Ethiopia Opens Door for Duty-Free Motorboat Imports to Boost Tourism and Local Economies
Addis Ababa — In a move aimed at unlocking the potential of Ethiopia’s rich network of lakes and stimulating the country’s tourism sector, the Ministry of Finance has issued a new directive allowing motorboats to be imported into the country duty-free for a one-year period.
Leveraging Ethiopia’s Vast Water Resources
Ethiopia is home to more than 20 major lakes, including the renowned Lake Tana, Lake Ziway, and Lake Langano, which collectively represent a largely untapped resource for economic growth. According to the Ministry of Finance, the careful development of these waterways can generate foreign exchange through tourism and improve the livelihoods of communities living along their shores. By easing the cost of importing motorboats, the government hopes to encourage investment in lake-based tourism, fishing, transport, and research activities.
Legal Backing and Tax Exemption
The measure is anchored in Article 129 of Customs Proclamation No. 859/2006 (as amended), which authorizes temporary duty-free privileges. From the date the directive was issued, businesses and individuals engaged in tourism and related economic activities will be able to bring various types of motorboats into Ethiopia without paying import duties or taxes for a full year.
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