• FIATA says future global trade depends on integrated multimodal logistics systems. 

• Multimodal logistics integrates sea, rail, road and air transport. 

• FIATA promoting UN Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) for digital documents. 

• UN convention on negotiable cargo documents ratified end of 2025 supports e-documents use. 

• FIATA collaborating with Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) on training programmes. 

• Ethiopia is host of the 64th FIATA World Congress in 2027 with ~2,000 expected attendees. 

• Logistics digitalization and legal standards alignment highlighted as priorities. 

Why it matters?

• National Bank of Ethiopia targets full removal of the bank credit growth cap by December 2026.

• Credit cap currently limits annual bank lending growth to 24 percent.

• Policy shift follows improved macroeconomic conditions and ongoing monetary policy reforms.

• NBE plans a gradual and sequenced exit from the credit cap framework.

• Reform aligns with transition toward market-based monetary policy tools.

• Credit cap was introduced to control inflation and manage excess liquidity.

Why it matters?
The timeline signals regulatory predictability for banks and borrowers. It clarifies when credit allocation will fully shift to market-based mechanisms under NBE oversight.

• Imports may rise through expanded trade finance and letters of credit, conditional on foreign exchange availability.

• Exports may increase via improved pre- and post-shipment financing for exporters.

• Deal focuses on coffee development in Debeka, Abaya Woreda, West Guji Zone, Oromia region.

• Agreement includes quality systems, workforce capacity-building, and technical support for coffee value chain.

• Signed one day after Ethiopia–Brazil Trade and Investment Forum in Addis Ababa on Feb 6, 2026.

• Ethiopian government will follow up and support effective implementation of the partnership.

• Presence at signing included Brazilian ambassador and Embrapa president.

• Kerchanshe currently exports coffee seedlings to over 20 countries.

  
  

Why it matters?

The agreement establishes a formal technology and research cooperation framework between Ethiopian coffee sector firms and a major Brazilian agricultural research institution, potentially influencing coffee production quality and productivity in Ethiopia’s flagship export sector.

• Ethiopia and Qatar finalized talks to restart meat exports after a prolonged suspension. 

• Restart of meat exports is scheduled ahead of the holy period (Ramadan). 

• The export suspension preceded the new agreement. 

• Qatar is confirmed as a destination market for Ethiopian meat trade. 

• No export volumes, values, or dates were disclosed in the announcement. 

Why it matters?
Resumption of bilateral meat trade restores a previously halted export channel. Timing aligns with an upcoming high-demand period, potentially affecting Ethiopian livestock exporters.

• Ethiopian government plans new excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and vehicles under IMF-linked fiscal reforms. 

• Broad fuel subsidies are to be phased out as part of the tax changes. 

• Digital excise stamp system to be strengthened for tax collection (vehicle, alcohol, tobacco). 

• Vehicle circulation taxes will be introduced under the new tax regime. 

• Value-added tax and excise on fuel are included in the proposed tax package. 

• Reforms form part of broader measures to expand the fiscal revenue base. 

Why it matters?
New tax measures on fuel, vehicles, alcohol, and tobacco adjust Ethiopia’s revenue structure and fiscal policy. Digital excise systems affect tax administration and collection efficiency.

• Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise faces 208 billion ETB losses linked to foreign exchange reforms. 

• Government officially classifies fuel subsidies as direct budget spending and  it will be lifted soon.

• Fuel subsidy cap set at 100 billion ETB per fiscal year. 

• Loss valuation reflects accelerated birr devaluation under market-based FX system. 

• National Bank of Ethiopia implemented market-based FX reforms from July 2024. 

Why it matters?

• National Bank of Ethiopia’s 17th FX auction cleared at 155.05 birr per USD. 

• NBE allotted USD 70 million to banks from total bids of USD 127.25 million. 

• Weighted average rate of successful bids was 155.0506 birr per USD. 

• Accepted bid rates ranged from 154.8141 to 155.0519 birr per USD. 

