Africa’s second electronic world trade platform (Ewtp) will be established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after Ethiopian government officials and Alibaba Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to have the second eWTP Hub in Addis, after the first one was set up in Kigali, Rwanda.
The government of Ethiopia hopes that the eWTP hub in will enable the country provide smart logistics and services, conduct cross-border trades targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by helping them penetrate markets in China and other parts of the world, as well as serve as a center of excellence in training young entrepreneurs, among others.
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At a ceremony that was well attended in Addis Ababa yesterday,the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed said that the electronic trade platform is part of Ethiopia’s technological development and a step forward to making Ethiopia among the five economic giants of Africa within the coming decade, noting that it also expands the horizon for small and medium enterprises. Other dignitaries at the event are Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Getahun Mekuria, Jack Ma, Founder of Jack Ma Foundation and Partner of Alibaba Group, Eric Jing, Alibaba Group Director and Financial Services Group Chairman & CEO, as well as Takele Uma, Addis Abeba deputy mayor, among others, representatives of Alibaba Group and Dr. Getahun signed the MoU at Ethiopia’s ICT Park, located in Goro road in Addis Abeba.
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Speaking on the development, Dr. Getahun Mekuria noted that this engagement will greatly contribute to trade facilitation and open markets to SMEs not only in Ethiopia but in the wider region.” It is “an important step in the development of a digital economy in Ethiopia” he added.
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“It is an honor to partner with the government of Ethiopian to establish the Electronic World Trade platform Ethiopia Hub” said Eric Jing, adding “We will continue to support the creation of a more inclusive. Digitally -enabled global economy, where small businesses can participate in global trade. We look forward to working together with entrepreneurs and SMEs from Ethiopia and other African nations to seize the opportunities provided by the digital era”
The first major initiative for the Electronic World Trade platform partnership in Ethiopia will be development of a multi-function digital trade hub to serve as a gateway for Ethiopian products to china, a center for cross-border e-commerce and trade within African and training center. China Commodities City International (CCCI) will partner with Alibaba in the development of the Electronic World Trade platform Hub. The Alibaba business school will implement the capacity building and training portion of the partnership which consists of a number of programs including specialized programs for Ethiopian entrepreneurs’ business leaders and university lectures.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry