As Ethiopia continues on the complex journey towards accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the importance of informed decision-making in trade policy cannot be overstated. Recognising this, ESAMI-trapca, with valuable support from Cowater International, recently conducted an advanced training program on statistical and econometric analysis for trade policy. The program was designed to empower policymakers from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MOTRI) and key stakeholders with the advanced analytical skills needed to navigate the complexities of international trade, particularly in the context of WTO accession, AfCFTA integration, and shifting global trade dynamics.
- The training covered sophisticated methods for analysing trade data, including structural gravity models, trade cost estimation, and impact evaluation.
- Participants learned to use advanced statistical models to understand trade relationships and forecast future trends.
- The program emphasized the use of software tools to analyse data and effectively communicate findings.
The advanced analytical skills acquired through this program are not just theoretical knowledge. They enable policymakers to make informed decisions backed by a comprehensive understanding of the potential economic impacts of various trade policies. This practical knowledge equips Ethiopia to assess the effects of trade policies on industries, employment, and income distribution.
Through this training, ESAMI-trapca strengthens Ethiopia’s capacity to negotiate its WTO accession and participate effectively in the global trading system. The analytical skills acquired will support evidence-based decision-making in trade policy, contributing to Ethiopia’s economic growth and development.
