Ministry Lifts Tax on Semi-Processed Leather

Jan 11 , 2020


[ssba-buttons]

The Ministry of Trade & Industry lifted the 50pc tax imposed on the export of pickled and white blue leather products as of January 6, 2020. State Minister for Trade & Industry Teka Gebreyesus mentioned that the tax had highly undermined the growth of the industry. Before lifting the tax, the Ministry, the Leather Industry Development Institute, and key stakeholders in the sector conducted a study that showed the effect of the tax. Of the 17 leather processors, five have shut down their businesses, and the remaining are operating below their capacity. "Companies that have gone bankrupt will revive and open their doors again," said Teka. It was a much-needed action taken by considering the complaints of the investors, according to Berhanu Abate, president of the Ethiopian Raw Hides & Skin Suppliers’ Association.


Radar

Milkii App Disburses 25 Million Br in Collateral-Free Loans in Two Months

Oromia Bank's new collateral-free digital lending app, Milkii, has disbursed 25 million Br in loans without requiring collateral. Of this, 16 million Br has already been repaid, generating 1.4 million Br in revenue within just two months. Developed in partnership with Quantum Technology PLC, the app plans to make lending more accessible and inclusive, aligning with Oromia Bank's contribution to the Digital Ethiopia initiative. According to a press release, Milkii promotes financial inclusi...


Radar

Ethiopia Partners with UK to Ease Shipping Bottlenecks

The Ethiopian Freight Forwarders & Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 27, 2025, at Hilton Hotel Addis Abeba, to address skills gaps, customs delays, and corridor inefficiencies in the freight and logistics sector. The partnership focuses on technical cooperation, training, and regulatory reform. With over 90pc of trade dependent on the Djibouti corridor, rising congestion, customs...


Radar

Education Authority Sanctions Mishqen College for Rule Violations

The Education & Training Authority has issued a decisive directive last week, mandating legal action against Mishqen College for persistently defying regulatory orders and unlawfully continuing to offer higher education services. Mishqen College had previously been licensed to conduct undergraduate distance learning programs across multiple regions from 2019 to 2022. However, after serious regulatory breaches, the institution was ordered to cease all instruction, complete pending academic...