Collecting More, Returning Less

Ethiopia’s new VAT Refund Directive promises faster payouts, 7 days for exporters, 45 for standard claims but embeds tighter audits, heavy documentation, and penalties for delay.

New Report Charts Future of Africa-India Cooperation Across Tech, Trade and Health

A new report calls a reimagining of Africa-India relations charting a path to deeper cooperation on infrastructure, AI, green energy, and health, with a 50-year strategic vision.

NBE Orders Banks to Use Customs’ Indicative Prices for Selected Import

NBE orders banks to use Customs’ indicative prices for selected imports when processing forex, citing wide valuation gaps and concerns over balance of payments data. Rule takes effect Jan 27.

Visa Exemption Deal Takes Effect as Ethiopia, India Deepen Diplomatic Ties

Ethiopia and India have activated a visa-free travel agreement for diplomatic passport holders, effective Jan 15, 2026, after completing formal procedures under a pact signed in 2021.

Ethiopia Plans $520 Million in FX Auctions Until March

Ethiopia’s central bank to inject $520M into FX market through Dec–Mar auctions as birr shows measured depreciation

Ethiopia Introduces Electronic Phytosanitary Certification for Agricultural Exports

Ethiopia launches an EU- and TradeMarkAfrica-funded e-Phyto system to digitize export certification, cutting days-long processes to hours.

Ethiopia's Drug Watchdog Earns Elite WHO Status Amid Push for Local Pharma Production

Ethiopia hits a rare global benchmark in drug oversight, but local pharmaceutical production still lags behind imports.

Transport, Banking and Telecoms Drive Profit Surge at Ethiopia’s State-Owned Enterprises

Ethiopia’s sovereign wealth fund reports 88% jump in pre-tax profit from state-owned enterprises, 262.7B Birr in 2024–25. Transport & banking lead the gains.