (MOFTR) in 2009 which provided an overview of how trade policy in Seychelles is being administered. A
s part of the negotiating process, Seychelles concluded bilateral agreements with a number of WTO members, namely; Oman, Mauritius, Canada, South Africa, Switzerland, European Union, Thailand Japan and the United States. At the National Level, a number of steering committees was established to ensure that the decision-making process is as inclusive as possible.
Technical recommendations stem from the four sub-committees and feed into the National Working Group. Seychelles also made significant progress in the development of the MOFTR (submitted in 2009), with the same having now evolved into a Draft Working Party report which was tabled at the Working Party meeting for Seychelles accession to the WTO, held in October 2014.
Seychelles accession package was adopted by the General Council in December 2014. On 24 March 2015, the National Assembly of the Republic of Seychelles by a historic vote, unanimously enacted into law the Protocol on the accession of Seychelles to the WTO.
Trade Information Desks
Contact information
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
P.O. Box 656
Maison Quéau de Quincy
Mont Fleuri, Mahé
Tel: (248) 428 35 00Fax: (248) 422 48 45
Fax: (248) 422 58 52 (Protocol)
Email: ps@mfa.gov.sc
Web: http://www.mfa.gov.sc
Twitter: @SeychellesMFA
As part of the promotion of trade and economic cooperation, Tunisia has opted for integration into the world economy. This integration has resulted in the progressive liberalization of its foreign trade and the establishment of free-trade zones with several economic groupings and countries as well as adherence to the multilateral trading system within the framework of the WTO.
This legislative framework makes Tunisia an ideal space for business and investment, in addition to the proximity factors of the European Arab and African market.
Multilateral and bilateral agreements now contribute to the consolidation of Tunisia's position and its membership in its regional and international environment.
Free trade agreements
Bilateral agreements
Tunisia is signatory to ten bilateral free trade agreements
Multilateral agreements
Economic groupings
Most Favored Nation type agreements
Several agreements providing for the reciprocal application of most-favored-nation treatment at the tariff level have been concluded by Tunisia with several trading partners, notably the African countries (20 countries) and the Asian countries. These agreements promote, in particular, the exchange of commercial information and the facilitation of participation in events of an economic nature.
MFN agreements are concluded with: Norway, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Malta, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Canada, China, South Korea, North Korea, Iran, India , Japan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Nigeria, Liberia, Gabon, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Mali, Togo, Benin.
Generalized system of preferences
In order to promote the growth of developing countries, some industrialized countries agree to allow certain products from developing countries to enter their markets, free of customs duties.
Tunisia benefits from this system with the USA, Canada, Japan and Russia.
View or download all trade agreements here: http://www.commerce.gov.tn/
Contact information
Ministry of Commerce, angle between Streets Ghana and Pierre de Coubertin and Hédi Nouira in Tunis-Tunisia.
Tel: +216 71 240 155/71 240 208
Fax: +216 71 354 435
Email: mincom.brc@tunisia.gov.tn
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Phone: (+216) 71245913
Fax: (+216) 71354456
Egypt occupies a central position between the circles of supply and between the regions of production and consumption, and between continents and the oceans, and has one of the most important navigation arteries in the world.
Egypt’s policy is to position itself as a global hub for regional services, production and re-export; creating jobs and economic growth by opening new markets for Egyptian products while simultaneously attracting Foreign Direct Investment from corporations looking to harness Egypt’s unique basket of preferential trade agreements, highly competitive and talented labor force and utility costs, as well as proximity to key global markets. Together, these advantages make Egypt an ideal hub from which to export to the rest of the world.
The trade agreements Egypt has signed give women in business the ability to export their products to all Arab countries (free trade exchange among Arab countries), COMESA countries and the EU agreement which creates a free trade area between the EU and Egypt by removing tariffs on industrial products and making agricultural products easier to trade.
Egypt's bilateral, regional and international trade agreements
Agreements
Egypt - Jordan (December 1999)
Egypt - Lebanon (March 1999)
Egypt - Libya (January 1991)
Egypt - Morocco (April 1999)
Egypt - Syria (December 1991)
Egypt - Tunisia (March 1999)
Greater Arab Free Trade Area Agreement (GAFTA) | Click here for details
PAFTA - Pan-Arab Free Trade Agreement | Click here for details
Agadir Free Trade Agreement among Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan | Click here for details
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) | Click here for details
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) | Click here for details
The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) | Click here for details
The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) | Click here for details
European Union-Egypt Free Trade Agreement (Association Agreement) | Click here for details
Egyptian-European Mediterranean Partnership Agreement | Click here for details
Free Trade Agreement with EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) | Click here for details
Turkey-Egypt Free Trade Agreement | Click here for details
Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZ) | Click here for details
Egypt-MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement | Click here for details
Burundi, a partner country of the East African Community and a member of the other regional economic communities, has signed several trade agreements, between one or more African countries and outside the African continent.
Burundi has also been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since July 23, 1995 and is a member of the General Agreement on Customs Tariffs and Trade signed in 1947, which aims to develop free trade.
Burundi is also part of the Customs Union and the Common Market of the East African Community which consists of creating a regional economic block characterized by the free movement of goods and investments.
Among the main objectives of the Customs Union of the East African Community are the liberalization of regional trade in goods on the basis of mutually beneficial trade agreements between the Partner States of the East African Community as well as the removal of barriers to trade that they are technical, tariff and non-tariff.
With commercial agreements concluded, Burundian economic operators can import or export goods freely to or in other African countries and outside the African continent, according to the agreements concluded and in force.
