Ethiopia Ranked Most Expensive Country in Africa
Ethiopia Lifts Stringent Conditions for Foreign Investors
Ethiopia Ranked Most Expensive Country in Africa
Ethiopia has been ranked as the most expensive country to live in Africa according to the global Cost of Living Index 2025 by The Economist Intelligence Unit. The country ranked 53rd globally, with a cost of living index 46.5% higher than any other African nation listed in the index. The report highlights that people in Ethiopia spend more on basic needs such as food, transportation, and dining compared to other African countries. The high cost of groceries is one of the main factors contributing to Ethiopia’s position, especially impacting families on fixed or low incomes.
Ethiopia Surpasses Export Revenue Target
Ethiopia has earned $7.21 billion from exports in the past eleven months of the 2024/25 fiscal year, surpassing the initial target of $4.59 billion by 157.26%. This figure marks an increase of $3.96 billion compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. The growth in export revenue is attributed to the expansion of export destinations, which has contributed significantly to the rise in exports.
Ethiopia Lifts Stringent Conditions for Foreign Investors
The Ethiopian government has issued a new directive for foreign investors engaging in restricted exports, imports, and wholesale/retail trade, relaxing several previous stringent conditions. Previously, foreign investors were required to establish five supermarkets or two hyper-supermarkets within three years before receiving an investment permit. The new regulation only requires foreign investors to have a $2.5 million capital to obtain the permit. Additionally, the export amount requirement for specific exports, such as coffee, pulses, grains, leather, and live animals, has been removed. For example, foreign investors were previously required to commit to exporting $10 million worth of coffee in the first year, a condition now eliminated.
Opposition Parties in Tigray Call for Action on Crisis
Three opposition parties in Tigray—Arena Tigray, Salsayi Woyane, and Tigray Independence Party—have issued a joint statement calling for decisive action to address the worsening humanitarian and political crisis in the region. The parties accuse the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) of placing the region under military rule, exacerbating the humanitarian emergency, and increasing political instability. They also criticize the Federal Government for its reluctance to effectively implement the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and for Eritrea's intervention in Tigray. The parties demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of armed forces outside the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) from Tigray, the restoration of Tigray’s territorial integrity, the safe return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and the establishment of inclusive governance.
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