New bill targets chaos in Ethiopia's spice trade

Ethiopia's spice sector, long plagued by informality and a lack of regulatory oversight, is entering a turning point with a new bill. The legislation aims to address the chaos in the trade after years of unregulated practices.

Ethiopia's spice trade has long been characterized by informality and a lack of regulatory oversight. A new bill seeks to bring order to this chaotic sector, marking a turning point after years of unregulated activity. Published on January 31, 2026, by Fortune staff writer Yitbarek Getachew, the legislation aims to introduce much-needed structure. The spice industry, vital to the economy, has operated without sufficient controls for decades, leading to inefficiencies and challenges. This reform could stabilize the sector and enhance its contribution to national growth, though details on the bill's provisions remain forthcoming in available reports.

Makala yanayohusiana

Federal trade authorities claim over 90,000 tons of sesame seeds and other export-ready oilseeds are sitting idle in warehouses. Officials from the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, supported by federal police, are conducting inspections to push these commodities to global markets. This marks a tough challenge for Ethiopia's once-thriving pulses and oilseeds export sector, a key source of foreign currency.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Cardamom prices in Addis Abeba have more than doubled in a week, reaching nearly 2,900 Br per kilogram. This surge, linked to illicit trade and policy uncertainties, has stunned shopkeepers and shoppers. Shelled cardamom now sells for up to 4,500 Br per kilogram.

The Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) issued a directive in December 2025 rewriting rules for narcotic and psychotropic medicines in the health system. The new regulations track shipments from entry into the country through to prescription, dispensing, storage, or destruction. This replaces a system based on serial-numbered prescription pads with broader supply chain accountability.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Queues for tax compliance have become a regular sight at Berhan ena Selam Printing Enterprise on Adwa Street in Addis Ababa. This development highlights bottlenecks emerging from recent tax reforms. Businesses are facing challenges in adapting to the new system.

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