Ethiopia will introduce a combined 30% tax on fuel next month as part of its move toward full cost recovery and the phase-out of long-standing fuel subsidies. The new charges, 15% VAT and 15% excise tax, will be collected by the Ethiopian Petroleum Supply Enterprise and remitted directly to the Ministry of Revenues. Officials say the reform aims to ease fiscal pressures, curb subsidy spending, and boost domestic revenue while maintaining targeted support for low-income transport users.

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia has launched “CBE Beje,” a digital platform that offers salary-backed savings and instant loans of up to 150,000 birrs. The service is available to employees of institutions that transfer salaries through CBE, ensuring automated repayment. Bank officials said the rollout supports CBE’s digital transformation strategy and reduces reliance on collateral-based lending. More than 1.6 billion birrs in loans have been issued during the pilot phase, reflecting strong demand for accessible credit.

Ethiopian Airlines has committed to purchase 11 additional Boeing 737-8 aircraft in a new agreement announced at the Dubai Airshow. The order will expand the airline’s regional and international networks and strengthen its Addis Ababa hub as part of its long-term growth strategy. Boeing said the deal reinforces the carriers’ nearly 80-year partnership. Ethiopian operates Africa’s largest Boeing fleet and holds the continent’s biggest backlog for 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 aircraft.

Global Entrepreneurship Week Ethiopia 2025 opened in Addis Ababa, bringing together government officials, business leaders, and innovation hubs under the theme “Let’s Build Together.” Organizers said the week-long program includes training, policy discussions, and networking sessions to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem. Ethiopia was recently recognized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network as the world’s most active nation, with 4,429 registered activities. The event will conclude with awards and discussions on policies supporting entrepreneurship and job creation.

Mining Minister Habtamu Tegegne told the MINTEX Ethiopia 2025 Expo in Addis Ababa that Ethiopia’s mining sector offers strong opportunities for investors. He said macroeconomic reforms attract both local and foreign companies. Financial institutions are ready to fund new projects. Tulu Kapi Goldmine SC secured major financing, and its chairman confirmed the project has full approval and will move forward before Christmas.

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) signed an MoU with global aluminum producer RUSAL to advance a $1 billion plan for a large-scale aluminum smelter in Ethiopia. The proposed plant, with an annual capacity of 500,000 metric tons, aims to reduce aluminum imports, meet domestic demand, and strengthen the country’s industrial base. EIH said a joint technical committee has begun site selection and feasibility work. About 70% of first-phase financing is expected from committed debt providers.