Ethiopia Opens Door for Duty-Free Motorboat Imports











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.

Range of Eligible Motorboats

The directive covers a broad spectrum of watercraft designed for different uses:

Small and medium-sized motorboats for short-distance travel, fishing operations, and community transport.

Speedboats for tourism services and emergency response operations.

Open or partially covered boats tailored for sightseeing tours and leisure cruises.

Passenger ferries capable of moving people across lakes and rivers.

Research and survey vessels to support scientific and environmental studies.

Solar-powered and electric boats, aligning with Ethiopia’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable transport.

Motorboats for private use, allowing individuals to invest in recreational boating.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Officials emphasize that this initiative is more than a short-term tax incentive. By encouraging private operators and investors to acquire modern boats, the government aims to accelerate the growth of Ethiopia’s lake tourism, create jobs, and diversify rural economies. Solar and electric boats, included in the directive, also signal a push for environmentally friendly solutions that protect fragile aquatic ecosystems.



Industry observers note that duty-free access to motorboats could catalyze new business opportunities—from guided eco-tours to water sports and improved transportation links between lakeside towns. If coupled with infrastructure development and responsible environmental management, the policy could transform Ethiopia’s lakes into hubs of economic activity and enhance the country’s reputation as a premier eco-tourism destination in Africa.