Central Bank Introduces Maiden Directive to Govern Reinsurance

Mar 19 , 2022


[ssba-buttons]

Regulators at the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) have introduced their first-ever directive to govern licensed reinsurance firms. Reinsurance firms were previously governed using directives drafted for the insurance industry. The new directive, which came into force on March 1, 2022, introduces new rules for reinsurance companies. They are required to submit audited financial statements and other supporting documents within 90 days of the end of the financial year, while they are obliged to provide thorough semi-annual reports as well. The directive stipulates that the firms' invested funds be no less than 60pc of total assets in treasury bills (T-bills) and bank deposits. Ethiopian Reinsurance (Ethio-Re), incorporated in 2016, is the sole reinsurance provider. All of the 17 insurance firms transfer five percent of all insurance policies to Ethio-Re, 25pc of treaty sessions, and policy coverages assigned to other reinsurers.


Radar

Somali Region Advances Budget Independence as Revenues Rise

Somali Regional State is moving closer to fiscal independence, with nearly half its budget now funded locally. Officials point to rising agricultural output and stronger tax enforcement as key drivers behind growing revenues. The region plans to cover 32.5 billion Br from its own resources in the upcoming fiscal year. Communication Head Mohammed Abdi credited last year's tax collection of 18 billion Br, exceeding the 17 billion Br target, to agriculture, khat, and other taxable goods. The reg...


Radar

Environmental Protection Authority Shuts Down Polluters

Addis Abeba's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has taken enforcement action against 3,249 manufacturers and service providers found violating environmental standards in the 2024/25 fiscal year. The violations, ranging from air and noise pollution to improper waste disposal, were identified during inspections of 14,872 businesses citywide. Penalties included warnings and closures, with shutdown orders issued to six plastic factories, 23 block factories, a soft paper plant, 102 nightclu...


Radar

Ministry Mandates Full Electronic Clearance for Top Taxpayers

Taxpayers under the Ministry of Revenues' Medium No. 1 branch will have to ditch paper filings and switch entirely to the e-Clearance system for non-audited services starting August 1, 2025. The mandate, routed through the Ministry's e-filing portal, is pitched as part of a broader push to modernise tax administration and advance the government's digital agenda. Officials say the platform lets users process clearance requests remotely via the Fayda national ID, cutting out manual paperwork. A...