Stay ahead of Ethiopia's policy changes
Government directives and proclamations, summarized in plain language. Built for business owners, founders, and finance professionals.
Currently tracking:
FVD/01/2026 – IMPORT ON FRANCO VALUTA
This directive establishes a unified legal framework for Franco Valuta transactions, aiming to prevent foreign exchange abuse and illicit trade practices by setting clear rules for eligible users, permitted goods, documentation, and digital control systems. It also repeals a specific article from a previous directive (FXD/01/2024).
FXD/05/2026 – AMENDMENT TO FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIRECTIVE NO. FXD/01/2024
This directive amends Foreign Exchange Directive No. FXD/01/2024 by authorizing commercial banks to approve letters of credit and cash against documents for institutions holding foreign currency or retention accounts, without prior approval from the National Bank of Ethiopia. It also allows these institutions to initiate goods for shipment prior to bank approval, with payment processing subject to document verification.
Value Added Tax Refund Determination Directive
This directive outlines the conditions and procedures for Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds for registered persons, including specific provisions for zero-rated transactions, expedited refunds, and refunds for exempt entities. It also details the documentation required, the refund processing system based on risk assessment, and penalties for non-compliance.
SMIB/4/2026 LICENSING AND SUPERVISION OF MICROINSURANCE AGENTS
This directive establishes the licensing, regulation, and supervision requirements for individuals and entities acting as microinsurance agents in Ethiopia. It outlines the eligibility criteria, application processes, responsibilities, and operational restrictions for microinsurance agents and providers to facilitate the growth of the microinsurance sector.
SIB/64/2026 – EXTERNAL AUDITOR OF AN INSURANCE COMPANY
This directive establishes requirements for the appointment, selection, and responsibilities of external auditors for insurance companies in Ethiopia. It aims to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial statements, enhance corporate governance, and improve the effectiveness of risk-based supervision.
SIB/63/2026 – REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS WITH SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE IN AN INSURANCE COMPANY
This directive establishes 'fit and proper' criteria for persons with significant influence in insurance companies, including shareholders, directors, chief executive officers, and senior executive officers. It outlines requirements for knowledge, experience, integrity, and financial soundness, and mandates National Bank of Ethiopia approval for certain appointments and shareholdings. The directive also details ongoing fitness tests, notification requirements, whistleblowing policies, and submission procedures for applications and relevant documents. It repeals Directive No. SIB/32/2012.
SIB/62/2026 LICENSING OF INSURANCE BROKER
This directive outlines the requirements and procedures for licensing insurance brokers in Ethiopia, including establishment, qualifications, responsibilities, and penalties for non-compliance.
FXD/04/2026 – AMENDMENT TO FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIRECTIVE NO. FXD/01/2024
This directive amends Foreign Exchange Directive No. FXD/01/2024 to relax foreign exchange administration, enhance market development, and boost business confidence by modifying rules for foreign currency accounts, forward exchange dealings, outbound investments, and foreign guarantees.
The Ethiopian Customs Valuation (Amendment ) Directive
This directive amends the Ethiopian Customs Valuation Directive No. 1080/2017 to enhance transparency and clarify procedures for importers submitting additional supporting documents, aligning national customs valuation with WTO agreements.
NBE/INT/13/2026 INTEREST RATES (AS AMENDED)
This directive amends previous interest rate directives, allowing banks to freely determine their deposit and lending interest rates, subject to reporting requirements to the National Bank of Ethiopia.
SBB/99/2026 -REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSING A BANK BRANCH TO OPERATE IN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE
This directive outlines the requirements for licensing a bank branch to operate in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Ethiopia, covering application criteria, operational requirements, and restrictions. It aims to ensure proper financial service delivery within SEZs to support their development.
Oil Seeds and Pulses Direct Trading (Amendment) Directive
This directive amends the Oil Seeds and Pulses Direct Trading Directive No. 1026/2024 by replacing Article 6 regarding payment procedures and modifying sub-articles 4 and 5 of Article 8 concerning fund deposits and export permit acquisition. It also renumbers sub-articles in Article 15.
The Coffee Marketing and Quality Control (amendment) Directive
This amendment directive modifies the Coffee Marketing and Quality Control Directive No. 1100/2025 by introducing new definitions (QR Code, Electronic method, Scan, Laboratory, Trade Association), requiring coffee exporters to have certified laboratories, specifying qualifications for coffee quality cuppers, adjusting submission requirements for exporter certificates of competency (including electronic submission and personal appearance options), detailing capital requirements for different business structures, and outlining procedures for certificate issuance, renewal, and cancellation. It also restricts individuals or organizations from holding more than one type of exporter Certificate of Competency.
A Directive to amend Tax Invoices Usage and Administration
This directive amends the Tax Invoices Usage and Administration Directive No. 165/2021, mandating the inclusion of a unique QR code on all tax invoices and specifying requirements for taxpayers with multiple business activities and for printing enterprises. It also outlines transitional provisions for existing invoice stock.
A DIRECTIVE ISSUED TO REGULATE THE SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION, MARKETING AND UTILIZATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
This directive, issued by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, regulates the supply, distribution, marketing, and utilization of petroleum products in Ethiopia. It repeals Directive No. 904/2022 and outlines specific obligations for importers, distributors, fuel stations, carriers, and petroleum tanker drivers, alongside oversight and administrative measures by regulatory bodies. The directive aims to ensure fair distribution, product quality, safety, and efficient market operations.