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Stay ahead of Ethiopia's policy changes

Government directives and proclamations, summarized in plain language. Built for business owners, founders, and finance professionals.

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National Bank of EthiopiaMinistry of JusticeMore soon
FintechNew
Dec 1, 2021

Cheque Account Operation Directive No. 190/2021

This directive establishes rules for the operation of cheque accounts to ensure the safety and credibility of cheques as a payment instrument. It details procedures for banks when cheques are dishonored, including penalties and account closure for repeated offenses. It also outlines conditions for account reopening and reporting requirements.

Who's affectedBanks operating in Ethiopia and individuals or businesses holding cheque accounts.
ActionBanks must verify customer information, inform customers about cheque usage, maintain registers for dishonored cheques, and adhere to the penalties and procedures outlined. Account holders must ensure sufficient funds for cheques and comply with TIN requirements.
National Bank Of Ethiopia · 190/2021View source
OtherNew
Nov 8, 2021

Telecommunications Quality of Service Directive No. 794/2021

This directive establishes Quality of Service (QoS) standards for telecommunications operators in Ethiopia. It outlines technical and non-technical parameters for various services, including fixed line, mobile voice and SMS, broadband internet, VoLTE, interconnection, and infrastructure. The directive specifies measurement methods, reporting requirements, auditing procedures, and compliance enforcement, including penalties for contraventions. Its aim is to ensure consumers receive a defined quality of service and to promote fair competition.

Who's affectedTelecommunications operators offering wholesale and retail services in Ethiopia.
ActionTelecommunications operators must review their operations to ensure compliance with the specified Quality of Service parameters, measurement methods, and reporting obligations.
Ethiopian Communication Authority · 794/2021View source
FintechNew
Nov 8, 2021

Telecommunications Lawful Tariffs Directive No. 797/2021

This directive establishes a framework for assessing the lawfulness of tariffs, intervening to set tariffs, and reviewing tariffs of Telecommunications Operators in Ethiopia. It also clarifies the procedures for operators to notify the Authority about changes or introductions of new tariffs, aiming to prevent unlawful charges.

Who's affectedTelecommunications Operators in Ethiopia, particularly those with Significant Market Power.
ActionTelecommunications Operators must notify the Ethiopian Communications Authority and seek approval before introducing or changing Controlled Tariffs. They must also publish approved tariffs on their website within seven days of approval.
Ethiopian Communication Authority · 797/2021View source
InvestmentNew
Mar 10, 2021

Foreign Investors Investment Participation in Restricted Expenditures, Revenues, Wholesale and Retail Businesses (Directive No. 1001/2016)

This directive outlines the conditions and requirements for foreign investors participating in previously restricted expenditure, revenue, wholesale, and retail business sectors in Ethiopia. It aims to gradually open these sectors to foreign investors with experience and capacity, while promoting domestic investment and ensuring fair competition. The directive details specific eligibility criteria, including capital requirements, market access, and operational commitments for various sub-sectors like coffee export, oilseed export, pulses export, hides and skins, forest products, livestock, and retail businesses (supermarkets, hypermarkets, malls). It also establishes responsibilities for relevant government bodies in implementing and overseeing these new investment opportunities.

Who's affectedForeign investors seeking to engage in export, import, wholesale, and retail businesses that were previously restricted, as well as domestic businesses and government bodies involved in regulating and facilitating these sectors.
ActionForeign investors should review the specific requirements for the business sectors they intend to enter and ensure they meet the outlined capital, experience, and contractual obligations before applying for an investment license.
Ethiopian Investment Board · 1001/2016View source
OtherNew

Cooperative Organizational Directive No. 896/2022

This directive outlines the organizational framework, operational procedures, and regulatory requirements for cooperatives in Ethiopia. It covers aspects such as the establishment of cooperatives, membership criteria, rights and obligations of members, organizational structure, financial management, auditing, dispute resolution, and dissolution.

Who's affectedCooperatives, cooperative unions, cooperative federations, cooperative members, and individuals involved in the establishment and management of cooperatives.
ActionReview and adhere to the organizational, operational, and regulatory requirements outlined in the directive for all cooperative activities.
Ethiopian Cooperative Commission · No. 896/2022View source
TradeAmendment

Salt Marketing Control Directive (Amendment) (Directive No.1032/2024)

This directive amends the Salt Marketing Control Directive No. 962/2023 to address issues related to salt processing factory locations, foreign currency procurement for Naphtali, and market shortages due to hoarding. It redefines terms like 'Salt Processing Factory', 'wholesaler', and various salt product types, establishes obligations for raw salt producers, and mandates the implementation of a modern salt marketing system.

Who's affectedSalt processing factories, wholesalers, raw salt producers, food manufacturing industries, and small-scale processors.
ActionReview the amended definitions and obligations outlined in the directive to ensure compliance with new salt marketing regulations.
Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration · 1032/2024View source
TradeRepeal

A Directive Issued to Provide for the Repealing of Cement Marketing Control (Directive No. 1035/2025)

This directive repeals Cement Marketing Control Directive No. 940/2023.

