The Addis Ababa City Administration has begun enforcing its mandatory night trading directive, despite the absence of a finalized implementation guideline, sparking concern among business owners and transport service providers.
The directive, issued several months ago, requires businesses in the capital to remain open until 9:30 p.m., while transportation providers, including taxis, must operate until 10:00 p.m. The city administration claims the initiative aims to foster a 24-hour economy and improve access to goods and services during extended hours.
However, many traders have voiced opposition to the mandate, citing security concerns, increased labor costs, and limited consumer demand in the evening. “We work in the city center but live on the outskirts. It’s unsafe and expensive to operate at night,” several merchants noted during consultations. Others emphasized the burden of hiring additional staff and said the risk of financial loss is high. Some have called on the government to provide guarantees or support mechanisms to mitigate these challenges.
In response to public outcry, city officials had pledged to release a detailed implementation guideline by the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year. However, with the fiscal year now concluded, the Addis Ababa Trade Bureau has confirmed that the guideline is still under review by the Ministry of Justice and has not yet been approved by the City Council.
Despite this, enforcement has already begun. Ato Ashenafi Berhanu, Public Relations Director at the Trade Bureau, stated that a task force comprising bureau officials, enforcement authorities, and sub-city administrators is actively monitoring compliance. He noted that the law is being enforced even in the absence of the finalized guideline, emphasizing the city’s goal of developing a nighttime economy.
Deputy Mayor and City Manager Ato Wondimu Seta defended the implementation, pointing to the installation of street lights along major corridors, which he said have helped reduce crime and made nighttime activity more feasible.
According to the directive, traders who close their shops before 9:30 p.m. will first receive a warning and then face a fine of Birr 10,000. Transportation service providers who cease operations before 4:00 p.m. or charge above the set fares will also be warned and may be fined Birr 5,000.
Source: Sheger FM 102.1
