Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia has officially begun exporting meat, coffee, beans, fruits, and vegetables to fellow African nations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with the first consignments delivered via Ethiopian Airlines Cargo. Among the key destinations is neighboring Somalia, marking a fresh chapter in regional economic integration.
The move signals Addis Ababa’s intent to position itself as a major agro-export hub on the continent, shifting reliance away from traditional markets in the Middle East and Europe. Instead, Ethiopian producers are now turning their focus toward African consumers—an audience expected to grow rapidly as AfCFTA lowers trade barriers and simplifies customs procedures across member states.
For Somalia, the partnership offers a dependable supply of food and commodities at competitive prices, particularly at a time when the country is working to stabilize markets and reduce import dependency on distant suppliers. Traders in Mogadishu say the new Ethiopian shipments have arrived faster and fresher than those sourced through longer maritime routes.
The rollout has been coordinated through Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, Africa’s largest air freight carrier, which has pledged to scale up capacity based on demand. Logistics experts say the airline’s involvement could give Ethiopia a logistical advantage over regional competitors, ensuring perishable goods reach their destinations within hours rather than days.
Economists note that the AfCFTA framework—designed to create the world’s largest single market by population—will only succeed if African nations actively trade with one another rather than merely sign protocols. Ethiopia’s first exports under the agreement are being seen as a practical demonstration of that vision in motion.
Farmers and exporters back in Ethiopia say this could be a turning point. If sustained, intra-African trade could offer them more predictable returns and reduce the volatility caused by geopolitical tensions and fluctuating Western demand.
The challenge now lies in keeping the momentum. Both countries must ensure regulatory alignment, stable logistics corridors, and fair pricing mechanisms. But for now, planes loaded with fresh produce crossing borders represent more than just commerce—they are a symbol of Africa finally choosing to feed, supply, and trade with itself.