Who's affectedCement manufacturers and distributors.
ActionEnsure compliance with the repeal of Cement Marketing Control Directive No. 940/2023.
Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration · 1035/2025View source
InvestmentNew

A Directive to License a Takaful Operator or Authorize a Takaful Window Operator (Directive No. 874/2020)

This directive establishes the licensing and operational requirements for Takaful Operators and Takaful Window Operators in Ethiopia, ensuring the safety and soundness of the insurance sector and protecting participant interests.

Who's affectedCompanies seeking to operate as Takaful Operators or Takaful Window Operators.
ActionEntities intending to operate as Takaful Operators or Takaful Window Operators must apply for authorization and comply with the outlined requirements.
National Bank Of Ethiopia · 874/2020View source
TradeAmendment

Transparency in Foreign Currency Allocation and Foreign Exchange Management (As Amended) (Directive No. 861/2021)

This directive amends existing regulations on foreign currency allocation and management to ensure transparency, efficiency, and sound practices, detailing priorities for imports, responsibilities of banks and their management, internal audit procedures, prohibitions, and penalties. It replaces Directive No. 53/2020.

Who's affectedBanks operating in Ethiopia, including their boards, executive management, and employees involved in foreign exchange transactions, as well as importers and other entities involved in foreign currency exchange.
ActionBanks must review and update their internal foreign exchange management guidelines and procedures to comply with the requirements of this amended directive. Importers should ensure they adhere to the new allocation priorities and deposit requirements.
National Bank Of Ethiopia · 861/2021View source
TradeNew

FOB Directive for Deciding Import Goods and Importers Obliged or Not to Import on FOB (Directive No. 858/2021)

This directive aims to determine which import goods and importers are obligated to use the Free On Board (FOB) purchasing system and which are not. It also aims to manage and monitor the waiver system, service levels, and service fees for carriers transporting goods under the FOB term.

Who's affectedImporters, carriers, government agencies, private enterprises, and commercial banks involved in international trade.
ActionImporters and carriers should review the directive to understand their obligations and restrictions regarding FOB purchasing and related transportation services.
Ministry of Transport and Logistics · 858/2021View source
OtherNew

Directive on the Merger, Division, Conversion and Dissolution of Organizations (Directive No. 936/2022)

This directive outlines the procedures for the merger, division, conversion, and dissolution of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia, as mandated by Proclamation No. 1113/2019. It details the requirements for each process, including registration, documentation, and the transfer of rights and obligations.

Who's affectedCivil Society Organizations operating in Ethiopia.
ActionCivil Society Organizations must review and comply with the specified procedures for merger, division, conversion, or dissolution.
Authority for Civil Society Organizations · 936/2022View source
FintechAmendment

Opening, Relocation, and Closure of Branch or Sub-Branch Offices of Microfinance Institutions (Directive No. 954/2022)

This directive, a second amendment to Directive No. 954/2022, outlines the procedures for microfinance institutions regarding the opening, relocation, and closure of their branch and sub-branch offices, emphasizing sound practices for institutional safety and soundness.

Who's affectedMicrofinance institutions operating in Ethiopia.
ActionMicrofinance institutions must review the directive and ensure compliance with procedures for opening, relocating, and closing branches and sub-branches, including obtaining necessary licenses and notifying the National Bank of Ethiopia within stipulated timelines.
National Bank Of Ethiopia · 954/2022View source
TaxNew

A Directive to Provide for the Management of Excise Stamp No. 1004/2024

This directive establishes a system for managing excise stamps on excisable goods to improve excise tax collection, combat illicit trade, and protect public health and the environment. It details requirements for excise stamps, Unique Identifiers (UI), fees, application processes, system installation, and enforcement.

Who's affectedManufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and distributors of excisable goods, including those dealing with spirits, beer, wine, RTD products, tobacco, and bottled water.
ActionManufacturers and importers must facilitate the installation of the Excise Stamp Management System at their own cost and comply with all requirements for applying for, affixing, and accounting for excise stamps.
MoJ · 1004/2024View source
TradeAmendment

Directive for Amendment of Retention and Utilization of Export Earnings and Inward Remittances (Directive No. 875/2022)

This directive amends the retention and utilization of export earnings and inward remittances, allowing eligible exporters and remittance recipients to retain a portion of their foreign currency earnings in special accounts for import payments or sale.

Who's affectedExporters of goods and services, recipients of inward remittances, and banks operating foreign exchange retention accounts.
ActionBanks must comply with new retention and surrender requirements for foreign currency earnings and report balances to the National Bank of Ethiopia. Eligible exporters and remittance recipients should ensure their accounts are properly managed for utilization or sale of retained funds.
National Bank Of Ethiopia · 875/2022View source
OtherNew

Directive for Higher Education Academic Programs and Curriculum Design, Review and Approval (Directive No. 917/2022)

This directive outlines the procedures for the design, review, and approval of academic programs and curricula in higher education institutions in Ethiopia. It aims to ensure quality, relevance, and alignment with national development goals and international standards.

Who's affectedPublic and private higher education institutions in Ethiopia, including their academic staff, students, and regulatory bodies.
ActionHigher education institutions must ensure their academic programs and curricula comply with the guidelines set forth in this directive, including undergoing regular review and approval processes.
Ministry of Education · 917/2022View source