New bill targets chaos in Ethiopia's spice trade

January 26, 2026

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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.

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