The Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture has denied issuing permits for meat imports from Uganda and launched an investigation into unauthorized shipments.
State Minister Fikru Regassa stated that no legal framework or bilateral agreement exists to allow Ugandan meat products into Ethiopia. The ministry has no record of any transaction involving Ranchers Finest Ltd.
The Ugandan company announced on July 1, 2026, that it had dispatched its first shipment of processed beef to Ethiopia's Diamond Hotel and Restaurant Group. It planned monthly exports of about 20 tons under a supply agreement secured through competitive bidding.
Fikru noted that Ethiopia maintains no Memorandum of Understanding with Uganda on meat products, unlike agreements with other nations. The ministry is examining how the shipments bypassed regulatory checkpoints.
Ethiopia began duty-free exports to some AfCFTA members on October 9, 2025, but officials stressed that regional trade rules require full compliance with national biosecurity standards.
