Introduction Ethiopia has taken a significant step to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by issuing Council of Ministers Regulation No. 574/2025. This new regulation, published on July 14, 2025 in the Federal Negarit Gazette, operationalizes Ethiopia’s tariff reduction commitments under AfCFTA. In practical terms, it establishes how import duties on goods from...Read More

The Income Tax (Amendment) Proclamation No. 1395/2025 has been enacted, revising most provisions of Ethiopia’s Federal Income Tax Proclamation No. 979/2016. This document outlines the main legislative changes from the amendment. Definitions and Scope Income from Digital Content Creation:A new definition covers income generated via online platforms, including advertisements, sponsorships, subscriptions, and digital or physical...Read More

I. Introduction and Contextual Background Ethiopia’s financial sector has historically been characterized by protectionist policies aimed at preserving domestic banking institutions. For decades, the exclusion of foreign banks was justified by a perceived need to protect nascent local banks, support monetary policy controls, and preserve foreign exchange reserves. However, the government’s Homegrown Economic Reform Program...Read More

This commentary analyzes Proclamation No. 1357/2024, focusing on its framework for real property valuation in Ethiopia, including its purpose, system, methods, responsibilities, and the role of valuers. The Proclamation seeks to establish a transparent and structured approach to real property valuation to address critical aspects of the real estate market. I. Purpose and System of...Read More

The Ministry of Finance has released a new draft proclamation to amend some provisions of the Income Tax Proclamation No. 979/2016. Below is a summary and analysis of the key proposed changes under the draft Income tax proclamation. Taxpayer Categories: The categories of taxpayers have been redefined, with specific thresholds for Category A and B...Read More

In a significant policy and legislative milestone, the Council of Ministers of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has approved a draft Proclamation that introduces a structured legal framework permitting foreign nationals and entities to acquire immovable property under specified conditions. This landmark reform marks a pivotal shift in Ethiopia’s property ownership regime and aligns...Read More

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

We are proud to announce that Dablo Law Firm has joined LEX Africa, the continent’s largest and longest-established legal alliance. As the exclusive Ethiopian member, our firm is now part of a distinguished network of leading independent law firms spanning 30 African countries.LEX Africa, founded in 1993 and ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners,...Read More

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – DABLO Law Firm LLP has proudly earned a prestigious ranking in the Chambers and Partners 2025 Global Guide, solidifying its position as a leading law firm in Ethiopia. This accolade highlights the firm’s exceptional expertise across a wide range of practice areas, including corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance,...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