Ethiopia's tax authorities introduced QR code receipts to modernize administration and curb evasion, aiming for greater transparency and digital issuance of documents. However, the rollout has created severe bottlenecks, paralyzing business operations and eroding trust in the system. Traders are rushing to printing enterprises in Addis Ababa to comply.
Ethiopia's tax authorities pledged to modernize tax administration and curb evasion by introducing QR code receipts, a system designed to enhance transparency, streamline compliance, and eventually enable the digital issuance of tax documents nationwide. However, the implementation has led to significant bottlenecks, with many business owners reporting that it is paralyzing their operations and weakening trust in the system, according to Yitbarek Getachew, Fortune staff writer, in a report dated January 24, 2026. In recent months, traders have been flocking to the Berhan ena Selam Printing Enterprise on Adwa Street in Addis Ababa, hoping to obtain the necessary materials or equipment to comply. This rush highlights the practical challenges of the rollout, as businesses struggle to meet the new requirements amid limited resources and infrastructure. While the initiative aims to foster a more efficient tax ecosystem, the current hurdles underscore the difficulties of digital transitions in a developing economy. Business owners express frustration over the delays and complexities, fearing long-term impacts on their productivity and confidence in government reforms.