Ethiopia Blacklists Traders Who Break Export Deals: Minister Kassahun Gofe

• The Ethiopian government has threatened to blacklist traders who break export deals.
• Repeat foreign defaulters may be barred from trading with Ethiopia for a year.
• Offending exporters' registration and permits may be suspended for three months.
• Repeat local offenders will have their trade licenses revoked.

The move by Minister Kassahun Gofe is part of the government's efforts to strengthen its export sector.

The Ethiopian government has taken a tough stance against exporters who breach signed contracts. According to Minister Kassahun Gofe, complaints about abandoned deals reached a record high in the 2025/26 budget year, with 47 cases reported. In response, the minister is preparing to blacklist repeat foreign defaulters from trading with Ethiopia for a year and suspend offending exporters' registration and permits for three months. Additionally, repeat local offenders will have their trade licenses revoked.

The move by Minister Kassahun Gofe is part of the government's efforts to strengthen its export sector. The Trade & Regional Integration Ministry has been working to transform state-owned enterprises into modern and competitive entities, but exporters have been flouting signed contracts, causing financial losses for both local and foreign businesses. This new measure aims to deter such behavior and ensure that all parties adhere to their contractual obligations.

The introduction of these penalties is significant for lawyers advising clients on export contracts in Ethiopia. The new measures may include blacklisting, suspension of registration and permits, and revocation of trade licenses, making it essential for exporters to carefully review their contracts and ensure compliance with the terms agreed upon. This will help prevent disputes and financial losses, ultimately contributing to the growth and stability of the country's export sector.

Lawyers advising clients on export contracts in Ethiopia should be aware of the new penalties for breaching signed deals, which may include blacklisting and suspension of registration and permits.

Source: Original reporting via Fortune