Burundian women in the trade and other income-generating sectors can also take advantage of these trade arrangements to expand and expand their businesses and prosper economically.
Burundi has already signed Bilateral Trade Agreements with certain African countries and others outside the Continent
Burundi has Laws and Instruments that regulate Trade and Investments
Burundi is part of COMESA and the COMESA-EAC-SADC tripartite agreement
Burundi is a member of the World Trade Organization and GATT
signed on September 10, 1976 between Burundi, Rwanda and the DRC
A customs union for the elimination of tariffs exists between the countries of the East African Community (CEA)
There is a memorandum of understanding between ECA countries for the free movement of goods and people
These agreements allow preferential rates applied on trade between the signatory countries. They facilitate trade, investments. Many of these agreements dedicate a specific component to the empowerment and strengthening of female entrepreneurship through capacity building, facilitation for women.
National agreements:
Regional instruments / agreements:
International instruments / agreements:
Contact and information source
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
BP 836
Rue ndriamifidy
Anosy 101 Antananarivo
Email: info-web@diplomatie.gov.mg
Website: https://www.diplomatie.gov.mg/
Malagasy Customs
Administration / customs clearance services
Headquarters: Immeuble des Finances et Budget
Antaninarenina 101 Antananarivo
Tel: +261 20 22 229 16 - +261 345564406 Toll free
number: 360
Email: sed.douane@gmail.com
Website: http: //www.douanes .gov.mg /
Ethiopia signed a Treaty of Friendship and Economic Relations which describes bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that this country is party to, thus women can get more information from this content on how to take advantage of these agreements. The different trade agreements have been summarized below:
Furthermore, Ethiopia is a signatory to the following trade agreements:
Understanding the country’s trade agreements will help women entrepreneurs to benefit from the opportunities available through these agreements. For further information click here.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a member of several regional economic communities (RECs) including ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States), COMESA (Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa), SADC (Southern African Development Community ) and CEPGL (Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries).
Regional Agreements Signed and Ratified
Southern African Development Community - SADC
Within the framework of the Southern African Development Community - SADC, The DRC only signed the protocol on the service agreement but did not sign the protocol on the goods agreement.
Scope and coverage:
In other words, this service protocol covers five (5) sectors according to the W120 classification of the World Trade organization, in particular:
The transport, tourism, communication, finance, professional service, construction and and electricity sectors.
Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries : CEPGL is a sub-organization of CEEAC with only the DRC, Burundi, Rwanda . This organization is redundant in terms of trade regime because these three member countries, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC, are also all members of COMESA. Within these zones, free trade is operational and effective, that is to say that goods circulate between these countries without customs duties.
Bilateral trade agreement between the DRC and Uganda
The DRC and Uganda are committed to promoting cross-border trade. The two countries signed, on April 9, 2018 in Kasese, a memorandum of understanding aimed at improving bilateral trade relations. Several areas are affected by this agreement. These include, inter alia, the diversification of trade in goods and services, the promotion of investment in the manufacturing sector, the elimination of non-tariff barriers, cooperation on customs and cooperation on immigration issues. With regard to the mechanism for implementing this memorandum of understanding, provision is made for the establishment at each border of a joint border committee which will hold regular evaluation meetings.
Regional agreements signed and not ratified by the DRC
SADC - COMESA - CAE: The DRC has also been a signatory of a tripartite free trade agreement since 2015 but has never ratified it. The treaty is said to be tripartite because it brings together three regional groupings of Africa including the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa ( Comesa ), the Community of Southern African States (SADC) and the community of 'East Africa (CAE).
COMESA: Within the framework of COMESA, the DRC is a member of the COMESA free trade area but the DRC has not yet joined the customs union although it had requested the moratorium to join the free area. exchange. This moratorium has already ended.
The development of the DRC's trade relations with Zambia and South Africa does not result from the existence of regional agreements but from other factors such as the existence of a road and rail network.
The Continental Free Trade Zone A frican (ZLECA, ZLEC or Zlecaf):
The DRC is among the 54 countries signatory to the African Free Trade Area agreement , but the ratification process is underway at the parliamentary level.
However, it has finalized the list of tariff concessions which will be sent after validation to Union Afrique. 90% will be liberalized products for 10 years but 7% will be sensitive products to be liberalized for 13 years, the remaining 3% will be exclusion products which will not be liberalized.
Concerning services, out of the 12 sectors and 166 sub-sectors, the Head of State chose 5 sectors to be liberalized; namely: the service sector provided to companies (professional service), transport sector, tourism, communication and the finance sector. The rest will liberalize. Gradually.
International Agreements
L O rganisation M ORLD C ommerce
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the 51st original member of GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) to join the World Trade Organization, two years after its entry into force on January 1, 1995. En as an LDC (Least Developed Country), DR Congo receives additional attention from the WTO . All the agreements recognize that it must benefit from the greatest possible flexibility.
The objective of the WTO is to facilitate the exchange of goods and services between countries, international cooperation and free trade by controlling customs tariffs.
By unilateral agreement from the European Union "Everything but arms - TSA"
The member countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), of which the DRC is a member, have negotiated the economic partnership agreement with the European Union (EU) as part of the initiative "Everything but arms Which aims to grant full tax exemption and duty-free, quota-free access to the EU single market for all products, except weapons and ammunition. Provided that the products meet the SPS product quality standards (sanitary and phytosanitary measure). But so far this economic partnership agreement with the European Union has never been signed by the DRC.
