Bill Granting Foreign Nationals Property Ownership Draws Criticism from Opposition MPs

A draft law proposing to allow foreign nationals to lease land and own residential property faced intense debate in Parliament yesterday, May 20, 2025. The legislative bill, tabled by the Council of Ministers two weeks ago, was sharply criticized by opposition MPs and has now been referred to the Standing Committee on Urban Infrastructure & Transport Affairs for further review.

Opposition legislator Desalegn Chane (PhD) denounced the bill as "untimely" and warned it could worsen inequality by displacing poor urban residents.

“This proclamation will make the city a place only for foreign investors," he said. "Citizens themselves have not yet been assured of land ownership. The law could undermine Ethiopians’ access to affordable housing."

Another opposition MP, Abebaw Desalew (PhD), echoed the concerns, stating the law directly contradicts Article 40 of the Constitution.

“The Constitution clearly declares land as the common property of the Ethiopian people," he argued. "This draft treats land as a transferable, individual commodity that can be sold to foreigners, which is unconstitutional."

The draft law seeks to create a legal framework allowing non-Ethiopian nationals to acquire land through lease or properties for residential use, on the condition they invest at least 150,000 dollars. Authors of the bill hope it will help attract foreign investment, stimulate the housing and construction industries, and create jobs.

The law prohibits foreign nationals from owning immovable property, including land and buildings, reaffirming land as the collective property of the "Ethiopian Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples."

If enacted, the law will also define the ceiling on property holdings allowed for foreign nationals through upcoming regulations.

Put your comments here

Related Posts

Radar | Feb 08,2026

Document Service Reports Billions in Revenue, Exceeds Half-Year Plan

View From Arada | Oct 20,2024

Preserving Roots During Globalisation

Radar | Dec 06,2025

Addis Abeba Revenue Bureau Activates Body-Worn Cameras Across Four Districts

Viewpoints | Nov 29,2025

Africa Bears the Brunt of De-dollarisation Dreams

Radar | Feb 10,2024

USAID Launches $70m Fight Against Malnutrition

Fortune News | Feb 08,2026

Power Utility Hits Targets as the National Grid Falls Behind

Radar | Dec 26,2020

Cabinet Greenlights Stock Market Establishment Bill

Money Market Watch | Jun 07,2026

A Small Slide in the Birr Reveals a Bigger Split Over Dollars

Verbatim | Jul 13,2024

"Security problems impeded fertilisers distributions."

Fortune News | Aug 21,2021

Foreign Office Spokesperson Calls Embassies Closure "Right-sizing"

---