The Addis Ababa Trade Bureau reported that 99 percent of its services were delivered digitally during the 2024/25 fiscal year. The Bureau also announced that it took enforcement action against 36,800 illegal traders, reducing unlicensed commercial activities in the capital.

Mrs. Habiba Siraj, Head of the Addis Ababa Trade Bureau, stated that the Bureau recorded major progress in three key areas: service delivery, market supply, and trade supervision. She noted that 16 core services were fully accessible online. 

Previously, digital services were inconsistently applied at woreda and sub-city levels. However, recent improvements have enabled the Bureau to achieve greater uniformity across its operations. 

On supply management, Mrs. Habiba explained that the government, through 219 weekend markets, cooperatives, and five commercial centers, supplied 23 percent of consumer goods and food items. The remaining 77 percent came from the private sector. 

Regarding enforcement, more than 330,000 businesses were inspected door-to-door. Infractions included smuggling, price gouging, false weighing, operating without licenses, and failure to renew permits. These efforts have reportedly cut illegal trading activities by 90 percent.

Source: Addis Zemen