Donkeys around the Sebategna area in Merkato munch on leftover Khat leaves. Albeit a stimulant consumed by millions of Ethiopians both for spiritual and recreational reasons, the green leaves are also a major source of export revenue for the country. This year, a quarter of a billion dollars was earned through khat exports despite a 44pc drop from the same period last August. While Djibouti and Somalia come to mind as major export destinations for khat, the leaves also make their way to Israel, Madagascar, Seira Leon and Burundi. The decline in export volume for the year was attributed to repeated taxation by some regional states and the proliferation of contraband trade around national borders by trade officials.

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