Africa Growth and Opportunity Act - AGOA
Until 2010, the DRC had the status of privileged economic partner conferred on it by the law of AGOO (Africa Growth and Opportunity. This law instituted since 2000 in the United States of America by former President Clinton, offers beneficiaries of Sub-Saharan Africa access to the US market, duty-free and quota-free, for almost all products under the generalized system of preference, however since January 2011, the DRC has been removed from the list of the beneficiaries of this Agoa law for non-respect of human rights.
Contacts:
General Secretariat for Foreign Trade
Floribert Kwete Mikobi
Director of studies and planning
Civil service building
Ref. : In front of the Central Bank of Congo
+243815187776
The Republic of Djibouti has trade agreements with a number of countries, is a member of the WTO. It is a member of COMESA, a signatory to the Tripartite Free Zone (COMESA-EAC-SADC), is a member of the Continental and African Free Trade Zone. Djibouti is also a member of IGAD and the League of Arab States .
Djibouti is a founding member of the Marrack Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO). The country successfully presented its first review of Trade Policy in 2006, its second review in 2014 testified to the progress made in recent years.
Djibouti is bound by multilateral trade agreements of the WTO. Most recently, Djibouti ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in March 2018.
Also, Djibouti is part of international conventions:
meeting of endangered flora and fauna
Djibouti has shown great interest in promoting regional economic integration.
The Republic of Djibouti is a member:
1. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and has been part of the COMESA Free Trade Area since 2000;
2. Djibouti has signed the Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement (COMESA-EAC-SADC) since 2015;
3. The Continental and African Free Trade Area (ZLECAf): Djibouti signed and ratified the ZLECAf Agreement in February 2019;
4. The Community of Sahelo-Saharan States (CEN-SAD);
5. The Intergovernmental Development Authority (IGAD) and its headquarters are in Djibouti;
6 . AGOA: This American initiative which allows Djibouti to export to the American market without customs duties. Djibouti is indeed one of the 38 countries eligible for the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act , better known by the acronym AGOA ( African Growth and Opportunity Act ).
7. Except for all weapons (EU) : Djibouti benefits as an LDC from the abolition of customs duties on products to be traded to the EU.
The main economic partners of Djibouti are:
The economies of Ethiopia and Djibouti are highly interdependent via the various Ports of Djibouti which constitute the main transit route for Ethiopian goods and the Djibouti Corridor constitutes one of the main gateways to the Common Market of East Africa and Austral (COMESA) .
Ministry of Commerce of Djibouti
Address: Cité Ministérale
BP: 24
Tel: +253 21 32 54 41
Fax: +253 21 35 49 09
COMESA Focal Point Department
Department of foreign trade and regional integration
Address : serpent plateau
Rue Mohamed Dileita Mohamed
Loyalty building, 3 rd floor
Tel: +253 21 35 51 77
Sudan is working to integrate into the regional and global economy, by reviewing the bilateral agreements in line with national interests and regional and international obligations, and taking advantage of the advantages and preferential transactions granted by the bilateral, regional and global agreements and systems of trade preferences. Sudan is a member of some regional and international organizations and groups and through its membership it has signed a number of important trade agreements and protocols and benefited from the preferences enjoyed by some of these agreements.
There is no clear positive discrimination for business women in these agreements, but there is also no negative discrimination for them from businessmen, meaning that business women benefit from all preferences from zero tariffs with some countries or even some commodities as businessmen do.
Sudan joined COMESA in 1990. Sudan, through its membership in the COMESA that spanned nearly thirty years, was able to promote joint development on the economic and political levels, and this included all industrial sectors, agricultural, transport, trade, finance, energy, insurance, customs, statistics, investment and others.
The tripartite aims at economic integration, the development of the three regions, and the establishment of a large market for goods and services of more than 620 million people. It also aims to free movement of business, money, and natural persons, and the establishment of a customs union. The tripartite partnership agreement was signed between SADC IAC and COMESA in Sharm El-Sheikh - Egypt in June 2015 AD, signed by 26 countries of Sudan, among them, 5 countries have ratified ten countries that initiated the ratification procedures Sudan, among them.
Sudan joined the Greater Arab Free Trade Zone in September 2002 AD. Sudan gained a preferential advantage according to a gradual customs reduction on imports of 20% annually starting in 2006. Then 10% in the year 2008 AD, then Sudan reached the zero tariff in 2012. As for exports, the customs reduction has been included in 2003 by 60%, and in 2004, it reached 80%, and in 2005, it reached 100%.
Agreement to facilitate trade movement \ includes in its membership all the countries of the African Union (55) countries, which will constitute the largest free trade area in the world in terms of the number of member states and includes more than 1.2 billion people. Sudan signed the agreement on the continental free trade zone in March 2018 and is working on completing the procedures for ratification by the legislative authorities in addition to participating in the negotiations to establish this zone.
Sudan has become a coordinator of economic and commercial integration in the authority that aims to promote joint development strategies and coordination of economic and social policies, achieving food security, peace and conflict disputes, coordination in the field of trade, transport, communications and agriculture, and infrastructure development and improvement. The member countries are Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan.
Sudan signed the framework agreement for this system on May 13, 1992. This system of trade preferences between the member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference is one of the projects of the Standing Committee for Economic and Trade Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (COMCEC) with the aim of promoting intra-trade between member countries through the exchange of trade preferences among them. The agreement entered into force in 2002. Sudan is an active member of the six working groups for COMCEC activities.
This system is a multilateral treaty in which the member states of the Group of 77 participate, and it sets a comprehensive and specific framework for the rules of trade relations among member states on the basis of exchanging customs preferences and benefits. Sudan signed the Comprehensive System of Trade Preferences agreement in 1991.
