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MFAE
Ethiopian exporters have been urged to take greater advantage of the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides eligible products with reduced or zero-tariff access to the UK market. The call was made during a hybrid training workshop held in Addis Ababa on 8 July 2026, aimed at helping Ethiopian businesses better understand the opportunities, requirements, and practical steps involved in exporting to the UK.
The workshop, co-organized by the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in London in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, the UK Department for Business and Trade, the British Embassy in Addis Ababa, and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, brought together more around 50 participants physically in Addis Ababa and 50 participants online from Ethiopia and the United Kingdom. The workshop focused on raising awareness of the DCTS and equipping Ethiopian exporters with practical knowledge to access the UK market.
Opening the workshop, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Ambassador Biruk Mekonnen highlighted the DCTS as an important opportunity for Ethiopian exporters to expand their presence in the UK market.
He noted that sectors including coffee, agricultural products, horticulture, textiles, and apparel have strong potential to benefit from the scheme. Ambassador Biruk stressed that preferential market access must be supported by exporters’ ability to meet quality standards, comply with regulatory requirements, and build consistent and reliable export capacity.
He reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to strengthening Ethiopia–UK commercial relations and supporting Ethiopian businesses in accessing international markets. He emphasized that effective utilization of the DCTS requires close cooperation among government institutions, the private sector, and development partners to translate trade opportunities into practical business outcomes.
Mr. Tsegaw Belete, Advisor to the State Minister for Trade Integration and Export Promotion at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, said international trade remains a key driver of economic growth and structural transformation. He noted that Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms are focused on improving the business environment, boosting productivity, and strengthening the competitiveness of Ethiopian products in global markets.
During the workshop, Jamal Hussain, UK Regional Trade Advisor, provided practical guidance on the DCTS, including product coverage, tariff benefits, rules of origin, and procedures for accessing the scheme. Rebecca Schneider, UK Agriculture, Food and Drink Attaché, shared insights on agricultural exports to the UK, including market entry requirements, competent authorities, and compliance considerations. Dr. Jean-Baptiste Damestoy from GIZ highlighted opportunities and requirements in the textile and apparel sector, including market trends, certification standards, and lessons from market engagement.
The workshop highlighted the importance of increasing awareness among Ethiopian businesses about available trade opportunities and ensuring exporters are equipped with the knowledge needed to compete internationally. Through greater use of the DCTS, Ethiopian businesses can expand their access to the UK market, diversify exports, strengthen participation in global value chains, and contribute to Ethiopia’s export growth.
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