An EIC-led Public–Private Dialogue resolved key tax and regulatory questions and introduced an online system to track investor concerns while advancing reforms in customs valuation and tax audit procedures.

The European Chamber in Ethiopia (EuroCham) took part in a Public–Private Dialogue (PPD) this week in Addis Abeba, where government officials and business leaders reviewed progress on reforms aimed at improving the country’s investment climate. The meeting, held at Skylight, brought together senior representatives from government institutions, private sector associations and development partners as part of the broader Invest in Ethiopia High-Level Business Forum.

H.E. Zeleke Temesgen, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, said the dialogue mechanism had become an important channel for resolving investor concerns across government. “Over the past 11 months, 18 institutions have been engaged in addressing issues raised through the PPD process,” he said, noting that each institution has designated focal persons and submitted action plans with timelines. The Commission has also introduced an online tracking platform that allows chambers and investors to monitor progress on specific issues.

The discussion reflected a broader reform push across Ethiopia’s economic institutions. H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance, said reforms were underway to modernize the financial system, strengthen tax administration and improve the overall investment environment. “We are implementing fiscal reforms to improve sustainability, efficiency and transparency while introducing performance-based tax and customs incentives for genuine investors,” she said.

EuroCham used the platform to contribute to discussions on investment climate reforms and ongoing regulatory challenges affecting the private sector. Ben Depraetere, Board Chair of EuroCham, said the chamber continues to support policy dialogue and technical work on key regulatory issues. “Together with GIZ and with financial support from the European Union, EuroCham is reviewing global best practices on audit appeal procedures,” he said, noting that progress and findings will be shared with stakeholders in the coming months.

Several technical issues discussed during the session have already been clarified, including the application of VAT to foreign exchange gains and updated transfer pricing guidelines aligned with international standards. Other reforms remain underway, including new customs valuation directives aligned with WTO valuation principles and the development of a unified tax and customs manual expected later this year.

Participants emphasized that continued dialogue between government institutions and the private sector will remain essential as Ethiopia advances its broader reform agenda and works to improve the investment environment.