The generalized system of preferences was established in the framework of the Special Committee on Trade Preferences, which is affiliated with the Trade and Development Board at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 1970, to make it from that time a subject of economic cooperation between developed and developing countries. It is a system that provides a reduction in the customs tariff for the least developed countries. Sudan benefits from this system in the field of sugar exports.
It is the group of African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that was established under the Georgetown Agreement in 1975. The main objectives of the group are sustainable development and poverty reduction within its member states, as well as greater integration into the global economy. As for Sudan, it is not a signatory to the agreement.
There are many agreements not implemented that we have not monitored here, but all of the above agreements are implemented except for the tripartite and continental and are in the process of ratification and partnership with the European Union that Sudan has not yet signed.
Yes, they are seminars and workshops to introduce the agreements and the extent of implementation
Not yet, but in the framework of working with the Ministry's Information Center
Zambia belongs to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, which is a free trade area with 21 Member States stretching from Tunisia to Eswatini. COMESA was formed in December 1994, replacing a Preferential Trade Area which had existed since 1981. Zambia also belongs to the 14-member Southern African Development Community (SADC), which established a Free Trade Area (FTA) in 2008. The establishment of a single market through the merged Tripartite Free Trade Area (COMESA, the East African Community [EAC], and SADC was formally launched in June 2015.
Zambia has duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market, under the “Everything but Arms" (EBA) scheme for the world’s Least-Developed Countries (LDCs). Zambia is also eligible for trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides duty-free/quota-free access to the U.S. market for most goods, including textiles and apparel.
1. Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
2. Southern African Development Community (SADC)
3. World Trade Organization (WTO)
4. Duty Free Quota Free (DFQF) Schemes including the Generalized System Preferences (GSP): As an LDC, Zambia has DFQF Market Access Schemes with the following countries:
5. Zambia has signed but not yet ratified the following trade agreements:
The signed are significant for women in business in that them to sell their products duty free thereby promoting trade and economic activity across the region.
Zambia is implementing both COMESA and SADC trade protocols which require full liberalization of trade, thus providing an advantage to women traders engaged in cross border trade. The AfCFTA already has cooperation mechanisms in place such as removal of non-tariff barriers as well as resolving disputes that African businesses can benefit from, as they seek to deepen their integration.
Contact information
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry
New Government Complex
8th, 9th and 10th Floors, Nasser Road
P.O. Box 31968
Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: +260 211 228301/9
Fax: +260 211 226984
Email: info@MCTI.gov.zm
Facebook: Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry
Zimbabwe has entered into a number of trade agreements. The most common trade agreements are of the preferential and/or free trade type which are concluded in order to reduce (or eliminate) tariffs, quotas and other trade restrictions on qualifying products traded between the signatory countries.
The purpose of a Trade Agreement is to stimulate and encourage trade between the countries or group of countries that sign the agreement, by giving one another preferential treatment in the reduction or elimination of customs duties as well as removal/relaxation of quantitative restrictions. Exporters should be able to use this advantage as a marketing strategy to give their products a competitive price incentive to customers in the importing country.
Zimbabwe is a member of some Multilateral Trade Agreements. These are:
• Southern African Development Community (SADC)
• Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
• Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) with the European Union
Duty and import related taxes constitute a large percentage of the final price for cross border transactions. A reduction or elimination of the duty gives the exporter a substantial advantage in terms of cost over competitors from countries that do not have similar trade agreements. Women entrepreneurs will benefit through a trade agreement they will able to use this advantage as a marketing strategy to give their products a competitive price incentive to customers in the importing country.
COMESA Simplified Trade Regime
Traders with consignments that are below US$1,000 can import with reduced duty rates on specified products.
Zimbabwe – Mozambique (See details here)
Zimbabwe – Botswana (See details here)
Zimbabwe – Namibia (See details here)
Zimbabwe – Malawi (See details here)
Access to foreign markets and the consequent sustained economic growth, have led to the development of productive capacities, more employment opportunities, and sustainable livelihoods.
Gender issues need to be mainstreamed in trade policies, and subsequently, trade issues need to be factored into development policies.
Mainstreaming gender in trade policies means assessing the impacts of these policies on the well being of men and women and ultimately on the household and community.
What was missing in Rwanda was an assessment of the effects of trade liberalization and trade agreements on women as a discrete sector of the population.
Such an assessment was crucial to making trade an instrument for development in the country. It has helped in better understanding the specific challenges and opportunities that women face as a result of market liberalization.
This has paved way for the design and implementation of complementary policies aimed at maximizing opportunities for women and facilitating the transition of women to more competitive and better rewarded activities.
Women entrepreneurs are a significant force in Rwanda's private sector.
Women head 42% of enterprises. They comprise 58% of enterprises in the informal sector, which accounts for 30% of GDP.
Rwanda is signatory to several bilateral and multi-lateral trade agreements. The agreements present many opportunities for traders in Rwanda.
Signed with Zambia, Uganda, Mauritius and Singapore
Trade agreement offers lower or zero tariff (tariff concession) on exports and imports of goods and components assigned under TA
International Treaties, Protocols and Agreements Rwanda has signed
Ministry of Trade and Industry
P.O.Box : 73 Kigali
E-mail: info@minicom.gov.rw
Hotline: 3739
Uganda has developed various national policies and frameworks and signed a number of regional and international trade agreements that have secured market access for her products and services.
