Introduction The Ministry of Revenue has issued a new directive on Tax Administration Penalty Waiving, Directive No. 189/2025 on February 2025. The directive provides a structured framework for the waiver of administrative tax penalties. The directive introduces specific classifications, conditions, and procedures governing penalty waivers, aiming to improve fairness and efficiency in tax administration. Scope...Read More

     I.         Introduction In recent years, Ethiopia has undertaken a significant policy shift in its approach to foreign direct investment (FDI) by opening sectors that were previously reserved exclusively for domestic investors. As part of the government’s Homegrown Economic Reform (HGER) agenda, key reforms have been introduced, including allowing foreign investment in the telecom sector,...Read More

Ethiopia’s Office of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Directorate General has issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for the development of two significant solar PV projects—the GAD II (125 MW) and Weranso (100 MW) plants. Announced on February 9, 2025, this call invites both international and domestic investors to engage in a competitive tender process, marking...Read More

Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers recently introduced amendments to the Investment Incentive Regulation (No. 517/2022), on January 14, 2025 These changes aim to enhance employment opportunities, streamline tax exemptions for investment-related assets, and attract investments in the mining sector. The changes will take effect upon their official publication in the Negarit Gazette. For foreign and local investors,...Read More

An Insight into Membership and Listing Rules The ESX launch marks a key step for Ethiopia’s Capital Market. Understanding the legal frameworks for membership and listings is crucial. Trading members and listed companies must comply with regulations set by the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority. With the market reopening, two main questions arise: How to become...Read More

Ethiopia’s Parliament has approved a new banking proclamation that paves the way for foreign banks to enter the country’s financial sector. The legislation permits foreign banks to purchase shares in local banks and, with case-by-case approval from the National Bank of Ethiopia, fully acquire them. This marks a major step in opening up Ethiopia’s banking...Read More

DABLO Law Firm LLP is pleased to present a comprehensive guide on trademark registration and protection in Ethiopia. This guide is designed to assist businesses and individuals in navigating the trademark law in Ethiopia and ensuring their intellectual property is adequately protected. The guide covers essential topics such as: Categories of Trademarks: Understanding the different...Read More

Overview of Ethiopia’s Draft Real Estate Development and Real Property Marketing and Valuation ProclamationRead More

The Information Technology Products Security Clearance and Control Proclamation No. 1310/2023 (hereinafter, the “Proclamation”) was necessitated for the protection of Ethiopia’s information technology infrastructure and the citizens of Ethiopia from emerging threats in cyberspace.[1] The Proclamation aims to regulate the importation, exportation, usage, and handling of Information Technology (IT) products with due risks to national...Read More

Ethiopia has embarked on a new era of economic policy, marked by currency devaluation and a significant revamp of the foreign currency exchange regime. The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has revised its long-standing practice of fixing and controlling the exchange rate, opting for a market-based exchange regime. It has introduced a new Foreign Exchange...Read More