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

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

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

With its recent economic liberalization and fresh moves to join the WTO, Ethiopia is becoming an increasingly attractive market. Bruk Geremew and Iyasu Teketel believe a revamped PPP regime could help usher in an exciting future. With one of the largest sub-Saharan economies, and some of Africa’s greatest potential for renewable power production, Ethiopia is...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

With its economic liberalization and transformed legal practice, Ethiopia is fast becoming an attractive market for investors. The partners of DABLO Law Firm LLP spoke with Craig Sisterson about new hires, rapid growth, and an exciting future. Revolutionary changes to Ethiopia’s legal system and wider economy provide exciting opportunities and spurred the creation and rapid...Read More