Through bilateral, multilateral, regional and preferential trading agreements, the Government aims at ensuring easier access to international markets for Ugandan products, and to encourage foreign direct investment.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives in Uganda hosts the External Department responsible facilitating domestic and external trade with emphasis on export promotion
Uganda has a number of national frameworks that promote women in business, starting from the National Export Strategy
Customs Union and trade between 6 partner states
Uganda is a member of COMESA
This Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) brings together 26 countries
Globally, Uganda is also a signatory to a number of trade arrangements
Since its independence in 1993, Eritrea has signed various bilateral trade agreements including with Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Turkey. Eritrea has also joined different Regional Economic Communities in Africa such as COMESA, IGAD and CEN-SAD.
Eritrea reduced its Most Favored Nation (MFN) duties by 80 percent on imports originating from COMESA Member States, and at the moment it only charges 20% of the MFN duty. It is important to note that the threshold for acceding to the full FTA is 100 percent tariff liberalization coupled with elimination of non-tariff and other technical barriers to trade.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) was created in 1996 to succeed the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development that was founded in 1986 to deal with issues related to drought and desertification in the Horn Africa. Eritrea is one of the founding members of IGAD.
Eritrea had also ratified the revised treaty of the CEN-SAD.
The tariff reduction for goods originating from COMESA Member States is expected to benefit the potential exporters in general and women in business in particular. Removal of customs duties on exports will enable exporters to be competitive in the regional markets.
Eritrea is one of the beneficiaries from the EU Generalized System of Preference (GSP) scheme. Women engaged in manufacturing and agriculture can benefit from this scheme.
The EU has introduced REX (Registered Exporters) System. It is a self certification of origin by registered exporters making out so-called statements on origin. The threshold for which an exporter does not need to be registered in the REX System is 6,000 EUR. This means any exporter, manufacturer or trader from the beneficiary countries with export value less than 6,000 EUR is not required to be registered in the system.
The Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with COMESA, organizes different workshops aimed at sensitizing the relevant stakeholders and the private sector on issues related to COMESA programs, Rules of Origin, regional integration and others.
The responsibility for concluding treaties involving the Republic of Kenya lies with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry is responsible for policy aspects, as well as matters of form and procedure.
The Ministry has a Treaty Section within the Legal Division that keeps records of bilateral and multi-lateral treaties involving Kenya. It runs an inquiry service that provides information on treaties to the public. The Ministry also coordinates Kenya’s responsibilities as depositary for certain treaties deposited with the Government of Kenya.
Objectives of the common market attain sustainable growth and development ...
Monetary Union to promote and maintain monetary and financial stability
operationalized through a work programme of 4 main pillars
international agreements
International agreements
These are the regulations for implementing the protocol on patents and industrial designs within the framework of the African regional intellectual property organization (ARIPO) ...
focuses on reducing and eventually eradicating poverty
Establishing the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency The objective of the Agency is to encourage the flow ...
Treaties and Conventions to which Kenya is a signatory:
Contacts
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Old Treasury Building, Harambee Avenue
P.O Box 30551 – 00100 G.P.O
NAIROBI, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 3318888
Email: info@mfa.go.ke
Website: www.mfa.go.ke
Trade agreements are contractual arrangements between countries governing their trade relationships. They are either bilateral or multilateral and are important because they eliminate trade barriers (e.g. tariffs, quotas or prohibitive standards). Thus, they lead to creation of new markets.
Malawi has five bilateral trade agreements. The key features of these bilateral trade agreements are highlighted below:
Goods originated from either country are exported to the other on import duty free status basis. To enjoy the provision of this agreement, Malawian producers are required to apply to the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) which verifies the origin of the goods. To qualify the goods should be wholly produced in Malawi. Otherwise their domestic value addition should not be at least 25%. Moreover, the goods should be accompanied by a certificate of origin. The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) issues the certificate of origin.
This agreement grants duty free access to goods originating from the two countries except those on the Exclusion List. Goods on the Exclusion List include sugar, beer, Coca-Cola and other branded soft drinks, manufactured tobacco, refined edible oil, dressed chicken, table eggs, unmanufactured tobacco, stationary, petroleum products, firearms, ammunition, and explosives. Since Mozambique is an important transit route for Malawi’s imports, this agreement also includes provisions for trade facilitation.
The Malawi-South Africa bilateral trade agreement was negotiated as part of the support programs by the Government of South Africa to aid the economic development of Malawi. Therefore, the agreement is non-reciprocal or asymmetrical. Malawi exports to South Africa enjoy duty-free treatment while imports from South Africa into Malawi are dutiable at the normal (Most Favoured Nation) rates applied to any other country.
South Africa is the major export market for Malawi in Africa accounting for over 35% of Malawi’s total exports. Major exports include tobacco, farm vegetables, rubber, oil seeds and fruit, clothing and iron. Imports include fertilizers, pharmaceutical products, dairy products, mineral fuels, machinery, glassware, stationery, chemical compounds, motor vehicle and industrial spares.
Malawi and Botswana’s trade relations are regulated by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement, Southern African Development Community (SADC) Trade Protocol and a Customs Agreement of 1956. The latter allows entry of goods grown, produced or manufactured in either country duty-free, except potable spirits and spirituous liquors. Malawi’s major exports to Botswana include tobacco, tea, timber, plywood/block board, textiles and garments and cotton lint. Malawi imports wheat flour, salt, soda ash, plastic products and pharmaceutical products from Botswana.
The Agreement allows duty free entry into China of Malawi's major exports such as tobacco, tea, sugar cane, coffee and legumes. Malawi’s trade volume with China hit US$100 million in 2012, a 400-percent jump from 2010.
