Commercial Litigation &
Dispute Resolution in Ethiopia

Yes. Ethiopia recognizes and enforces foreign arbitral awards under the New York Convention, in force for Ethiopia since 22 November 2020, and Article 53 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Working Procedure Proclamation No. 1237/2021. Ethiopia applies the Convention only to awards made in another Contracting State and only to commercial matters. Parties can agree to arbitration under ICC, UNCITRAL, or LCIA rules. The Ethiopian Arbitration and Conciliation Center (EACC) provides domestic arbitration.

Federal First Instance Court cases typically take 1–3 years. Federal High Court appeals add 6–18 months. Cassation review typically takes 12–24 months. Interim relief applications can be obtained within days in urgent circumstances. Strategic management of the process is critical — our former judges know how to accelerate proceedings and secure interim remedies efficiently.

Yes, subject to conditions. Ethiopian courts enforce foreign judgments if: the foreign court had proper jurisdiction; parties had adequate notice; the judgment is final in the issuing jurisdiction; it does not violate Ethiopian public policy; and there is reciprocity. The Civil Procedure Code governs recognition and enforcement proceedings.