Addis Ababa, January 20, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers, at its 52nd regular meeting held today, adopted a series of decisions on major legislative and policy matters, including amendments to the Customs Proclamation, the approval of new investment incentive regulations, and the endorsement of a national entrepreneurship development policy.
According to a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Council first deliberated on a draft proclamation amending the existing Customs Proclamation, which has been in force for several years.
The amendment was prepared to align Ethiopia’s customs framework with the evolving landscape of international trade, strengthen support for the country’s expanding manufacturing sector, and promote legitimate trade and investment.
Following extensive deliberations, the Council unanimously agreed to submit the draft amendment proclamation to the House of People’s Representatives for further discussion and final approval, incorporating additional inputs.
The Council also examined a draft regulation on tax and customs duty incentives for investment. The regulation was developed in response to the need for a performance-based investment incentive system that reflects the level of capital deployed in priority investment sectors with high potential to drive economic growth, particularly those requiring substantial capital outlays.
After thorough discussion and refinement, the Council unanimously approved the regulation and resolved that it shall enter into force upon its publication in the Federal Negarit Gazette.
In addition, the Council reviewed and endorsed a draft national policy on entrepreneurship development. The policy aims to ensure that the entrepreneurship sector effectively contributes to the country’s broader development objectives, fosters innovation and creativity, and supports the establishment of a conducive and value-adding entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Following extensive deliberations and the incorporation of inputs, the Council unanimously approved the policy and decided that its implementation shall commence as of January 20, 2026.