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Ministry Slashes Excise Tax on Cars, Bottled Water

The Ministry of Finance slashed the proposed excise tax on brand new vehicles with engine capacities below 1,300cc from 35pc to five percent.


Ministry Slashes Excise Tax on Cars, Bottled Water

The Ministry of Finance slashed the proposed excise tax on brand new vehicles with engine capacities below 1,300cc from 35pc to five percent. The new revision also reduced the 15pc excise tax on bottled water to 10pc. Complaints from water bottlers stating that they are collecting plastic water bottles to avoid contaminating the environment were the reason the tax was reduced, according to Eyob Tekalign (PhD), state minister for Finance, who gave a press briefing on Friday, January 17, 2019. The initial bill also proposed a 30pc excise tax in general and five Birr on each packet of cigarettes. The Ministry revised this to six Birr a pack, keeping the 30pc as it is. The change was made due to a push by the health sector, according to Eyob. Excise taxes on alcohol remains the same, considering the jobs created by the industry, according to Eyob. The changes were made after the Ministry held consecutive meetings with industry operators and parliament held public hearings. Drafted by the Ministry of Finance, the bill was tabled to the parliament and is expected to be legislated soon.

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Radar

Customs Authorities Intercept Major Alleged Contraband Shipment Worth 422 Million Br

The Customs Commission seized alleged contraband goods worth more than 422 million Br during inspections conducted between June 25 and June 30, 2026. The haul included clothing, electronics, ammunition, construction materials, coffee, vehicle spare parts, cosmetics, khat, narcotics, minerals, livestock and foreign currency. The Addis Abeba Airport, Moyale and Awash customs branches recorded the largest seizures, valued at 115 million Br, 93 million Br and 61 million Br, respectively. Authorit...


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Hijira Bank Posts Record Growth as Assets Reach 31.45 Billion Br

Hijira Bank posted 3.55 billion Br in income in 2025/26, exceeding its combined earnings over the previous four years, while gross profit reached 1.9 billion Br. Assets rose 115pc to 31.45 billion Br, deposits doubled to 24 billion Br, and capital increased 202pc to 7.45 billion Br. Digital transaction value surged 86pc to 41.72 billion Br, foreign currency earnings reached 158 million dollars, and total banking transactions hit 615.39 billion Br. The bank also disbursed 1.5 billion Br in col...


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Gadaa Bank Offers One Million Shares to Public Investors

Gadaa Bank has offered one million shares to the public at 1,050 Br per share following approval from the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) on June 22, 2026. The share sale keeks to expand the bank's capital base and strengthen shareholder value. The offering will run until September 17, 2026, and is open to existing shareholders and new investors who meet ESX requirements. It is open to existing shareholders and new investors who meet ESX requirements...