Finance Ministry, AliExpress discuss partnership to advance e-commerce, fostering youth employment

Addis Ababa, October 31, 2024 (FBC) – Semereta Sewasew, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance, held a strategic discussion with the Director of Key Accounts from Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group – AliExpress, alongside their respective teams, at the Ministry of Finance.

This meeting marks a pivotal step in advancing Ethiopia’s e-commerce landscape as AliExpress officially launches its services in the country, focusing on job creation, local partnerships, and building Ethiopia’s technology, supply chain, and logistics infrastructure.

On the occasion, Ms. Semereta Sewasew highlighted e-commerce as a catalyst for economic growth and youth employment, emphasizing the transformative potential of digital platforms in providing Ethiopian youth with new job opportunities and enhancing their role in the digital economy.

She stated, “By harnessing platforms like AliExpress, we can expand job prospects for our young people, support innovation, and open new avenues for trade and investment. This partnership signals a strong commitment to establishing Ethiopia as a key player in the global e-commerce arena.”

In line with Ethiopia’s ongoing initiatives to modernize logistics and position itself as a regional e-commerce hub, this partnership with AliExpress complements existing projects, including Ethiopian Airlines’ newly established e-commerce hub.

It was indicated that AliExpress’s entry is expected to enhance Ethiopia’s logistics capabilities by benchmarking best practices in supply chain management, customs processing, and delivery efficiency, providing valuable insights and learning opportunities for Ethiopia’s customs and logistics sectors.

This collaboration with AliExpress also reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to streamlining customs duties and enhancing trade facilitation to boost efficiency across sectors. The government aims to leverage these benchmarks to create a conducive environment for both local and international e-commerce actors, ensuring that Ethiopia’s e-commerce ecosystem thrives sustainably.

With AliExpress’s investment and expertise, Ethiopia is well-positioned to strengthen its e-commerce infrastructure, foster youth employment, and promote inclusive growth, paving the way for further digital innovation and economic development in the region.