Malawi and Tanzania trade relations are regulated by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Trade under the Most Favoured Nation Agreement. There is no Bilateral Trade Agreement between the two countries. However, Malawi and Tanzania established a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) in April, 1993 in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Malawi is part of the COMESA Free Trade Area (FTA), which was achieved on 31 October 2000. Eleven of COMESA's 21 Member States belong to the FTA. These, according to the COMESA website, include; Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The FTA members eliminated their tariffs on COMESA originating products, in accordance with the tariff reduction schedule adopted in 1992. They are also working on the eventual elimination of quantitative restrictions and other non-tariff barriers.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Trade Protocol was signed in 1996 to promote intra-regional trade in goods and services through reduction and eventual removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers in the region. It was also aimed at enhancing economic development, diversification, and industrialization of the region. SADC Member States are Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A SADC Free Trade Area was established in January 2008. Malawi has not reached the minimum threshold of 85% trade liberalization which was agreed to be the minimum for the Free Trade Area. Meanwhile Malawi has liberalized 70% of her trade with SADC. Malawi is, therefore, part of the SADC FTA and is working on removing tariffs on the remaining products.
Malawi is a member of the World Trade Organization, a legal institution of the multilateral trading system promoting the negotiations for liberalisation of trade in goods and services through removal of barriers to trade. The organisation is also responsible for development of international trade rules and settlement of trade disputes. The WTO came into being on 1st January 1995 (After the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade-GATT 1947).
Malawi is a party to the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) – European Union (EU) Partnership Agreement. Under the Agreement ACP countries enjoy duty-free market access to the European Union. Since its inception in the 1970s, the Agreement has been revised several times. The last revision was done in 2000 and a new agreement (Cotonou Agreement) was signed which introduced a requirement for ACP countries to offer reciprocal duty-free treatment to imports from the EU in line with the World Trade Organisation rules.
Since 2002, ACP countries have been negotiating the new trade arrangements with the EU known as Economic Partnership Agreements. The negotiations are being done in regional configurations. Malawi is negotiating for an EPA under the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) configuration which comprises Burundi, Comoros, Seychelles, DR Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Rwanda Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Malawi is trading with the EU through the Everything But Arms a special arrangement for Least Developed Countries under the EU Generalised System of Preferences.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a United States Trade Act, enacted in May 2000 and renewed to 2025 enhances market access to the USA for qualifying Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Qualification for AGOA preferences is based on a set of conditions contained in the AGOA legislation. To qualify and remain eligible for AGOA, each country must be working to improve its rule of law, human rights, and respect for core labour standards.
Malawi's major exports to the USA under AGOA include agricultural products, followed by textiles and apparel products.
For detailed information on trade agreement Malawi is a party to, visit www.malawitradeportal.gov.mw
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The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
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The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
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The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
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Choosing a market for your product or service requires careful research. Here are some pointers to take into consideration in relation to market access;
Domestic market access and opportunities
The domestic market is the main source of agricultural products, while imports dominate processed foodstuffs, sanitary products and vegetable oils. A mix of imports and Ethiopian products are available in the local market.
Opportunities in the Value Chain Development
By adding value to products, women can create access to markets and finance, and compete in the market. In Ethiopia, the value chain development as an approach to poverty reduction is implemented by different organizations:
Organizations working on Value Chain Development & create market access:
The Graduation with Resilience to Achieve Sustainable Development (GRAD) project in Ethiopia engages food insecure households in various agricultural value chains. As a result, these households have showed improved incomes. GRAD is a USAID funded project, and is implemented in partnership with
For further information visit: https://snv.org/update/value-chain-development-improved-livelihoods-ethiopia
Market access through cooperatives
Women producers can utilize take advantage of cooperative societies by becoming members in order to access the markets created (established) by these cooperatives. For example, in Ethiopia's case, the grain market is the largest of all commodity markets in terms of the volume of products handled and the number of market actors and participants involved.
Naturally, market actors increase in composition and number as grain passes through the hierarchy of marketing channel from local to central market. Thus, cooperatives shorten the process and can be considered as a channel for market. The establishment of such cooperatives is to improve the bargaining power of farmer members, procure products and services at a lower cost, improving market access, and increasing the income of members through value added products.
Opportunities in production of substitute goods
The most important products in term of local market are apparels, foodstuffs, beverage and construction materials. Furthermore, nowadays organizations face competition from industries that are producing substitutes. But substitution also provides opportunities. In order to identify gaps a realistic assessment has to be made of the relative merits of the products/services in the eyes of the customer. Thus, engaging in production of substitute goods can be considered as domestic market opportunity.
Input for large scale processors
Large scale processors are also market potentials for women producers. Usually large-scale processors are located near to urban areas. Therefore, such institutional buyers are very important to tap in to.
Foreign market access opportunities
Ethiopia signed a Treaty of Friendship and Economic Relations which describes bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that this country is party to, thus women can get more information from this content on how to take advantage of these agreements. The different trade agreements have been summarized below:
Furthermore, Ethiopia is a signatory to the following trade agreements:
Understanding the country’s trade agreements will help women entrepreneurs to benefit from the opportunities available through these agreements. For further information click here.
Engaging in an export business in Ethiopia is a potentially profitable venture; as exports from the country are growing and the government encourages the sector. Ethiopia's main export products are agricultural commodities. These commodities, live animals and other non-value added export products are allowed only for domestic investors. However, exporters must register with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to obtain an export license.
