The Ministry of Trade and Technology announced that it was drafting a new directive on commercial registration and licensing. The Ministry aims to ease the process of doing business and bolster private sector engagement by amending the existing Commercial Registration and Licensing Directive. The draft Directive also aims at regulating contrabandists and inflation.
With a view to complying with international custom standards, Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA) has introduced a new electronic Customs Management System (CMS) which will replace the existing Automated System for Customs & Data (ASYCUDA++). According to Ato Ababu Emiru, CMS project manager, the new system, by employing an intelligent risk management system, is expected to address the problems of the automated system. The project manager also said the electronic system will provide transparency in business transactions, and promote predictable and fast economical and clearance operations.
eBiz Online Solutions PLC announced the release of its new app named Megbia (megbia.com). This app helps users find local businesses and order food takeout and delivery from anywhere in Addis Ababa. Developed in house by the parent company of 2merkato.com, Megbia has the Ethiopian audience in mind since its inception.
eBiz disclosed that hundreds of restaurants and thousands of local businesses are listed on the app. Users can get takeout and delivery service from dozens of restaurants.
Ethiopia's Ministry of Finance is tightening its grip on tax collection with a new directive requiring excise stamps on specific goods. This move targets producers and importers of spirits, tobacco, bottled water, beers, cigarettes, and cigarillos, with the potential to expand to other products.
Addis Ababa City Administration signed an agreement with two construction contractors called KMCG and TNT to build a small and mid-level industrial park at a cost of Birr 7.7 billion. The project will construct 21 manufacturing sheds with different floors and 400 suppliers and production shops.
