Ethiopia to Levy 5% on All Telecom Airtime and Data Sales for National Disaster Fund

Starting February 8, 2026, Ethiopia will impose a 5% levy on all mobile airtime and data purchases to fund the National Disaster Fund. 

The directive establishing the levy is dated January 16, 2025 and makes contributions to the disaster fund mandatory. 

Under the broader framework, banks and microfinance institutions will contribute 1% of the value of loans disbursed to the disaster fund. 

Insurance companies will remit 1% of total premiums collected, while digital banking services will incur an additional 5% surcharge. 

Other sector levies include 1 Birr per liter on fuel and 100 Birr fixed fee on domestic airline tickets as contributions to the disaster financing scheme.