November 6, 2025
Ethiopia has launched a groundbreaking electronic phytosanitary certification platform called the Integrated Export and Import Certification System (IEICS), known as the e-Phyto system, marking a significant milestone in modernizing the country’s agricultural trade. This digital system enables Ethiopian farmers and exporters to apply for, receive, and transmit phytosanitary certificates completely online, dramatically reducing the time and cost associated with traditional paper-based certification processes. The new platform is fully integrated with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) e-Phyto hub, allowing certificates to be sent directly to importing countries, streamlining compliance with global phytosanitary standards and enhancing traceability throughout the export chain.
Previously, Ethiopia’s agricultural exporters faced lengthy certification procedures that often took several days, involving physical documentation prone to loss, forgery, or delays. With the e-Phyto system, this has been reduced to a matter of hours, eliminating the need for exporters to physically travel with documents or wait for approvals while cutting administrative burdens and costs. The digital transition also contributes to fraud prevention and reduces the carbon footprint linked to courier services and manual document processing.
Ethiopia’s agriculture sector remains central to its economy, contributing about 34.87% of GDP and employing over 62% of the workforce. Smallholder farmers produce approximately 95% of the country’s agricultural output, meaning the benefits of this digital platform extend deeply into rural communities. The system directly strengthens Ethiopia’s competitiveness in key regional and global markets, especially impacting perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers where quicker clearance is critical to maintaining product quality and market access.
One of the sectors poised for significant gain is horticulture, notably floriculture, which has faced increased inspection scrutiny in recent years due to quarantine risks from pests such as the False Codling Moth (FCM). This has made phytosanitary compliance a major export hurdle. The e-Phyto system is expected to mitigate compliance bottlenecks by providing faster, more reliable certification services that support consistent market access. According to Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), the digital certification saves both time and resources for exporters and allows Ethiopia to better leverage its agroecological potential.
Authorities emphasize the system’s alignment with broader regional economic integration and trade facilitation efforts. Anchored in the Horn of Africa Initiative and aligned with the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy, the e-Phyto project is part of a wider agenda to deepen trade links, attract investment in infrastructure and human capital, and strengthen economic resilience.
Local officials have welcomed the system’s fast impact on trade efficiency and transparency. Dr. Wondale Habtamu, Deputy Director and Head of the Ethiopian National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), highlighted the practical benefits to exporters; no more carrying paper documents or enduring days-long approval times. The Ethiopian National Plant Protection Organization, as the authority responsible for phytosanitary certification, now offers a dependable digital tool that enhances trust, speeds processes, and supports sustainable economic growth.
International partners, including the European Union and French Development Agency (AFD), which co-funded the project, have praised the launch as a high-impact change for Ethiopia’s agricultural trade. The EU’s Acting Head of Cooperation, Beatrice Neri, noted that digital certification helps farmers meet global market standards, reduces waste, and facilitates efficient cross-border movement of goods. Such strides are vital for Ethiopia’s expanding agricultural exports, ensuring that the country remains competitive and that its farmers can access high-value markets with fewer barriers.
The nationwide rollout is scheduled to continue in the coming weeks, with the goal of covering the entire export sector and further integrating with international trade partners. This digitization effort is expected not only to reduce costs and delays but also to increase Ethiopia’s appeal as a reliable supplier in global agricultural supply chains.
Source: EHPEA and Trademark Africa