Ethiopia’s Accession to the East African Community: Legal Challenges, Opportunities, and Integration Lessons
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Date
2025-11-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study explores the legal and institutional implications of Ethiopia’s potential accession to the East African Community (EAC). It analyzes the EAC’s legal framework such as the EAC treaty, Customs Union and Common Market Protocol against Ethiopia’s existing legal framework. Drawing comparative lessons from Poland’s accession to European Union and Vietnam’s integration to ASEAN, the research identifies key legal reforms, institutional adjustments, and phased implementation strategies essential for successful integration. The study also focus on evaluating the challenges Ethiopia might face, such as those related to trade liberalization, competition, and regulatory harmonization, and suggests mechanisms to mitigate potential drawbacks. Additionally, it highlights the opportunities, including expanded market access and regional influence. The study employs a doctrinal and comparative methodology to provide practical policy recommendations for Ethiopia’s effective and strategic entry into the EAC.
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Keywords
East African Community, Regional Integration, Legal Harmonization, Customs Union, Common Market, Trade Liberalization, Trade Barriers, New Regionalism