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Federal Court Fees Surge by 500% in First Revision in 72 Years

The draft law to revise court fees for federal courts was approved today by the House of People’s Representatives. This legislation imposes a fee increase of up to 500 percent for court users. The amendment was deemed necessary as federal court fees had not been updated in 72 years. However, the sharp increase has surprised

November 29, 2024 • By Addis Insight

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Ethiopia’s New Duty-Free Condom Policy Aims to Curb HIV Transmission

In a significant move to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Finance has granted a duty-free import status to condoms, effective under Decree No. 1341/2024. This policy change is aimed at improving access to condoms and ultimately reducing the transmission of HIV, a growing concern in the country. According to the

November 29, 2024 • By Addis Insight

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National Bank of Ethiopia Launches New 50% Foreign Currency Retention Policy Starting Tomorrow

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has announced that starting tomorrow, exporters will have the option to sell 50 percent of the foreign currency they generate immediately while retaining the remaining 50 percent in their accounts indefinitely. Previously, exporters were required to sell half of their foreign currency earnings to banks upon receipt and the

November 13, 2024 • By Addis Insight

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Minister Hanna Arayaselassie’s Proposed Asset Seizure Bill: A New Approach to Addressing Unexplained Wealth in Ethiopia

The debate over Ethiopia’s proposed asset recovery bill has centered around its high-stakes approach to combating illicit wealth, with a particular focus on assets exceeding the 10 million birr threshold. This monetary cut-off, if the bill passes, will authorize the Ministry of Justice to retroactively investigate and potentially seize properties acquired through “unexplained means” —

November 13, 2024 • By Addis Insight

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Addis Ababa Introduces 50,000 Birr Fine for Dress Code Violations in Hotels and Restaurants

Addis Ababa Introduces 50,000 Birr Fine for Dress Code Violations in Hotels and Restaurants In Addis Ababa, a new draft regulation has been approved, introducing a fine of up to 50,000 birr for hotels and restaurants whose staff wear short skirts above the knee. The Addis Ababa Culture, Arts, and Tourism Office has outlined that

November 11, 2024 • By Addis Insight

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Ethiopia Extends Landmark $738 Million Loan to South Sudan for Cross-Border Infrastructure Project

In a historic first, Ethiopia has extended a loan exceeding $738 million to South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, to fund the construction of a road connecting the two countries. This substantial loan aims to foster stronger economic ties and improve connectivity between Ethiopia and South Sudan, benefiting both nations. The loan, which comes with

November 5, 2024 • By Addis Insight

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Red Sea, GERD, and Beyond: Ethiopia’s Future Under Trump or Harris

As the 2024 U.S. presidential race intensifies, Ethiopia finds itself at a pivotal juncture, grappling with internal reforms and escalating regional tensions. The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, has exacerbated relations with Somalia, which views the agreement as a violation of its sovereignty. Concurrently,

November 4, 2024 • By Addis Insight

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Somalia to Relocate Ethiopian Embassy from Presidential Compound

Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has announced plans to relocate the Ethiopian Embassy, currently situated within the presidential compound, to a different location. In a statement to the media on November 4, Minister Fiqi explained, “The decision was made following public protests over the presence of a foreign embassy within the President’s

November 4, 2024 • By Addis Insight

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Breaking News: Somalia Declares Ethiopian Diplomat Persona Non Grata

In a move asserting its sovereignty, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has expelled Mr. Ali Mohamed Adan, Counselor II at the Ethiopian Embassy in Somalia, declaring him persona non grata. The diplomat has been ordered to leave within 72 hours, with Somali authorities citing actions incompatible with his role. The Ministry’s statement

October 29, 2024 • By Addis Insight

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Ethiopia Unveils Ambitious First Draft of Startup Ecosystem Development Policy, Open for Public Consultation

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – October 24, 2024In a move to energize its emerging startup scene, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has released a comprehensive draft of the “Startup Ecosystem Development Policy.” The policy, which is now open for public feedback, offers a roadmap to address key obstacles confronting Ethiopian startups, such as limited funding,

October 26, 2024 • By Addis Insight