Summary of procedures to follow
Requirements for issuance of an export license
Guidelines on packaging standards
Contact details and useful links
Documents required to export
Export documentation is required in importing countries to clear goods from Customs and effect bank payment; and the following documents are commonly used in exporting.
*Specific documents required for a particular transaction depend on the requirements of the importing country. Generally requirements are:
To start an import business, one requires commercial registration and a license from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The fees for commercial registration and business license are 102 ETB for each. For anyone who wishes to get started in business in general and import trade in particular, it is necessary to visit the Ministry of Trade and Industry which is located around ‘Kazanchis’ on the way to ‘Filwuha’ in the same building with the Development Bank of Ethiopia.
To obtain an import license you need to have;
License fees: 102 ETB
Prohibited Imports
The following goods are prohibited imports to Ethiopia:
(i) Used clothing
(ii) Arms and ammunition, except by the Ministry of Defense
(iii) Goods of a commercial nature and quantity that are not imported through formal bank payment mechanisms.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Ethiopia are critical to enabling women living in poverty to increase their financial skills, gain access to and control over resources, and generate economic opportunities and income which in turn contribute to poverty reduction and women empowerment.
VSLAs are formed with a self-managed group of 20-30 individuals that meets on a regular basis to provide its members a safe place to save their money, to access loans, and to obtain social or emergency insurance coverage. It is common that each member will contribute a specified amount of money to a savings pool and after a certain amount of capital has been accumulated, the accumulated fund becomes a readily accessible source of credit for members.
NGOs which support VSLAs
Useful guidelines for managing VSLAs
Guidelines on forming cooperative societies
In Ethiopia, there are institutions which offer demand-driven business pieces of training to women and the local business community in order to help them acquire the necessary knowledge and skills that lead to success in today's challenging business environment. Business training program allows women to strengthen their skills.
The following institutions provide training for those who want to start their own business or are already in business. Thus, women with limited access to economic resources can tap into these institutions so as to broaden their practical and entrepreneurial skill sets.
Addis Ababa Lideta Sub City
Yobek Commercial Center Building
Tel: +251 115 57227 / +251 115 585061
Toll free: 8658
Email: wedp.addis@gmail.com
Web: https://wedp.webs.com/training-facility
Nega City Mall Building (In front of Zemen Bank)
3rd Floor Kazanchis, Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 115 571 164
Email: info@edcethiopia.com
Web: https://www.edcethiopia.org/index.php
Bole Sub-city, Woreda 3
Abyssinia Plaza Building, 7th Floor
P.O. Box 41293, Addis Ababa
Email: info@cawee-ethiopia.com
Web: http://cawee-ethiopia.com/
Nefas Silk Lafto-City Woreda 08
Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 114 423594
+251 114423597
+251 114423585
+251 114423596
Web: www.wise.org.et
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wise.org/
Haile Gebreselassie Street
Seleshi Sehin Bldg, #807
P.O. Box: Addis Ababa 27893 CODE 1000 Ethiopia
Tel: +251 116 631016/0223
Mob: +251 947350259
Email: info@awib.org.et
Web: http://awib.org.et
Roots Ethiopia works within the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia
Email: info@rootsethiopia.org
Web: https://rootsethiopia.org/enable-livelihoods
Bole Subcity, Woreda 04, House No. 378
(GMA Building 2nd Floor)
P.O. Box 27601 Code 1000
Addis Ababa
Email: ethiopia@dotrust.org
Web: https://ethiopia.dotrust.org
P.O. Box 2568 Addis Ababa
P.O. Box: 322 Harar
Tel: +251 114 71 42 91
+251 114-71 43 58
+251 11 440 2872
+251 11 442 1667
+251 25 666 3738
Web: https://www.menschenfuermenschen.ch/en/projects/addis-ababa-vocational-training/
Woreda 02, Sinan Building 2nd Floor, Bole Subcity
Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 93 036 2355
Email: info@gebeya.com
Web: https://gebeya.training
P.O.Box 8075
Tel: +251 011 646 2942
+251 011 646 3479
Email: Info@selamchildrenvillage.org
Web: http://www.selamchildrenvillage.org/Short%20Term%20Training
Financial literacy is the possession of skills that allows people to make smart decisions with their money. As a country, this ability to understand how money works, process financial information and make informed decisions can be considered as low. Without an understanding of basic financial concepts, it is difficult to run and lead businesses. Thus, knowing how to manage money can empower women to become critical thinkers. By making connections between financial literacy and well-being, Women can learn how their choices and behaviors affect them, their families and others in their community.
To support women’s ability to create businesses and secure their own livelihoods, the Government of Ethiopia encourages financing of female-owned businesses by providing access to revolving funds, loan and credits. However, due to lack in financial literacy the level of women’s saving and borrowing patterns, bargaining power, financial well-being and understanding government financial policies is not realized as stipulated by the government.
Financial literacy training providers in Ethiopia
Enat Bank: through the “Enat financial education” tools it provides training to women on financial literacy which is believed to change their standard of living.
Kirkos sub-city, woreda 8, in front of Yordanos Hotel
P.O. Box: 18401, Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 115 158278 / +251115507074
Fax: +251 115 151338 / +251115504948
Web: https://www.enatbanksc.com/products-services/women-financing.html
Ethiopian Institute of Financial Studies (EIFS): provides financial literacy training on demand. These courses are either provided in half-day or full-day sessions with different durations.
To register for the training use the following contact address;
National Bank of Ethiopia
Sudan Avenue
P.O. Box 5550
Tel: +251 11 517 7430
Fax: +251 11 517 4588
Email: eifs@nbe.gov.et
Other institution indirectly providing such services are:
WISE provides financial education, business development services, cooperative management skills, innovation challenge fund grants and improved financial services including micro-insurance to ensure their ability to create sustainable jobs and improve their livelihoods.
