Ethiopian Cabinet Approves Diplomatic Visa Agreement with Nigeria

Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers has approved a bilateral agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the issuance of diplomatic and service visas. The decision was made during the Council’s 48th regular session on July 4, 2025.

The agreement facilitates the streamlined issuance of visas for officials and diplomats traveling between the two countries, reflecting a commitment to removing procedural barriers that often hinder smooth diplomatic interactions. By easing visa formalities, Ethiopia and Nigeria aim to foster closer political, economic, and cultural ties.

Alongside this diplomatic milestone,  the Council endorsed two foreign loan agreements totaling approximately $486 million USD (equivalent to 285.4 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)). One loan is directed toward financing Ethiopia’s second Sustainable Development Policy, while the other is allocated to road sector development. Both agreements come with a 0.75% service charge and a six-year grace period, although the financing institutions have not yet been disclosed.

In legislative matters, the Cabinet also greenlit reforms to the Income Tax Proclamation, designed to modernize Ethiopia’s tax system and better align it with evolving domestic and global economic realities. The revised law is slated for submission to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for further consideration.