Ethiopia signed the first African trade treaty with the USA in 1914. did you know?
Did you know that the uncrowned Emperor of Ethiopia, Prince Lij Iyasu and John Q. Wood signed the Amity and Economic Relations Agreement Treaty in 1914 at Addis Ababa.
Then, the emperor was a U.S. diplomat at the time who stood in for President Woodrow Wilson. The signed treaty permitted free movements of citizens and goods between both countries and it is the first African treaty to be signed by the United States.
Prince Iyasu was the grandson of the famous Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia, and only held the reins of power for a few years as he was faced with strong resistance from his family who would later choose his aunt Zewditu and first empress of the nation over him.
This treaty remains one of the most significant things he did when he was in power.
Although, Ethiopia is not a member of the World Trade Organization but she is on her way to attain membership.
Below is the full text of the treaty signed between Ethiopia and the United States in 1914:
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