• 19 commercial banks participated; 8 secured foreign exchange. 

• Clearing rate was slightly weaker than previous 154.82 birr per USD auction. 

• Next FX auction scheduled under NBE’s biweekly calendar. 

Why it matters?

The  successive FX auctions set the official dollar price for commercial bank allocations, affecting import financing costs and formal FX market liquidity. It signals ongoing birr exchange rate adjustments under Ethiopia’s auction-based FX management.

• Ethiopia piloted rail transport of 120,000 litres diesel via Ethio-Djibouti Railway. 

• Pilot uses specialised wagons at Indode Railway Depot, Addis Ababa outskirts. 

• Initiative directed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to reduce road haulage reliance. 

• Ethio-Djibouti Railway JSC and National Oil Company oversee fuel rail trial. 

• Trial validates safety standards, logistics procedures, regulatory framework. 

• Government plans to expand rail fuel transport to gasoline and jet fuel. 

• Project aligns with Ethiopia’s transport master plan to expand multimodal freight. 

why it matters?
Rail diesel transport trial could lower Ethiopia’s fuel supply logistics costs and reduce foreign-exchange outflows from road tanker dependency. It advances multimodal freight use along the Djibouti corridor.

• Ethiopia recorded $5.1 billion in merchandise export revenue in H1 of FY 2025/26, achieving 120% of target. 

• Service exports earned $4.5 billion and remittances contributed $4.6 billion in the same period. 

• FDI inflows reached $2.3 billion in first six months of fiscal year. 

• Export revenue exceeded target by $1.83 billion compared to same period last year. 

• Government pursuing $9.4 billion full-year export revenue goal for FY 2025/26. 

• Minister of Trade highlighted Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy online trade services implementation. 

• Export performance report delivered at six-month performance review in Dessie. 

why it matters? Strong export performance expands foreign exchange earnings and supports Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda, reinforcing trade sector contribution to growth.

• National Bank of Ethiopia announced a $70 million foreign exchange auction on Tuesday, February 3. 

• Auction follows an oversubscribed previous FX sale. 

• Commercial banks will participate in the FX auction. 

• Bidding window schedule for banks was specified. 

• Auction is part of the central bank’s continuing hard currency allocation operations. 

why it matters?
The planned $70 million FX auction reflects ongoing National Bank of Ethiopia efforts to supply hard currency and address high demand in Ethiopia’s foreign exchange market.

The Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) has launched a certification system for investment consultants to standardize advisory services and strengthen investor confidence. The initiative was introduced at the inauguration of the European Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia (EuroCham) office in Addis Ababa. The system aims to ensure only qualified, certified advisors serve investors, addressing past complaints about poor guidance.

Key Takeaways

• New certification: EIC introduced a competency assessment and certification system for investment consultants.

• Purpose: To professionalize investment advisory and protect foreign investor interests.

• Implementation: Only certified consultants/firms will be authorized to provide formal advisory services.

• Stakeholder support: EuroCham’s new EU FDI Excellence Centre will complement certification by guiding investors.

• Related concerns: EuroCham noted remaining challenges in tax, customs, and policy predictability.

Why It Matters:

The Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA) has registered 12,211,586 existing shares of Addis International Convention Center S.C., ensuring compliance with the Public Offer and Trading of Securities Directive No. 1030/2024. This step aligns the company’s securities with Ethiopia’s emerging capital market regulatory framework and supports stock market development. 

Key Takeaways:

• 12,211,586 existing shares of Addis International Convention Center were registered for compliance. 

• Registration fulfills requirements under Public Offer and Trading of Securities Directive No. 1030/2024. 

• ECMA clarified the notice is informational, not an endorsement or solicitation to buy or sell. 

  
  

Why It Matters:

Registering pre-existing shares under the new capital markets directive strengthens the legal and regulatory foundation of Ethiopia’s securities ecosystem. For investors and market participants, it enhances clarity and compliance, which are essential for confidence and participation in the country’s nascent stock market.