To date, WISE has delivered Training of Trainers (TOT) in Business Management skills, Financial Literacy, Leadership and Management, Life Skills and other related topics to close to 1000880 staff of 175 Government, non-governmental, private and community organizations. For further info click here.
Contact information
Nefas Silk Lafto-City Woreda 08
Tel: +251 114 423594, +251 114 423597, +251 114423585, +251 114423596
Web: www.wise.org.et
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wise.org/
Agar is a national non-governmental and non-profit making organizationSee program details here
P. O. Box: 28657/1000
Tel: +251 11 369 8073
Fax: +251 11 369 8062
Mob: +251 93 009 8695
Email: agarethiopia2005@yahoo.com, agarethiopia2005@gmail.com, info@AgarEthiopia.com
Web: www.agarethiopia.com
The Ethiopian Government Electronic Services Portal has been developed by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology to provide electronic public services to citizens, non-citizens, businesses, and governmental & non-governmental organizations. This portal provides services that are provided by various government organizations. You can select a public service from the list to get possible service providers. By selecting a service provider of your choice, you will get detailed instruction on how to request the service.
The Electronic Single Window (ESW System) is a one-stop service system that allows traders to submit all import, export and transit related requirements within a single electronic gateway. The system is vital in reducing process costs related with application, process delay and duplication of documents as it eliminates redundant input of information, as well as collecting various required confirmation materials such as inspection, verification and approvals from designated authorities.
The system requires subscription of users who are engaged in the international trade sector. In order to subscribe as well as to use the system visit this link.
Find invaluable business and investment related resources like;
Women’s empowerment can be achieved when women and girls acquire the power to act freely, exercise their rights, and fulfil their potential as equal members of society. To this end, the Government and many development partners in Ethiopia are working to address women’s empowerment in order to promote gender equality by ensuring equal access to economic opportunities and education.
Hence, this guide is to highlight institutions which are engaging them to support women’s ability to create businesses and secure their livelihoods, encourage financing for female-owned businesses and empower women in decision-making about production, the use of resources like land, water, or capital, and control over income.
Farm Africa sets up schemes to help women in remote areas manage their savings and credit so they can fund their own enterprises. It also offers business training and advice to build women’s confidence so they can go on to play a bigger role in making decisions for their households and communities. See details here.
Farm Africa Ethiopia
Kazanchis
P.O. Box 5746
Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 115 573 325, +251 115 573 317
Fax: +251 115 573 332
In relation to women’s empowerment, USAID Ethiopia is working to:
Entoto Street, Addis Ababa
P.O. Box 1014
Tel: +251 11 130 6002
Fax: +251 11 124 2438
Web: https://www.usaid.gov/ethiopia/gender-equality-and-womens-empowerment
The Hunger Project works in the program areas of: infrastructure, women empowerment, food security, literacy and education, health and nutrition, water, sanitation and the environment, microfinance and economic activity, and mobilizing people and resources.
Its Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP) in Ethiopia includes fostering an environment that calls forth women’s leadership and agency at the local level as well as expanding economic opportunities for women in rural households. The Hunger Project - Ethiopia works towards these goals by offering community partner and animator trainings on topics such as women’s community leadership, gender equality, family planning and education for girl children, among others.
P.O. Box 26238/1000
Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 116 180 456 or 180 563
Fax: +251 116 180 823
Care works on women’s economic empowerment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals to boost economic growth. Care focuses on 4 inter-related pathways to achieve women’s economic empowerment:
Contact information:
P.O. Box: 4710
Addis Ababa
Tel: +251 116 18 32 94
Fax: +251 116 18 32 95
A number of institutions in Ethiopia provide young women mentorship programs. As part of their services, mentors share their knowledge and experiences, supporting the mentees to become successful in their chosen field and interests. The following are among these few institutions working on mentorship programs.
The leadership and debate club
The University, through its leadership and debate club, provides mentorship services. This club is established by AAU Gender office in collaboration with the Center for Creative Leadership in October 2016 and currently providing Leadership training and mentorship program for female students at the Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, main campus.
Mentorship Mixer series intended to introduce and match female university students in their final year with experienced career and businesswomen in Ethiopia. The underlying philosophy behind the ‘Meri’ (Leader) Mentorship Mixers is that networks are a crucial part of developing various skills and widening the personal and professional horizons of young Ethiopian women with leadership potential.
It is a mentoring program that matches experienced female faculty/staff (mentors) at the University of Montana with female participants (mentees) at the University of Gondar. The goal of creating a networking and mentorship platform is to use the expertise of the faculty/staff at UM to provide professional development support for female faculty at the University of Gondar (UoG). The program will
xHub is an initiative of Center for African Leadership Studies that incubates and mentors’ young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into businesses and services. It is created to be a system or environment in which young individuals have the necessary resources to grow and learn from one another and from their coaches and mentors.
xHub started off as an IT incubator where young entrepreneurs come with their IT business ideas and grow them into businesses or tangible products. Information Technology was the first sector that the hub worked in because technology is the way of the future and one of the easiest ways to get out of poverty in a country like Ethiopia with 60% youth population.
International Women's Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. This year's theme was titled #BreakTheBias. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
COMFWB Secretariat,
Ground Floor Zimbabwe House,
City Centre, P.O. Box 1499,
Lilongwe, Malawi.
W: www.comfwb.org
www.comesa.int
