Ethiopian-DHL, AeTrade Group partner to move historical parcels under African Continental Free Trade Area

Ethiopian Airlines-DHL and African Electronic Trade Group have partnered to transport historical parcels in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The partnership is meant to invoke the start of trading of the AfCFTA market and the operations of the African e-commerce platform in the continent. The first batch of the goods has arrived at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on January 1 at a ceremony graced by high-level officials from the public and private sectors, AU, DHL and Ethiopian Airlines Group. Working in collaboration with African Union Commission and the business community with a vision to enhance intra-and inter-African trade, the African Electronic Trade Group transports fragile trophies to various African countries as African Continental Free Trade Area commences. The smooth and reliable connection between the source and the final destination is possible because of the partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and the African Electronic Trade Group. This partnership joins the pre-existing continental partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and DHL that has strengthened the multimodal logistics systems established by Ethiopian at its hub in Addis Ababa.
Commissioner General of the Eswatini Revenue Authority remarks, “Tremendous opportunities exist digitally enabled cross border trade through the implementation of ASYCUDA world, customs to customs data exchange, coordinated border management, single windows and other similar mechanisms pursued under the regional economic communities, which need to be the norm rather than the exception in Africa. The African Continental Free Trade Area brings momentum behind our commitment for enhanced ease of doing business that we are addressing in partnership with the business community, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and all members of the National Trade Facilitation Committee.”
The fragile goods have passed through Eswatini, South Africa and Ethiopia countries that have signed and ratified the AfCFTA Agreement. Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines, says, “The link between an integrated African marketplace, free movement of persons and the single air market in Africa cannot be underestimated as it serves as a catalyst for unlocking immense opportunities in Africa for the benefit of Africans and all stakeholders. I would like to commend the African Union leaders for their strategic focus on the legal instruments that will make it easier for Africans to travel across the continent peacefully and do business with each other. I believe that the partnership with The African Electronic Trade Group and DHL is crucial, as Ethiopian is a key player in African cargo and passenger transportation. While fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to work to boost intra African trade to pave the way for a brighter future.”
“A robust ecosystem to serve SMEs, especially women and youth, better is under construction with fresh impetus from digital technologies and enabling policies being put in place by the African Union Member States,” said, Dr. Amany Asfour, Chairperson, African Business Council.
A joint statement issued by the partners said, “This is the beginning of an exciting journey between a consortium of proud and trusted African and global brands – AeTrade Group – Ethiopian Airlines – DHL. Standing together we welcome the start of trading of the African Continental Free Trade Area with its 1.3 bililon people and an estimated GDP of 3.4 trillion.”