Welcome to the first Monday Breakfast Stories Newsletter of 2018! 🎉
Happy New Year! We wish you a year full of success, growth, and the realization of all your plans.
Grab your buna and catch up on what’s moving Ethiopia’s markets and economy this week.
Politics & International Relations
Trump Renews Ethiopia-Related National Emergency
The White House has extended for another year the Ethiopia-related national emergency first declared by President Biden in 2021. President Trump’s renewal keeps sanctions authority under Executive Order 14046, citing continued instability in northern Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa as a threat to U.S. national security.
Although the 2022 Pretoria Agreement reduced large-scale fighting, sporadic clashes and humanitarian challenges persist. Washington views the region’s volatility along key Red Sea trade routes as a strategic risk, highlighting bipartisan continuity in U.S. policy toward Ethiopia.
Energy & Infrastructure
Ethiopia Inaugurates the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)
On September 9, 2025, H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a landmark project that significantly boosts Ethiopia’s hydroelectric capacity. With a generation potential of over 5,000 MW, GERD positions Ethiopia as a regional energy hub and a key driver of industrial growth. The inauguration marks a milestone in the country’s energy infrastructure and supports Ethiopia’s ambitions for sustainable development and electricity access for its population.
Ethiopia Unveils $30B Infrastructure Push with Nuclear Power at Its Core
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced a $30 billion development plan, including Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant, two natural gas facilities, an oil refinery, and a mega airport for Ethiopian Airlines.
The nuclear project, comparable in scale to the GERD, plans two 1,200 MW units by 2032–34, with Small Modular Reactors under consideration. Preparatory work is underway in partnership with Russia, as Ethiopia seeks to meet growing electricity demand and diversify beyond hydropower.
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Business & Economy
Addis Businesses Struggle Amid Tax Disputes & Flawed Reforms
Businesses across Addis Ababa are at risk of closure due to disputes with the city’s tax bureau and poorly implemented reforms. A recent Public-Private Dialogue highlighted:
- Political interference in audits
- Unfair tax burdens on manufacturers and traders
- Unpredictable procedures that fuel corruption
Government officials admitted Ethiopia’s tax system—unchanged for decades—faces declining revenues and weak awareness. While VAT, excise, and income tax reforms are underway, the private sector calls for independent audits, simpler procedures, and fair dispute resolution.
Finance & Climate
EIB Global Teams Up with Ethiopian Banks on Climate Finance
EIB Global has signed technical assistance agreements with Zemen, Dashen, and Hibret Banks to integrate climate risk management into operations and expand green lending.
The initiative, Ethiopia’s first under the EIB’s Greening Financial Systems Programme, is funded by Germany’s IKI Fund. It will strengthen banks’ ability to assess climate risks, align with international climate policies, and support Ethiopia’s net-zero by 2050 goals.
IFC Extends $10M Birr Loan to Boost Women Entrepreneurs
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) provided ETB 10 million to VisionFund Microfinance, marking its first local currency loan in Ethiopia’s financial sector.
- Half the funds will target women-owned businesses
- VisionFund will expand lending to MSMEs nationwide
- IFC will provide advisory support as VisionFund transitions into a microfinance bank
This move strengthens inclusive growth and entrepreneurship across Ethiopia.
Technology & Innovation
MoTRI Launches 2-Day Online Business Registration
The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, with GIZ support, launched the Integrated Company Creation Journey, a fully digital platform for business registration and licensing.
- Process reduced from 11 steps/32 days → 2 steps/2 days
- Payments handled via ETHSWITCH, connecting all banks
- Integrates tax, ID, certification, and verification services
Part of Digital Ethiopia 2025, the platform aims to modernize public services, boost competitiveness, and ease investment.
Capital Markets & Investment
Ethiopia Partners with Nigeria’s InfraCredit on Credit Guarantee Facility
The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) signed an MoU with Nigeria’s InfraCredit to explore Ethiopia’s first credit guarantee facility.
The facility aims to:
- Reduce lender risk for infrastructure projects
- Attract local and foreign investors
- Mobilize pension funds, insurers, and private capital into energy, transport, and housing
InfraCredit will provide technical support, while ECMA coordinates domestic stakeholder engagement.
Stay tuned for next week’s insights, where we unpack more sectoral trends and policy moves shaping Ethiopia’s future.
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Stay curious, stay caffeinated, — Written by the StockMarket.et Newsroom
