WTO membership could boost Ethiopia's economy, even as the trade group faces crisis - Reuters

Ethiopia is pursuing World Trade Organization membership at a moment when the global trade body itself is grappling with institutional dysfunction and challenges to its authority. WTO accession would give Ethiopia formal access to the organization's dispute-resolution mechanisms and preferential trade agreements with member states, potentially unlocking export opportunities and foreign investment. The timing underscores a paradox: as major economies question the WTO's relevance and effectiveness, developing nations like Ethiopia still view membership as essential to economic integration. Ethiopia's accession process has been pending for years and faces technical and political hurdles typical of WTO candidates. The broader context reflects tension between the WTO's declining influence in global trade policy and its continued appeal to nations seeking rule-based market access.